East Cobb Business

Report: Lidl to replace The Fresh Market store in East Cobb

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Lidl East Cobb, The Fresh Market East Cobb

Two years after being thwarted in a bid to enter the East Cobb grocery market, Lidl appears headed for the Johnson Ferry Road corridor.

ToNeTo Atlanta is reporting that the German-based discount chain will be coming to the Woodlawn Square Shopping Center, replacing The Fresh Market, which is set to close Nov. 18.

Lidl, which has opened two other locations in Cobb, is slated to open in East Cobb next summer, according to the report.

In 2017, Cobb commissioners turned down Lidl’s rezoning request to convert the Park 12 Cobb theater on Gordy Parkway into a grocery store after heated community opposition.

Nearby residents complained of traffic issues, but an attorney for Lidl noted during the zoning hearing that some “want to keep the movie theater as much as anything.”

The Fresh Market, a gourmet foods chain, has been at Woodlawn Square since 2003 and has been closing some of its stores around the country in the last couple of years.

Lidl, which operates 10,000 stores, mostly in Europe, made its foray in the U.S. in 2017 along the East Coast.

The Cobb stores are on Powder Springs Road, near the East-West Connector, and on Floyd Road in Mableton.

Another Lidl store was recently approved for Whitlock Avenue in Marietta, after the Marietta City Council rejected an initial rezoning request in 2017.

The only other Georgia store for now is in Snellville. ToNeTo has reported that Lidl is planning stores in Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Peachtree Corners, Roswell, Lawrenceville and Suwanee.

Lidl is a rival to Aldi, another German discount grocer, which has a store at the East Lake Shopping Center in East Cobb (2125 Roswell Road, Suite 30).

 

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Business group to hold East Cobb cityhood forum in November

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East Cobb cityhood forum
Bill Simon, left, a leader of the East Cobb Alliance, which opposes cityhood, talks with David Birdwell of Committee for Cityhood in East Cobb at an April town. (ECN file)

The East Cobb Business Association announced Tuesday it’s holding a forum in mid-November on the East Cobb cityhood issue.

The forum will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 12, during the ECBA’s monthly luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Olde Towne Athletic Club (4950 Olde Towne Parkway).

According to Rosann Hall, who heads the ECBA’s speakers and program committee, the forum will include representatives of the Committee for Cityhood in East Cobb, which supports incorporation, and the East Cobb Alliance, which opposes cityhood.

“Whether we become a city or whether we don’t, this is going to impact us a lot as business owners and as citizens,” ECBA president Jim Harris said at Tuesday’s luncheon.

Related coverage

The pro-cityhood group held two town hall meetings and spoke at another civic meeting in the spring, after State Rep. Matt Dollar (R-East Cobb) sponsored legislation (read HB 718 here) that, if passed next year, would call for a cityhood referendum, also in 2020.

The cityhood group wants to carve out a portion of unincorporated Cobb, mostly below Sandy Plains Road, and create a city of around 100,000, citing public safety and development reasons.

The proposal has been controversial from the beginning and has generated plenty of skepticism in the community. East Cobb cityhood forum

The East Cobb Alliance was formed recently to launch organized opposition, questioning a financial feasibility study conducted for the pro-cityhood forces and what it calls a lack of transparency by those pushing for a city.

In September, an independent group of finance and legal experts reviewed the feasibility study and concluded it was fiscally sound, but recommended any City of East Cobb not start with police services.

(The review group’s summary and full report).

David Birdwell, a leader of the cityhood committee, said the review confirmed that cityhood is financially viable, and that a new city can provide better services without raising property taxes.

The East Cobb Alliance hasn’t formally responded to the independent review report, but it has examined various portions of the feasibility study, including public safety, franchise fees and inter-governmental agreements.

Most recently, the group posted a graphic on its Facebook page of a hungry-looking raptor with the message that “while the Raptor is fictional….the ‘City of East Cobb’ is a government horror that will slowly eat you alive for years.”

The cityhood group has redirected its original website to one with the domain of communityofeastcobb.com that includes much of the same information it has been discussing in recent months:

  • East Cobb’s Precinct 4 police staffing of 53 patrol officers that is 24 fewer than has been allocated;
  • Claiming property tax rates wouldn’t be higher than they are now in unincorporated Cobb;
  • Promising more prompt road repairs;
  • And “passing zonings without interference of votes from outside the city.”

