About Us
Sentient (adj): having sense of perception; conscious. “I think that I am a sentient being” or “Where is the Sentient Bean anyway?”
Warm colors, high ceilings, and delicious smells greet each customer at The Sentient Bean, Savannah’s only vegetarian restaurant; The Bean attracts a diverse crowd, giving the neighborhood a place to relax and socialize while sipping a cappuccino or nibbling on a scone. Seating is available inside and in our unique funky outdoor courtyard.
The Sentient Bean coffee house is converted to a performance space most nights, sometimes an intimate crowd of 20 listening to music, sometimes standing room only for spoken work artists. The Bean presents an eclectic array of events from ultra indie movies & cult films, to nationally acclaimed acoustic bands & solo acts, to poetry and literary readings, to educational and community forums. During shows, the coffee house offers light meals, fresh baked goods and dessert, as well as coffee, tea, and smoothies.
Read the Times, play a game or listen to the staff regale you with tales of their trips to the coffeelands. There is always great music in the air along with the smell of organic, fair trade coffee and teas. Our brew is matched by a daily menu of inspired high-quality cuisine, including panini sandwiches, home-baked scones, and a variety of beverages and goodies using mainly organic ingredients and lots of local produce.
Our name, The Sentient Bean, is more than just a play on words; it is an expression of our ethic. We serve all organic and fair trade coffee, which guarantees that low-income farmers and artisans receive a fair price for their products so they may feed, educate, and care for their families. We are conscious of our impact on our community and our world.
Read about the beginning, check us out in news, or come visit us yourself.
Bean Staff
The Founders
Kelli Pearson
Tall and mischievous, Kelli can usually be found enjoying a good laugh with the New Yorker and rocking out to Dick Dale. Now she’s off to travel the world, but you may still catch a glimpse of her in The Bean in between adventures.
Kristin Russell
Rosie the Riveter meets Julia Child, but oh so much more. Kristin has the brains, the brawn, and the best overalls.
The Owners
Kristin Russell and Claren Jamerson
Claren has joined forces with Kristin as owners of the Bean, creating a dynamic duo that keeps the Bean running day to day and always growing towards ever expanding horizons. When she’s not behind the counter or in the kitchen at the Bean, you’ll find Claren cruising around town on her bike headed towards the latest exciting event Savannah has to offer.
Bean Posse
Ronnie Cline
A travellin’ man by most accounts, fluent in a variety of languages and culture, we are thrilled that he has parked his shiny melon here for a while so we can all soak in his cosmopolitan suave.
Jere Wilson
Surfing, skate-boarding, helping out a friend… J.A.W. is 100% kind and always willing to pitch in. If he ever settles down, he’ll make someone very happy. Oh wait, that someone is now officially Mary Cale Anderegg Wilson!
Joemy Buschur
Always ready with a jolly laugh and a sweet and saucy demeanor. What exactly is in that coffee she’s drinking? Give me some. Special Events manager and newsletter guru too.
Frank Wright
Couldn’t bare to leave us completely for the suits so he steals in at night, fills the kitchen with giggles, and makes our cookie dough. That’s right… cookie dough. Did you know that could be a speciality?
Stephanie Simms
Wide-eyed and sweet but don’t be fooled, she can handle tough customers and is not someone to mess with. Going on a 2 year run she’ll soon be privilege to our deepest Beanie secrets.
Emily Earl
She keeps the evening vibe in check with her charm and wits and often graces our walls with her images. Hopefully when her mom retires and wants to be a beanie they can get along.
Baxter Long
His last name is fitting. It’s so nice to have people to reach the high shelves. He has a penchant for problem solving and you almost don’t know he’s making fun of you when he offers suggestions.
Shabnum Gideon
Dark and mysterious, in the tradition of Larz, she is mixing a whole lotta healthy in without missing a single flavor beat.
Jason Fuller
His seasonally inspired quiche and panini du jour creations are as eclectic as his facial hair. On Saturday mornings you will often find him at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market being the star volunteer and if it’s not there, he’s likely out counting turtles for the Caretta Reseach Project. Clearly our most well-rounded staffer.