Johnnie Ganem's Wine & Package Store, Savannah's oldest wine and liquor establishment, announced their 75th anniversary of doing business in Savannah, the Hostess City of the South.  

"We're proud to carry on our father's legacy" said Paul Ganem, son of the late founder Johnnie Ganem, Sr.   Mrs Louise Ganem, at age of 96, is the matriarch of the Ganem clan!  Together with her children, Paul, Margaret & Evelyn, the family continues to operate the oldest liquor store in the Savannah area.  

The 75th Diamond Jubilee CELEBRATION: June 14th, Wednesday, 5:30 to 7:30 PM., 501 Habersham St, Savannah GA 31401 is the date set for a private - by invitation only, Garden Party for family and friends and longtime clients of this Savannah iconic establishment.  Six of Savannah's finest caterers are participating in this event: Susan Mason Catering, NIck Mueller Catering,  Cynthia Creighton Jones of Cape Creations,  Mark & Hayley Scomo of Savannah Event Catering, Lori Collins & Chef Montana Dawn of Savannah Coffee Roasters, and Chef Jean Vendeville of Savannah Tech's Culinary Department.  
 
HISTORY: Over the past 75 years of being in business, celebrities such as Cary Grant, John Travolta, Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood and even the Beetles, & Savannah patrons have all been served by the Ganem family.  Savannah's history and the Ganem's history is completely intertwined, from mayoral Inaugurations to society weddings to movie productions and charity fundraisers, the Ganem's have helped Savannah celebrate all of it special occassions! Johnnie Ganem Sr., started the business on the corner of Price and Gaston streets in 1942. Later the business moved to the Habersham address where they offered burgers and curbside food. Johnnie and his wife Louise expanded their curbside service to the Habersham House Restaurant. As the late 50's approached the Ganem's purchased the adjacent building and the ground floor was utilized for the famous Steak Ranch featuring hand cut steaks cooked over live charcoal. The famous "Garbage Steak" was a 12 oz choice cut of prime tenderloin seasoned and aged to perfection. The choice tenderloin had to be cut and eaten in the same day, if not it was garbage, hence the name "Garbage Steak." The "Rebel Room" opened in 1961 as a supper club on Friday and Saturday evenings for dining and dancing. Off the Rebel Room is a smaller room for private parties. Johnnie named it the "Uncle Willie Room" because he said, "everyone in the Deep South had an Uncle Willie!" Johnnie Ganem Sr. was the president of the local Restaurant Association and participated in several civic organizations. Johnnie passed away on St. Patrick's Day - on March 17, 1972 at the age of 55. He enjoyed all holidays but especially St. Patrick's Day. His family still gathers the weekend closest to St. Patrick's Day to celebrate his memory. Louise Ganem, 96 years of age, still pulls the reigns and keeps the next generations in line.

GIVING BACK TO LOCAL  COMMUNITY / CHARITY:   Johnnie & Louise instilled the importance of giving back to the local community. Paul, Margaret, & Evelyn continue to be involved in numerous charities and civic organizations  including The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Second Harvest Food Bank, The Lions Club,  Rape Crisis Center, Savannah Center for the Blind & Low Vision, Safe Shelter and The American Diabetes Association.

CURRENTLY:   Now, in 2017, Johnnie Ganem's is proud to offer Savannah the best selection of imported domestic and locally produced wine, beer and spirits. Johnnie Ganem's has the only commercial temperature controlled wine cellar in the southeast, offering wine counseling, with wine pairing. They still specialize in the best bar catering service in town, having handled the spirits for local Weddings, Birthdays, Charity Fundraisers, Association Meetings, Corporate Events, as well as public and private social events.  When you need wine, spirits, or full service bar catering  Johnnie Ganem's is the place to go!