SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – A Thunderbolt sandwich shop that opened during the height of the pandemic is now fighting to survive.
Finches Sandwiches and Sundries closed its doors Thursday. The owners told us they are not ready to walk away.
A Dream Built From the Ground Up
Owners Rebecca Gawly and Jamie Pleta opened Finches in December 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fast-casual concept quickly grew into one of Thunderbolt’s most cherished gathering spots, Gawley said.
Over five years, the two owners poured more than $290,000 into rent and $160,000 into improvements at the converted gas station on Mechanics Avenue, with a long-term plan to purchase the building.
The Deal That Fell Apart
Since last year, Gawley and Pleta had been negotiating to purchase the property. Their efforts were blocked because the building is a former gas station, Gawley said…