Chick-fil-A Woodlawn Square closing July 6; Board and Brush opening July 14

Woodlawn Square Chick-fil-A

The countdown is underway for the closing of the Chick-fil-A Woodlawn Square, which is Friday, July 6.

As we noted previously, the location at 1201 Johnson Ferry Road is undergoing a major renovation that will have it shuttered until around November, but there’s not a specific reopening date.

The store’s got a remodeling countdown on its Facebook page that began on Wednesday, 10 days out.

A few days after that closure, and just a few feet away, is the grand opening of the East Cobb location of Board and Brush, a DIY wood sign workshop that will offer classes, supplies and more.

The grand opening is next Saturday, July 14, from 10-12. The store is 1205 Johnson Ferry, Suite 103. There’s not outside signage up yet, but the space is adjacent to the now-closed Muss & Turner’s restaurant.

Occasional updates are posted on its Facebook page.

More East Cobb business news

 

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East Cobb Business Association panel to discuss ‘Why Non-Profits Are Good for Small Business’

Four members of local non-profit organizations will speak to the East Cobb Business Association next week. East Cobb Business Association

“Why Non-Profits Are Good for Small Business” is the title of the panel discussion at the ECBA’s monthly luncheon on Tuesday. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Olde Towne Athletic Club (4950 Olde Towne Parkway).

The speakers are Dawn Reed of Aloha to Aging, Inc., Natalie Rutledge of the Cobb Schools Foundation, Tom Gonter of MUST Ministries and Mary Kay Boler of TAG-Ed Education Collaborative.

The cost for the luncheon is $20 in advance for ECBA members, $25 in advance for guests, and $30 at the door. Online registration can be done here.

A couple of stories related to these groups that we’ve posted recently: Aloha to Aging, the East Cobb-based non-profit that works with seniors and their caregivers, is holding a gala celebration at Kennesaw State in August as a fundraiser as it expands its services.

In January the Cobb Schools Foundation held a Casino Night fundraiser at SunTrust Park to benefit its programs that assist the Cobb County School District.

The Marietta-based MUST Ministries operates a homeless shelter and services for families and individuals in need.

The TAG-Ed Education Collaborative provides students with a gateway to STEM programs and opportunities in K-12.

Also next week, the Northeast Cobb Business Association will hold its monthly luncheon. It’s Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road), and the guest speaker is Dana Johnson, director of the Cobb Community Development Department.

The cost is $15 for members and $25 for members and online registration can be done here.

 

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Publix GreenWise Market to make Georgia debut in East Cobb

Publix GreenWise Market

The first tenant in a new shopping center on the site of the former Mountain View Elementary School will be the first location in Georgia for the Publix GreenWise Market concept.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that the store will have 25,000 square feet as the anchor of a 103,000-square foot development on 14 acres on Sandy Plains Road at Shallowford Road.

The still-to-be-named complex is being developed by East Cobb-based Brooks Chadwick Capital and Fuqua Development and will include “chef-driven” restaurants, retail and service shops and a self-storage facility.

Rezoning for the complex was approved by Cobb commissioners last fall, and they signed off on the self-storage building this spring despite complaints from nearby residents.

According to a report in ToNeTo Atlanta, which covers the metro retailing scene, Publix is rolling out its GreenWise Market organic foods concept in other Southern markets. They include Tallahassee, Boca Raton and the Charleston, S.C. area.

The East Cobb store will be right down the street from a Publix supermarket at the Highland Plaza Shopping Center. The ABC quoted an Atlanta real estate observer that:

“The target market for GreenWise is those areas that have a strong Publix presence already. GreenWise could function as a complementary destination for a core Publix location, helping to spread out customer density in their busiest markets.” 

GreenWise is eyeing a competitive East Cobb organic grocery market, with Whole Foods and Sprouts nearby, in the Johnson Ferry-Roswell area.

The Shallowford-Sandy Plains area also was a target of Lidl, a German-based supermarket chain, which wanted to locate a store on the site of the Park 12 Cobb movie theater on Gordy Parkway. But its zoning application was rejected by commissioners last fall following intense community opposition.

ToNeTo said the East Cobb Public GreenWise Market could open by next summer.

 

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East Cobb Biz Note: Edward-Johns Jewelers has relocated on Johnson Ferry Road

Edward-Johns Jewelers, East Cobb business

 

For the last few weeks, a clearance sale has been underway at Edward-Johns Jewelers, which has been located at Woodlawn Square Shopping Center (1205 Johnson Ferry Road) for years.

That’s because the long-time East Cobb business has been in the process of relocation. The new space is now open at 1225 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 801. It’s behind the Fidelity Bank building, a bit further up Johnson Ferry from the Woodlawn center.

Phone service (770-977-2026) is expected to be restored later today, and this week’s schedule is 10-5:30 today, Tuesday and Friday. The store will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.

A message on the Edward-Johns Facebook page said owner Johnny Johnson is undergoing emergency surgery and the business will be short-handed for the time being as it finally settles in its new location.

Johnson opened Edward-Johns Jewelers in 1979, and he has become an important and visible figure in the business, educational and civic community in East Cobb and Cobb County.

He’s been an East Cobb Citizen of the Year, is a past president of the Cobb County YMCA, served on the Cobb Board of Education and is a charter member of the East Cobb Kiwanis Club.

He also serves as Santa Claus for the Christmas Tree lighting at East Cobb Park.