Rob Eble, another leader of the cityhood group, said it’s looking to have a town hall tentatively on Nov. 11, but a venue has not been confirmed.

East Cobb cityhood forum

 

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East Cobb Biz Notes: Pineapple Porch, AJ’s Oyster Bar open

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East Cobb business openings, Pineapple Porch Boutique

Catching up to some recent retail and other openings in East Cobb, as well as new business just getting their licenses:

At the Market Plaza Shopping Center (1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 40), Pineapple Porch Boutique is open next to Los Bravos, owned by Kentucky native Jeanette Culling and featuring home furnishings, decor, accessories, fragrances, Bourbon barrel foods and more. Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6.

As we noted recently, AJ’s Famous Seafood and Po Boys is adding an oyster bar, and that has opened adjacent to the main restaurant at the Pavilions at East Lake (2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2148) that’s open Tues-Sun 11:30a-9p.

What used to be known as Thompson’s Frame and Gallery at the Shops at Woodlawn (1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite C) has been renamed the LM Frame and Gallery with a remodeling for “a more contemporary look and feel and will have a special focus on local and emerging artists.” Hours are daily 10-6.

The fitness studio SPENGA East Cobb held its grand opening last weekend at Merchants Walk (1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 404). The emphasis is on cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training in scheduled classes.

Also at Market Plaza, and also in the fitness studio realm, is MOTION Stretch Studio (1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 26). A one-on-one stretching concept aims to increase flexibility and range of motion with the guidance of stretch coaches.

At The Avenue East Cobb, a pop-up shop called Solstice has opened (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1030) selling metaphysical and eco-friendly items, including artisan gifts, jewelry, pottery, mixed-media artwork, lotions, candles and teas. A grand opening takes place Friday from 7-9 p.m.; hours are Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 12-6 and it will be open through Dec. 31.

New retail/restaurant/service businesses granted licenses in the last couple of weeks or that have just opened include the following:

  • Precision Krav Maga at North Johnson Ferry Place (3000 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 210), is open, and offers classes in Krav Maga, kickboxing, karate, weapons, women’s self-defense, and other martial arts programs;
  • Sunny Day Spa at Parkaire Landing (4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 430), located next to Tuesday morning;
  • Happy Tails Animal Hospital (4970 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 12).

 

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4th annual ECBA Expo celebrates East Cobb local businesses

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ECBA Expo

For the fourth year, local and small businesses in East Cobb will gather to network and tell their stories to the public at the East Cobb Business Association Expo.

The expo takes place Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Olde Towne Athletic Club (4950 Olde Towne Parkway), and the event is open to the public.

In addition to learning about businesses in the area, guests can enjoy free food and beverages, door prizes, drawings, giveaways and more.

Bring plenty of business cards for networking and make sure to register (sign up at this link). At the door, admission is $1 with advance registration and $2 without advance registration. Admission proceeds go to the East Cobb Public Safety Appreciation dinner sponsored by the ECBA.

Each admission ticket comes with a raffle ticket for each of the grand prize drawings.

ECBA membership for the year 2020 is underway, along with year-end membership specials. Visit the ECBA website for information.

East Cobb News is a proud ECBA member and will be at the Expo, too, just as we were in 2018. Please make sure to stop by our table to say hello and learn more about East Cobb’s only daily all-local news source.

We’re grateful to serve East Cobb by providing local news and information and be part of an organization that supports and strengthens our community with a growing network of local businesses and entrepreneurs who really care about what happens here.

Come find out what we’re all about at the ECBA Expo!

ECBA Expo, East Cobb News table

 

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East Cobb public safety dinner fundraising drive continues

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Precinct 4 officers honored at the East Cobb Business Association’s Public Safety Appreciation Dinner.

The fourth annual East Cobb public safety dinner is set to take place in early November, and organizers are seeking donations from the public.

The dinner treats Cobb Police Precinct 4 officers, staff and their spouses to a night out, with dinner, gift certificates, door prizes and entertainment.

Susan Hampton of East Cobb, one of the event’s organizers, said the dinner “has become a big deal” in the local law enforcement community, with around 97 percent participation.

The East Cobb Business Association has been behind the dinner since its inception, and Hampton continues to lead the effort as a member of the new Cobb County Public Safety Foundation.

The ECBA organizes a similar dinner for the full Cobb Fire and Emergency Services department in the spring.

