Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room | SCAD Salutes

Seeing a line on Savannah’s famously picturesque Jones Street can only mean one thing: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is open for lunch. Founded in 1943 by trailblazing restaurateur Sema Wilkes, this family-style icon has served southern classics to U.S. Presidents, hungry tourists, and locals alike with the warm hospitality and smiles that make Savannah the Hostess City of the South. Sema’s legacy lives on in her granddaughter and current restaurateur Marcia Thompson, along with and owner/manager Ryon Thompson.

For more of SCAD Salutes with outstanding Savannah community leaders, visit scad.edu/salutes.