If you have driven down Pope Avenue in Hilton Head recently, you might have noticed the multi-colored, festive flock of umbrellas on the corner of Executive Park Drive and thought, “How fun does that place look?” That’s exactly the effect Chris Smith, Zunzibar co-founder and CEO, was hoping to achieve.
Before I knew I’d be writing about Zunzibar, the new beach-themed sports bar on Pope Avenue and Executive Park Drive, I had already heard about their famous sauces and slogan from some friends who were familiar with their fare from the original Savannah location (Zunzi’s).
Zunzibar is located off of Pope Avenue at 8 Executive Park Drive.
When I arrived at Zunzibar for our interview, I was greeted by the upbeat music floating from the restaurant, outside to the umbrella-covered deck, and into the parking lot. I was greeted by staff with happy smiles who seated me at one of the high-tops. I was impressed by the clean, crisp, colorful aesthetic and the televisions visible from every seat in the house displaying a variety of sports. Next, Larry Belton, Zunzibar’s training manager and longtime associate of Smith, came over to let me know that food and drinks would be right out.
In a matter of minutes, in front of me were four mouth-watering dishes, including the original fan favorite sandwich, The Conquistador (marinated grilled chicken, provolone, lettuce, and tomato, housed in French bread and doused with their signature sauce and a sprinkling of parmesan); Lowcountry Peel & Eat Shrimp (locally sourced and perfectly punctuated with Zunzi’s house seasoning, and served with their house cocktail sauce and a lemon); a basket of wings featuring both the Peri-Peri and Dank sauces; along with the Slaap Chip Nachos (onions, peppers, Peri-Peri cheese, and sour cream tossed with both smoked and Boerewors sausage atop the freshly made Zunzi’s house chips).
Oliver’s Lunch Bowl
I was also presented with three beachy beverages to sip on: the Mango Tango (a fruity, frozen tequila beverage), The Coco-Mo (made with coconut rum, mint and lime), and the High Rise Seltzer (a CBD-infused beverage from the Hemp Menu).
I can honestly report that all the dishes were satisfying. Each was unique in flavor and exceptionally seasoned, thanks mostly to the signature sauces – which, by the way, are available with their fresh Zunzi’s House Chips as a “flight” option on the menu, seven sauces in all. As well, every menu item is either made with a signature sauce or served with one on the side as a dip.
Other menu items are a variety of sandwiches that feature sausage, chicken, seafood, and even falafel for the vegetarian palate. Bowls, too, are fan favorites, with either mashed potatoes or rice, a side salad, and French bread. You choose your protein and sauce. Bar bites and a fun kid’s menu round out the dining options.
Beverages are plentiful, tasty, and fresh. Choose from frozen drinks, a variety of margaritas, island-themed craft cocktails, the hemp-infused cans, beers and seltzers, and wine and bubbles. Ready to party? Order a “Shot-Ski” with up to four shots to share.
The grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting with the Hilton Head Island- Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, try any of their signature Cocktails as Mocktails, or opt for their famous Zunzi’s tea, which can be addictive! It’s a fusion of peach rooibos and peach black teas that some people, including owner Smith, insist on having daily.
Smith said that much of the success he is experiencing comes from years in the industry as an owner of seven Five Guys franchises. In 2008, he was looking for his “next thing to do” when he fell in love with the globally inspired menu and vibe of Zunzi’s. Founded in Savannah in 2005, Zunzi’s is an award-winning takeout, delivery, and catering restaurant. Smith became friendly with the founders and told them that if they ever wanted to sell, he was more than interested.
In 2014, they called. Smith purchased the company and hit the ground running to open a second location in Atlanta. In 2020, during the pandemic, Zunzi’s lost the lease on the downtown Savannah location. And that was when the Zunzibar concept was born.
The Conquistador
“I had always wanted to open a beach bar, and I realized that it was the perfect time to expand the current theme and create Zunzibar, a beachy sports bar with Zunzi’s food,” Smith said. “Our first was in Savannah (236 Drayton St.), and it turned out great. We tripled sales, and in the process, we were able to create a fun concept where the brand blossomed even more.”
The inspiration for the Zunzibar aesthetic came from the original founder, who put the colorful umbrellas out to remind him to live life each day as if he was on vacation at the beach. He named the original concept Zunzi’s after Zanzibar in Tanzania because it was his favorite place to vacation.
As for Zunzibar’s food, Smith took the Zunzi’s menu and enhanced it, adding wings, fresh homemade chips, and Lowcountry peel and eat shrimp. While Zunzi’s always has great food, the sauces are the real star. As the menu evolves, the goal is to make food that would be a great vessel for all the different sauces and flavors.
On the bar side, the goal is to keep it fresh, so drink offerings are seasonal menus that will roll out three or four times a year, featuring elevated beach cocktails in a fun environment.
The Zunzibar brand mission is to be the best happy hour on the island – a place where you want to celebrate your life, bring your friends – and they are truly focused on locals.
“I’ve been in the restaurant business in the Lowcountry for 15 years,” Smith said. “I love Hilton Head, and we want to do things right. I’ve got great partners and people on board and we’re very purpose driven. Our vision is to set a new standard in the industry, so much so that we inspire other restaurants to rethink how they do business.”
One of the ways Smith is elevating his business is through their 26 CLUB, a text message club where members receive ridiculously affordable, fun, and creative offers. Text CH2 to (912) 207-7551 to join and become a fan. All club perks are available at 26club.com.
Zunzibar also partners with the local community by giving a percentage of every sale to a nonprofit that aligns with their mission.
“The more we grow, the more we can give,” Smith said. “And the reason we chose philanthropy as one of our values is so our giving can be unlimited. There will always be a need. Our company culture is to be a part of the community and give back in different ways. We believe it really starts with the service industry.”
Zunzibar values all service industry workers so much that if you’re in the service industry, you get half off food all day, every day, open to close. Even if you come during happy hour, you’re going to get an amazing meal and an amazing deal.
At Zunzibar, what you can expect is flavorful, fresh, award-winning sandwiches, wings, and chips, handcrafted cocktails in a fun, beachy sports bar environment. There is live music Thursday through Sunday, and two Happy Hours daily, suited for every schedule. The first, from 4 to 7 p.m., includes adult beverages; the second, 10-11 p.m., includes discounted appetizers and wings. Both include free chips and Dank sauce at the bar and a koozie for your first can.
Starting in the fall, Zunzibar will be a great spot to enjoy all the football games, and a lot of specials to bring friends and fun together.
To enjoy life like you’re at the beach (because that’s where you are), visit Zunzibar.com or, better yet, visit them at 8 Executive Park Drive. You can thank me later!
