James Nowicki is the Bar Manager at Common Thread, an inventive, ingredient-driven

restaurant in his hometown of Savannah, GA. Nowicki’s love for bringing people together shines

through his approachable-yet-innovative beverage menu at Common Thread.

A graduate of Berry College, Nowicki grew up in a household where family dinners were the

centerpiece of every evening. A place to eat, drink, and gather, Nowicki’s childhood home holds

many fond memories of extended family coming for dinner every week, which later blossomed

into a passion for hosting. Nowicki began bartending in college and later worked at some of the

most prominent bars in the Savannah area, including The Rail Pub, The Alleycat Lounge, and

The Alida Hotel.

A longtime fan of FARM Hospitality’s other concepts, FARM Bluffton and Strangebird Food

Truck, Nowicki was eager to join Common Thread when it opened in 2021. As Bar Manager, he

is proud to be a part of a team of talented individuals who have made influential contributions to

the booming food and beverage scene in his hometown. Behind the bar, Nowicki strives to

create a cocktail menu that is thoughtful, balanced, and approachable, utilizing the highest

quality ingredients available. Echoing the kitchen’s emphasis on seasonality, Nowicki creates

produce-forward cocktails, putting his own unique riff on familiar spirits and recipes. In a city

with open container laws and where boozy drinks dominate, Nowicki looks to provide an

alternative perspective to Savannah’s indulgent drinking culture, often highlighting lower-ABV

cocktails on his menu.

On his days off, Nowicki can be found spending time with his dog, going for a stroll or a bike

ride, cooking for his family and friends, or supporting Savannah’s food scene by dining out.