Sav’s Chill offers cold treats on S. Limestone
August 22, 2012
By Amelia Orwick
Sav’s Chill, an ice-cream shop located on South Limestone, opened on July 28 directly across the street from Sav’s Grill.
Mamadou Savane, commonly known as “Sav,” has been serving West African cuisine to Lexington residents at Sav’s Grill since 2008.
Recently, during a slow day at the grill, he looked across the street at the vacant space and came up with the idea to open an ice-cream shop.
“I kept talking to myself. I said ‘What can work there?’ And just like that, my instinct said ‘ice cream.’ ” Sav said.
Sav’s Chill serves a wide variety of ice-cream flavors, including pumpkin, and raspberries and cream, all of which come from Valentine’s Ice Cream in Winchester, Ky.
“It’s really good quality ice cream,” Sav said, “and it’s not that expensive at all.”
In addition to ice cream, Sav’s Chill offers one-of-a-kind Ale-8-One sorbet and Kizito Cookies, which are unique to Louisville.
There are four employees of Sav’s Chill, including Sav’s son, Bangaly Savane, who manages the shop.
“He’s tough on me at times, but honestly, I’d rather work for my dad than just some boss,” Bangaly said.
Thus far, the Savanes are pleased with how the shop has faired since its opening.
“The past three weeks have been excellent … and the students are just starting to get back in town, explore their surroundings,” Bangaly said. “I think as that happens, we’ll see more business.”
In attempt to cater to student customers, Sav’s Chill is accepting the UK Plus Account for payment. Sav also is considering extending weekend hours.
Despite the increased popularity of frozen yogurt shops such as Orange Leaf, Sav isn’t concerned about competition.
“You can’t compare yogurt to ice cream,” Sav said. “People were very excited about yogurt, but I think they’re getting tired of it because there’s yogurt everywhere.”
While employees agree that the ice cream is to die for, they can’t seem to settle on which flavor is best.
“I’d have to go with the blackberries and cream or the pumpkin,” economics sophomore and Sav’s Chill employee Stuart Cooksey said.
“I’m going to try to sample every single one.”
Information: 289 S. Limestone; open noon to 10 p.m. daily; 859-255-2445; facebook.com/
SavsChill.