NaRobia’s Grits and Gravy: A bittersweet goodbye after 23 years

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - It’s an exciting day on Welcome to Our Community as we step up to a Savannah staple: NaRobia’s Grits and Gravy.

Outside the restaurant, the scene says it all. There’s hardly room to move inside, so the conversation happens out front—where a steady line of customers keeps forming, even before the doors open.

“I pull up to work sometimes… we open at 7,” Sieda NaRobia Reid said. “I pull up sometimes at 6:58 and this car is already lined up waiting for us to open. And it’s amazing.”

Reid—whose name is on the restaurant—stood proudly as she talked about her family’s 23-year legacy in Savannah and the bittersweet decision now facing them.

‘It’s time’ — clearing up rumors about the closure

With word spreading that the beloved restaurant will soon close its doors, rumors also began to circulate.

Reid wanted to set the record straight.

“My parents are in great health. My mom and my dad. All is well with my family… everybody in here,” she said. “We all are fine. It’s just time for my mom to retire and throw in the towel. It’s just time.”

She said her mother has been the heart of the kitchen since day one.

“She’s the only one. She’s not like a person that gets somebody to manage her kitchen,” Reid explained. “If it’s not her, it’s not nobody. And she’s just tired and ready to let go.”

From Waters Avenue to a community landmark

Reid reflected on the restaurant’s early years, starting on Waters Avenue.

“When we first opened… it was good business,” she said. “We came back by popular demand. Two years after we closed on Waters Avenue, we came back and we purchased this building.”

What followed, she said, was bigger than the family could have imagined.

“I don’t think that she ever expected it to be how it is,” Reid said. “The outpouring here from the community, from celebrities, from worldwide is crazy.”

The dishes Savannah fell in love with

NaRobia’s became known for food that feels like home—and the menu items people mention by name.

Among the most popular:

• Shrimp and grits, a signature favorite that helped put the restaurant on the map
• Crab egg and cheese biscuits, a social media sensation
• Liver and onions, a comfort classic customers swear by
• “Mama biscuits,” a must-order for regulars
• French toast, a family recipe Reid credits to her brother

“The shrimp and grits… is one of the things that we really got known for at first,” she said, adding the restaurant was once recognized for having Savannah’s best.

National recognition—and moments the family will never forget

Beyond Savannah, NaRobia’s story traveled.

Reid said the restaurant has been featured in the New York Times, appeared in music videos, and even worked with well-known names in entertainment.

“We have been in movies with Loretta Devine,” she said. “We’ve been in a countless number of articles from worldwide… We did a lot. It’s been wonderful.”

A legacy built on pride, gratitude, and community

As the final days approach, Reid said the overwhelming support has only reinforced what the restaurant has meant to the city.

“It makes me feel wonderful,” she said. “I’m so proud of my parents. They came a long way… and they’ve done very well by themselves and us, of course.”

Looking back, she hopes the family’s lasting impact is simple—but powerful.

“I just hope we left a positive legacy in the community,” Reid said. “I hope we’re well-remembered for everything that we’ve done… I just hope that everybody… we leave on a good standing with people.”

Editor’s note: This story is part of our ongoing series, Welcome to Our Community, highlighting the people and places that shape the Lowcountry.