Hampton said door prizes, which are donated by local businesses, are especially popular. The suggested individual donations are $25, $50 and $100 in the “Thank A Hero” category. The donor’s name is listed on the event program.

Sponsorship levels are $250, $500, $1,000 and $2,500. According to the donation form:

“We are blessed to live, work and raise our families in this wonderful community. We appreciate the continued support of our co-host organizations, the East Cobb Business Association, the Cobb Chamber’s East Cobb Area Council and the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation. These organizations are represented on the event committee, which also includes individuals from East Cobb civic clubs, representatives from the police and fire departments and past East Cobb Citizen of the Year recipients.”

For information and to donate visit the ECBA website, or the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation website.

 

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East Cobb biz notes: Reveille Cafe wins Golden Spatula Award

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Reveille Golden Spatula Award

A few restaurants in East Cobb get perfect scores of 100 on their health inspections. But only one in metro Atlanta gets a local media outlet’s Golden Spatula Award every week.

In early September, Reveille Cafe in East Cobb was presented with the award, which is given out by CBS46 Atlanta. The breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, located at the Sandy Plains Centre, was inspected on July 10 by the Cobb health department (here’s the report).

Since then, only two East Cobb restaurants have had perfect 100 scores, although a number have scores in the 90s.

Reveille Cafe is part of the J. Christopher’s group, opened in 2013.

The French Table opens on Lower Roswell

On Sept. 7 The French Table, a French-themed furniture and home decor store, held a grand opening event at 4665 Lower Roswell Road. That’s in the small retail center with Ming’s Asian Kitchen at the intersection of Woodlawn Drive.

The owner is Tracy Kreiner Barnes, a real estate agent and CEO of Luxury Homes Atlanta.

Fit Body Boot Camp opening soon

On Sept. 30, the indoor fitness chain Fit Body Boot Camp will open an East Cobb location. It will be at 1062 Johnson Ferry Road, in the Shops at Woodlawn. The local owner and operator is Anan Tanneeru, a longtime IT professional.

According to company literature, Fit Body Boot Camp “that combines bodyweight exercises and minimal equipment to create a low risk, high reward workout.”

For information, click here.

 

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Pita Mediterranean Street Food chain coming to East Cobb

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East Cobb Pita Mediterranean Street Food

A location of the growing Atlanta-based Pita Mediterranean Street Food chain is coming to East Cobb.

This is at the Sandy Plains Centre (2960 Shallowford Road), in Suite 112 formerly occupied by Teriyaki Madness. Last week, Pita got an alcohol license. There’s no opening date that’s been announced yet.

Pita began in 2011 with a store in Peachtree City, and has since expanded to 20 stores in metro Atlanta and north Georgia. The East Cobb location, which is one of several slated to open soon, would be close to existing Pita restaurants near Town Center and the Marietta Square.

The eatery features Greek menu items, including pita and gyro options, and well as Middle Eastern specialties including shawarma, falafel, kafta, hummus, ganoush, rice bowls, salads, kids’ plates and desserts.

The entrees range from $7.95 to $13.99.

Related stories

 

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East Cobb business news: Mellow Mushroom gets alcohol license

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Johnson Ferry Mellow Mushroom opening

The planned Mellow Mushroom at Woodlawn Commons on Johnson Ferry Road is still in progress (opening is slated for later in the fall), but last month the restaurant did receive an alcohol pouring license.

The following businesses also were granted licenses during August and the first week of September by the Cobb Community Development Agency:

  • MRE East Cobb Express LLC, 2204 Roswell Road (land developer)
  • Fire Protection Services LLC, 2030 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 100 (sprinkler system contractor)
  • Flashback Games Retro Arcade, 2800 Canton Road, Suite 1600 (game room)
  • Ginny Maries, 4475 Roswell Road, Suite 900 (women’s clothing and accessories)
  • $20 Chiropractic, 2421 Shallowford, Suite 116 (chiropractor)
  • Sharper Minds Academy, 3535 Roswell Road, Suite 2 (tutoring services)
  • Tommy’s Tires, 2690 Sandy Plains Road (tire dealer)
  • J & J Auto Group, 4757 Canton Road, Suite 206 (used auto dealer)
  • Mellow Mushroom Pizza, 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 101 (restaurant, alcohol license; see related ECN story)
  • Nuleaf, 4750 Alabama Road, Suite 116 (vitamin food store)
  • Frenchie’s Modern Nail Care Salon, 3154 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 102 (beauty shop)
  • Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q, 3420 Sandy Plains Road (restaurant; alcohol license)
  • Rite Care Pharmacy, 2986 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 116 (drug store)
  • Sally Beauty Supply, 2960 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 307 (beauty supply)
  • Sleep Better Marietta, 2551 Roswell Road, Suite 100 (dental clinic)
  • Mi Casa Restaurante Y Panaderia, 3920 Canton Road, Suite 140 (restaurant)
  • New Leaf Family Chiropractic, 1899 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 170 (chiropractor)
  • Road to Recovery, 2255 Sewell Mill Road, Suite 120 (family and individual counseling)

