SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The vacant Denny’s restaurant in South Lake Tahoe is undergoing some renovations in preparation for a new business, Frankie’s Bottle Shop and Bar.
The new and innovative premium spirits retail concept and craft cocktail bar is being launched by The Save Mart Companies, who are opening a new grocery store in the same parking lot. Both are expected to open in 2026.
Frankie’s Bottle Shop & Bar is part of the company’s strategic, modern evolution of their brand. Jim Perkins, the Save Mart CEO since 2024, answered questions about the new South Lake Tahoe stores in the Progressive Grocer. We reached out for comment on plans for the new brand, but the company’s public relations company said they didn’t have anything to release at this time.
Perkins told the publication that Frankies is a part of a strategic, modern evolution of their brand and the South Lake Tahoe location aims to offer a “unique, curated, high-end experience.”
He said the new business will be a “premium spirits retail and craft cocktail experience that serves locals looking for their regular spot and visitors seeking something elevated.”
The company will expand digital pickup at all 53 of its Save Mart stores, finish its Amazon Return Kiosk rollout, and launch a branded credit/debit card program.
Besides Save Mart and Frankie’s Bottle Shop & Bar, the company also has the brands Lucky, FoodMaxx, Roth’s and Chuck’s.
At the beginning of February, crews were working on the building by replacing the roof. No other work permits had been issued at the time. Denny’s closed at the end of 2023, and the building has been vacant since that time. A liquor license application sign for Save Mart Supermarkets LLC was in the window in February 2025 for “off-sale general” and “on-sale eating place.”
Frankie’s Bottle Shop & Bar will be located at the corner of US50/Lake Tahoe Blvd. and Al Tahoe Blvd.