SAVANNAH, Ga. – Earlier today, Governor Brian P. Kemp joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) in Savannah as Big Bon Bodega––an internationally-inspired, veteran-owned eatery with popular locations in Savannah, Ga. and Pooler Ga.––was named one of five 2026 Georgia Small Business ROCK STARS at the Georgia Economic Development Association (GEDA) Spring Conference.
The event, held at the Westin Savannah Harbor, precedes Georgia Small Business Week, which takes place May 3-9. Additional honorees included Greenline LLC of Savannah, Georgia Beer Co. of Valdosta, Innotek of Oscilla and Fabritex of Hartwell.
“We’re incredibly honored to be recognized as a Georgia Small Business ROCK STAR in front of our peers and are truly grateful for the support the state of Georgia provides to entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Kay Heritage, founder of Big Bon Bodega. “More than a restaurant, Big Bon Bodega is a community gathering place, where we connect hearts with international comfort food made with love. We owe our success to our community and warmly invite everyone to celebrate with us at our Savannah and Pooler locations.”
Under the leadership of Heritage and Partner/Executive Chef Shahin Afsharian, Big Bon Bodega has earned national acclaim for its small-batch, handcrafted menu items using high-quality, non-GMO ingredients as well as unbleached flour, local honey and healthy ingredients. The company’s open, inviting atmosphere and innovative culinary creativity have captivated audiences across the country with appearances on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and “Good Morning America” and exposure in Condé Nast Traveler and United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine.
“Small businesses power the Georgia economy. From rural towns to growing metro areas, these small business ROCK STARS demonstrate the remarkable strength and diversity of Georgia’s economy, while highlighting the critical value of local ties,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Through innovation, resilience and unique character, our small businesses define communities across our state. We appreciate the local leaders, resource partners and economic developers who work shoulder-to-shoulder with them to help small businesses succeed and grow.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development, in partnership with the Georgia Economic Developers Association, created the Small Business ROCK STARS awards to recognize the innovations, community engagement and positive impact of the state’s small businesses. Recipients have fewer than 300 full-time employees, are involved in charitable organizations in their communities, and were founded in the State of Georgia.
This highly competitive statewide award recognizes the tremendous impact that small businesses have on the state’s economy and honors owners for their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and community engagement. All winners have fewer than 300 full-time employees, support charitable organizations in their communities and were founded in the State of Georgia. Since its inception in 2013, the Georgia Small Business ROCK STARS program has garnered more than 4,000 nominations and honored more than 50 small businesses.
Big Bon Bodega will be featured on the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association’s digital platforms and in the May 2026 issue of Georgia Trend.
For additional information about Georgia’s Small Business ROCK STAR Awards, please visit georgia.org/rockstars.
ABOUT BIG BON BODEGA:
Originally founded in 2016 as a pop-up food truck, Big Bon Bodega operates two-full service neighborhood eateries in Savannah, Ga. and Pooler, Ga., where comfort meets community, innovation and culinary creativity. As seen on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri, this award-winning restaurant offers an internationally-inspired menu featuring handcrafted artisanal pizzas, signature Bodega Bowls and award-winning bagel sandwiches made with fresh, high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and with love. Under the leadership of Founding Partner Kay Heritage and Executive Chef/Partner Shahin Afsharian, Big Bon Bodega stands apart for handcrafting exceptional, small-batch menu items while remaining true to its core values of quality, kindness and community. Big Bon Bodega’s international flavors, inviting atmosphere and warm sense of community have captivated audiences across the country with appearances on “Good Morning America” and “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” as well as coverage in Condé Nast Traveler and United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine. Learn more: bigbonbodega.com.
ABOUT GDEcD:
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm. It is Georgia’s lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locating new markets for Georgia products. As the state’s official destination marketing organization, it drives traveler visitation and promotes the state as a location for film and digital entertainment projects. GDEcD is responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development, fostering innovation and the arts to drive opportunity from the mountains to the coast. Learn more: georgia.org.
ABOUT GEDA:
The Georgia Economic Developers Association is a nonprofit association of professionals, volunteers, and supporters. The association provides networking and professional development opportunities for its members and supports public policies that promote quality job creation and sustainable economic development throughout the state. Learn more: geda.org.
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