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Cheerscape studio opening in East Cobb in September

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Cheerscape East Cobb, Xdrenaline

Angela Kirby of Cheerscape—which offers instruction in the artistry and chereography of cheer—writes in to say that her studio will be opening in September at the Xdrenaline trampoline park and kids’ fun center (1611 Roswell Road).

What is Cheerscape? Kirby says “we focus on cheers, chants, basic positions while building on core strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and memory skills while incorporating movement and dance concepts.”

Just as important, she notes, what it’s NOT: “No stunts, no tumbles, and no competitive spirit.”

Cheerscape will offer classes based on age/grade range, with groups ranging from K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. A 12-week session includes an hour of practice weekly in cheer bow, spirit poms and megaphone.

For information e-mail: cheerscape@gmail.com or call 678-478-3002.

Send us your business news!

If you’re opening a business or have some news to share about it, we’ll be glad to post it here. Send your items (including photos), to: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

If you’d like to promote your business at East Cobb News (we’re surpassing 30,000 unique visitors a month and growing!), shoot us an e-mail at: advertising@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll pass along a media kit with our flexible, affordable options for display and newsletter ads, sponsored posts and advertorials.

 

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Frenchies Modern Nail Care franchise opening in East Cobb

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Frenchies Modern Nail Care East Cobb

Rhoda Gunnigle, the franchisee for a forthcoming Frenchies Modern Nail Care location in East Cobb, writes in to say the opening date is Aug. 16.

The business will located at 3154 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 102, in the Shallowford Falls Shopping Center in a small strip facing Johnson Ferry.

In addition to offering manicures and pedicures, the Frenchies also is available for private parties.

East Cobb is one of three new or soon-to-open locations in Georgia for Frenchies, which started in 2014 in Colorado and operates 26 franchises. Gunnigle said the East Cobb store will be the flagship in metro Atlanta, with future locations planned for Woodstock, Sandy Springs/Dunwoody, Cumming, Roswell and Milton/Alpharetta.

She and her husband Grant are the East Cobb franchisees, and they’re parents to a special-needs son. One of her objectives with this business, she tells us, is “is to provide part-time employment for this population as well as our seasoned nail specialists.”

More information and e-mail sign-up for discounts and specials is available at the Frenchies East Cobb site, and they’ve also got a Facebook page with more frequent updates.

“I want to offer clean, natural and affordable nail care to Marietta, and also create healthy career opportunities for cosmetologists and nail specialists,” Gunnigle says. “Frenchies offers a modern, clean and social vibe, with services at prices that make regular visits accessible.”

Send us your business news!

If you’re opening a business or have some news to share about it, we’ll be glad to post it here. Send your items (including photos), to: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

If you’d like to promote your business at East Cobb News (we’re reaching 30,000 unique visitors a month and growing!), shoot us an e-mail at: advertising@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll pass along a media kit with our flexible, affordable options for display and newsletter ads, sponsored posts and advertorials.

 

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East Cobb biz notes: Clean Juice opening Saturday at Woodlawn Square

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Clean Juice East Cobb

A few weeks ago we saw the renovations underway for a new Clean Juice organic smoothie and juice location at Woodlawn Square Shopping Center (1205 Johnson Ferry Road), in the former space of Edward Johns Jewelers)

The store is announcing this week that its grand opening will take place on Saturday from 10-6. Free smoothies and Açaí Bowls are among the day-long promotions they’ll be giving away. More updates on its Facebook page.

Clean Juice is a Charlotte, N.C.-based company with nearly 60 franchises in 18 states, including stores in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and Westside Atlanta.

The East Cobb opening hours will be Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8-8 and Sunday 9-6.

