Baby’s General Store is bringing new life to a long-abandoned Savannah filling station, offering coffee, snacks, and a casual neighborhood hangout.
For more than half a century, the small building at 410 E 37th Street sat forgotten, a shell of its former self. Once a bustling filling station in the 1930s, it later housed a pop-up car wash in the early 2000s before slipping into decades of neglect. Now, five friends are turning it into something entirely new: Baby’s General Store, a neighborhood corner store and casual gathering spot that’s set to open in early March.
The team behind Baby’s—Max Robinson, Bobby Vermillion, and their partners—have a vision for the space that blends history with a fresh purpose. “We all either grew up here or have been in Savannah a long time,” Robinson shared. “When we were younger, this building was abandoned. We’d ride our bikes by and always thought it was a cool building that never got to see any light.”
That’s all about to change. Baby’s General Store aims to be a one-stop shop for morning coffee, pastries, and everyday essentials, as well as an easygoing spot to grab a beer after work. “It’s a general store, a corner store,” Robinson explained. “We want to be your everyday place for coffee, snacks, or a happy hour beer. Grab a bag of ice, pick up some essentials, or just hang out on the patio.”
Restoring the long-dormant building wasn’t easy. When Vermillion first acquired the property, it lacked power, water, and even a roof. “It was just four walls and a slab,” he said. But the group was determined to bring it back to life, staying true to the historic character while making it a functional, inviting space for the community.
With its prime location near Starland, Baldwin Park, and Parkside, Baby’s has the potential to become a new neighborhood staple. Several outdoor tables will encourage people to linger, and the store’s relaxed, welcoming vibe is designed to let the community shape what it becomes. “It’s just going to be cool to see people occupying this space,” Robinson said. “That’s the hope—it’s for the community.”
For now, Savannah residents just have to wait a little longer for Baby’s to officially open its doors. But for a building that has sat idle for decades, what’s a few more weeks? The best part of its story is still ahead.