Get your Sushi Burrito fix

Tomorrow’s News Today reports that Roll On In, an Ohio-based franchise eatery specializing in sushi burritos and bowls, will be opening soon (likely by the end of the summer, according to the store’s Facebook page) at Woodlawn Commons Shopping Center (1100 Johnson Ferry Road), next to La Vida Massage.

The store is one of three planned for the Asian Fusion chain’s foray into Atlanta, with others slated for Alpharetta and Roswell.

 

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East Cobb branch of Delta Community Credit Union names new manager

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East Cobb Delta Credit Union branch
Jill Dent, the branch manager of the Delta Community Credit Union branch on Johnson Ferry Road, and Regional Manager Eddie Johnson, the former East Cobb manager.

Submitted information and photo:

The Delta Community Credit Union branch at 1205 Johnson Ferry Road has a new manager. While the role is new to Jill Dent, her passion for serving members, especially at this branch, is not. She worked in customer service positions for more than a decade before coming to work for the Cobb County-based credit union.

“I’ve also been a member of Delta Community for more than 20 years, so I knew that any credit union that takes such good care of me as a customer would also be a good employer,” explained Dent. “I came to work in our Johnson Ferry Branch in 2016, and now I love this team, and I love this community.”

After beginning her career at Delta Community as a Member Service Agent, Dent was promoted to Assistant Manager of the Johnson Ferry branch in 2017. This month, she was tapped for the manager position after former manager Eddie Johnson was promoted to oversee all the Delta Community locations in North Fulton and Cobb County.

“We have a large number of business members who do their company’s banking here, thanks to the large number of nearby restaurants, retail stores and medical offices in East Cobb,” said Johnson. “Our members have very high expectations for hands-on customer service, and many of them will ask for a specific teller by name, and are willing to wait to see their favorite. Jill is well prepared to address members’ needs for trustworthy, dependable financial advice and products.”

Dent says she plans to continue being involved in community events, such as the East Cobber Festival, and partnerships with nearby schools like Walton and Pope High. But most of all, she’s excited to continue offering the superior service to our members they have come to expect.

“Many of our members visit on a regular basis – sometimes twice a week,” added Dent. “We have many wonderful opportunities to help them with their day-to-day banking needs, and also with those more complex, ‘lifetime’ milestones, such as buying a new home, or opening a business. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to help.”

 

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East Cobb retail update: Duck Donuts grand opening is Saturday

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Duck Donuts East Cobb

Following up from a couple weeks ago, about the Duck Donuts location in East Cobb, comes word that the grand opening is Saturday.

The hours are from 8-5, and the festivities will continue on Sunday.

The first 25 customers in line on Saturday will get a coupon for a free dozen donuts to be used at a later date.

Grand opening events include raffles and other giveaways.

The specialty donut shop is the first in Cobb County, and the proprietors are Christine and Andrew Doring.

Duck Donuts is at 1281 Johnson Ferry Road. Daily hours are Sunday-Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For grand opening details and more, visit the Duck Donuts East Cobb Facebook page or connect on the web at DuckDonuts.com.

 

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New East Cobb coworking business gets county entrepreneurship grant

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New East Cobb coworking business, Brilliant Coworking
Photo: M Harris Studio

In January we noted the opening of Brilliant Coworking, an East Cobb coworking business located near Sprayberry High School.

Earlier this week Brilliant Coworking was awarded a $10,000 grant via the Cobb County Entrepreneurship and Innovation Incentive Program.

While the Cobb Board of Commissioners signed off on the grant, the funding comes from the Development Authority of Cobb County.

Last year commissioners created the program “in support of eligible businesses to aid them in growing their business, creating jobs, and maintaining their presence in the County.”

Under the terms of the Cobb Innovation Grant Fund, eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • agree to remain in Cobb County for three years after the expiration date of the incentive agreement;
  • be an existing business in Cobb County;
  • be a graduate of an entrepreneurial training program.

Grants and applications are evaluated by a subcommittee represented by individuals from the Kennesaw State University Office of Community Engagement, SelectCobb, Cobb Travel and Tourism, Cobb Young Professionals, and The Coalition of Cobb County Business Associations.

More about the incentive program is here.

The funding is generally used for startup operations, purchasing equipment, furnishings and machinery, renovations and expanding business services.

Grant recipients cannot use the grant funding for an owner’s salary, paying off debts or loans, lending or investments or speculative ventures.

Brilliant Coworking (2440 Sandy Plains Road) was started by the husband-and-wife team of Michelle and Joseph Gibson. In their application for the grant, they indicated that their business objective is to “help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, develop and grow” and wants to help “increase the number of businesses within the area and provide a place where they can thrive.”

They’re planning to use their grant funding for marketing, advertising and updating amenities.

“This award is an exciting opportunity for us because Cobb County decided to support us, and stand beside us, so we can turn around and do the same for the business community,” the Gibsons said in a statement.

 

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Relocated Carwash USA reopening soon in East Cobb

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Carwash USA East Cobb

When Carwash USA temporarily closed in 2017, the California-style hand car wash business that had been at Roswell Road and Old Canton Road since 2002 indicated it would be relocating elsewhere in East Cobb at a time to be announced.

That’s because the property was bought by RaceTrac, which opened last summer.

It’s been revealed that Carwash USA will be reopening at the former Wells Fargo bank branch at 1454 Johnson Ferry Road, near Dick’s Sporting Goods in the East Cobb Crossing Shopping Center.

Hiring is underway and a specific opening date is still to come, but when we went by there Monday we saw that there’s already an emissions operation underway.

The former bank building also is the location for The Auto Accident Attorneys Group that is run by Ali and Jamie Salimi.

 

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Code Ninjas opens in East Cobb at Parkaire Landing

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Here’s another new business item in East Cobb, as a Code Ninjas location opened recently at the Parkaire Landing Shopping Center (4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 620). Code Ninjas East Cobb

The owners are locals Abhi Reddy, Samir Panjwani, his father Noor Panjwani and his brother Shayan Panjwani, and the business is aimed at teaching coding skills to kids ages 7-14.

There’s a grand opening event from 1-5 Saturday.

Here’s more about the ownership group and what they’ve got planned:

Abhi’s journey with Code Ninjas began when he saw the amount of STEM education in the school system. Abhi was surprised to find that there was little opportunity for students to have STEM education in middle school. Having over five years of experience in the IT industry, with a degree in engineering and technology management, Abhi knew how important it was for children to learn about STEM at a young age. In late 2018, he teamed up with Samir and his family to open a Code Ninjas in their community. The team is focused on growing the educational impact in Atlanta communities with plans to develop additional locations in the future.

“It’s very clear to our team that computer science is the language of the future,” said Reddy. “Code Ninjas will bridge the gap between elementary school and high school in STEM education. In the kids’ minds, they are learning to build video games, while simultaneously learning valuable critical thinking skills that will benefit them for the future.”

More information is here.

 

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Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K9 run marks 5th year

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For the fifth year the Northeast Cobb Business Association is holding what it’s called a 5K9 run.

The event, which includes a shorter “puppy” trot for kids eight and under, takes place Saturday at 8 a.m. at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road).Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K9 run

It’s one of the main fundraising events of the year for the NCBA, and each year the proceeds have gone for the purchase and training of a dog for local law enforcement and public safety agencies.

This year, the race will go toward the purchase of a specially trained comfort dog, for victims who go through the Cobb District Attorney’s Office Children and Elderly Abuse Court.

Registration is open through racetime, with same-day sign-up beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday onsite. The cost is $10-$25

Participants can bring their dogs along if they like, but are asked to clean up after their pets.

For information and to register online click here.

 

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East Cobb resident named Cumberland CID executive director

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Kim Menefee, Cumberland CID executive director

It’s been an unstable couple of years at the top of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), the first such entity in Georgia whose business owners tax themselves for infrastructure and other improvements to spur economic development.

In early 2018, executive director Malika Rivers resigned after nearly 22 years with the organization. Her successor, former Cumberland CID board chairman Tad Leithead, stepped down earlier this year, after only a few months on the job, when he was arrested for DUI in Forsyth County.

Last month the CID board named an East Cobb resident, Kim Menefee, a longtime executive with WellStar Health System, as its lone finalist, and today her hiring was made official.

Submitted information and photo:

The board of directors of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) announced today that it voted unanimously to approve Kim Menefee as the organization’s new executive director.

Menefee brings impressive career credentials to the CID, having served Cobb-based WellStar Health System in senior marketing, communications and public/government affairs positions for more than 20 years. She led the team that created the WellStar brand in addition to developing the government relations role building strong relationships at the local, state and federal levels.

Most recently, Menefee served as WellStar’s senior vice president of strategic community development. In that position, she was responsible for developing the strategic direction and alignment of community engagement and sponsorship with philanthropy efforts, all of which were designed to secure and expand support for WellStar.

“We are elated that Kim has accepted our offer to lead the Cumberland CID,” said Board Chairman John Shern. “We had tremendous interest in this role by very highly qualified and talented individuals. We were impressed with Kim’s extensive professional experience and connections to the Cobb and greater Atlanta business communities.

“We’re looking forward to a new chapter in the CID’s success story and know that Kim is the right person to take us to the next level,” Shern added.

A longtime and current board member of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Menefee served as chair in 2015. She served as co-chair of Cobb’s Competitive Edge (now Select Cobb) that launched in 2013. She has held leadership positions on numerous not-for-profit boards in addition to serving on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors, the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Advisors, and Kennesaw State University Community Advisory Board, the latter of which she served as a spring commencement speaker in 2016.

“Businesses are choosing the Cumberland area more than ever before,” Menefee stated. “Through the Cumberland CID’s leadership and investment over the last 31 years, the area has become a booming economic engine for Cobb County now representing more than five percent of Georgia’s total economy.

“I’m looking forward to working with the board, investors and stakeholders to build upon the successes and further cement Cumberland at the forefront of innovation and development. Together, we will continue to create a more dynamic urban center and vibrant regional gateway.”

Menefee holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Georgia’s Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The 6.5-square-mile Cumberland CID includes part of the Powers Ferry Road corridor, below Terrell Mill Road, as well as the area around what’s now SunTrust Park, the Galleria, Cobb Energy Centre, Cumberland Mall and portions of Vinings.

 

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Lassiter graduate named one of Top 25 Asian-Americans in Georgia

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Allen Chen, Top 25 Asian-Americans in Georgia

Submitted information and photo:

Allen Chen, senior vice president at Bank of America, has been named as one of the 25 most influential Asian Americans in Georgia for 2019 during National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

This award was given to Chen for his efforts in both his professional and his personal life, advocating for the Asian community in Atlanta.

At Bank of America, Chen manages a chapter of an Asian-focused employee leadership network and was part of the network’s founding team that is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. This Asian leadership network group is one of the oldest employee network groups at the bank, started in 1999. Today, there are 20 chapters across the country with close to 10,000 members.

Outside of work, Chen serves as president and Chairman of the National Association of Asian American Professional (NAAAP) and has won the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the past three years, averaging over 1,000 hours per year – exhibiting his passion for philanthropy and community service.

As a native of Georgia, Chen grew up a second-generation immigrant and earned his bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University. He currently resides and works in Kennesaw, lending his 16 years of experience in the financial services industry, working on the credit card product team where he manages one of the largest partnerships at Bank of America.

 

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Speed Pro Imaging of East Cobb honored by Cobb Chamber of Commerce

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Speed Pro Imaging

Submitted information and photo:

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce named SpeedPro Imaging Marietta a 2019 Top 25 Small Business of the Year at the Chamber’s First Monday Breakfast, held on May 6, 2019 for its remarkable innovation, sound approach to organizational challenges and positive impact on the community. Said Speed Pro Imaging president Littie Brown (third from left in photo above):

“We are so humbled to have been selected among the other great companies that make up the Cobb County Business community. We would like to salute our customers, employees and suppliers who make it possible for us to contribute to the Cobb County community.”

SpeedPro Imaging Marietta specializes in large format graphic printing. Their focus is to always provide each customer with exceptional service. For six years, owners Littie Brown and Karen Brown have been providing high quality graphics with a consultative approach, ensuring their customers are happy each time they leave the studio.

“We are so proud of all the small businesses that make up such an integral part of our community,” said Cobb Chamber President and CEO Sharon Mason. “The quality of the businesses, the work they’re doing in the community, the great jobs they’re bringing—it all goes toward making Cobb County a vibrant and successful place to live, work and play.”

To be considered for the Top 25 Small Businesses of Year, each hopeful submits an application to the Cobb Chamber. The applicants must prove an increase in sales or unit volume, provide examples of innovation, discuss adversity and challenges, and thoroughly detail their community involvement. Applications are analyzed and considered by a group of independent community business leaders and affiliates of the Small Business Administration.

The First Monday Breakfast was sponsored by LOUD Security Systems and S.A. White Oil Company.

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