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East Cobb Taqueria Tsunami holds grand opening Tuesday and Wednesday

Shortly before noon today, the East Cobb Taqueria Tsunami (1275 Johnson Ferry Road) announced on its Facebook page it’s holding its grand opening today and Wednesday with dinner service from 5-9 p.m. East Cobb Taqueria Tsunami

Regular hours commence Thursday with lunch service beginning at 11 a.m., followed by the same dinner hours.

That’s all we have for now, but here’s what we’ve been posting since Fork U Concepts began the process of converting the former Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagel space last fall, with a new site plan that includes a reconfigured parking lot to accommodate 42 spaces.

 

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Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K-9 Run to provide service dog for a veteran

The fourth running of the Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K-9 Run is taking place on June 9, and this year the event will be raising money for the purchase and training of a service dog for a military veteran. Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K-9 Run

The run starts at 8 a.m. at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road), and NCBA is soliciting sponsorships (between $250 and $5,000) as well as accepting online registrations (between $10 and $25 in advance).

Frank Wigington of the NCBA said past events have raised funds for dogs for the Cobb County Police Department, the Cobb Sheriff’s Office and for an autistic child in East Cobb.

This year, the business group asked Cobb Superior Court Judge Reuben Greene to assist in finding a recipient for a service dog, and a veteran who is dealing with PTSD and other issues has been identified.

In remarks to his counterparts at the East Cobb Business Association on Tuesday, Wigington said the costs for the purchase and training have grown since the initial events raised around $15,000 each.

He said if this year’s event raises more money than what’s needed for the veteran’s dog, other proceeds will be provided to the Cobb Fire Department to purchase oxygen masks for dogs dispatched for rescue work, and possibly for iPads for special needs students in Cobb County.

“The money will be spent, but it will be spent wisely,” Wigington said.

The 5-K9 Run includes a puppy trot for children 8 and under that’s $10 in advance, and $15 on race day. The 5K run/walk is $25 in advance and $30 on race day.

Awards are presented to overall and masters winners, as well as several children’s age groups.

Anyone who is entered can bring their dog along for the event.

 

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Cobb Young Professionals holding charity golf tournament at Indian Hills

The registration deadline for next Monday’s event is this coming Wednesday at noon. From the Cobb Chamber of Commerce:Cobb Chamber of Commerce

Join the future leaders of Cobb County for an afternoon on the golf course! Cobb Young Professionals will host its annual charity golf tournament on Monday, May 21 at Indian Hills Country Club, presented by The Waters Team, Affinity Home Lending. The charity tournament will begin with 8 a.m. morning registration, a putting contest and a shotgun start. A 2:30 p.m. reception will follow with prizes. Individual players without a foursome team will be given an opportunity to be paired after registration. Proceeds from the tournament will go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The cost is $70 per golfer and $280 per foursome, which includes a round of golf, breakfast, one reception drink ticket, boxed lunch and a donation to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Additionally, participants are encouraged to bring cash for mulligans, extra drinks, raffle tickets and other opportunities to donate to the charity of the winner’s choice. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, May 16 at noon.

Businesses can take advantage of the unique marketing opportunity through a hole sponsorship. Sponsorship participation provides an opportunity to show support to Cobb Young Professionals and the Cobb Chamber, as well as help the organization give more to the winning charity. This year’s sponsors include The Waters Team, Affinity Home Lending as Presenting Sponsor; Croy Engineering and Enterprise Holdings as the Platinum Sponsors and O’Dell & O’Neal as the Silver Sponsor. For a full list of 2018 sponsors and event information, visit cobbchamber.org.

For more information about Cobb Young Professionals or to become a hole sponsor at the tournament, contact Rebecca Chadwick at 770-859-2368 or rchadwick@cobbchamber.org.

 

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East Cobb Biz Notes: Paper Mill Village food trucks returning in June

Paper Mill Village food truck
East Cobb News file

Paper Mill Village announced today that it’s having food truck events again this year, in June and October.

There aren’t many other details available, but the food trucks will take place June 25 and Oct. 29 “with special performances by School of Rock East Cobb and Kids ‘N Motion / Encore Dance Studio!” according to the shopping center’s Facebook page.

Related coverage:

Openings and more

The Willow Park Boutique (137 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 2140), a women’s clothing and accesories store in the Paper Mill Village complex, is having a grand opening for its styling studio from 1-5 Thursday. A special VIP event is to follow.

My Fitness Studio (4290 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 154), a total TRX training center, is having a ribbon-cutting May 24. Master instructor Thi Le Wooten developed a workout program for her husband, a special forces Marine Corps veteran dealing with PTSD, and the business will have a focus on working with wounded military veterans. The ribbon-cutting takes place at 11 a.m. and will include food and a demonstration of TRX equipment.

Business concierge service

The Cobb Community Development Agency, which grants business licenses, has recently begun what it calls a “business concierge” service out of its economic development unit to assist new and growing businesses. Here’s more about the program:

Cobb County values our business community and understands its importance on our local economy. Whether our businesses are at the initial stage of their business concept or an established business looking to expand, we know there are many variables to consider and we are here to help.

Our Business Concierge Services assists current and prospective business owners who are looking to start, expand and relocate their business in Cobb County. This program is part of a comprehensive business retention and expansion program designed to better understand and address the needs of our local businesses. 

For more information, please contact our Business Concierge Team at econdev@cobbcounty.org or 770.528.2018.

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How a popular East Cobb restaurant responded to a failed health inspection

Zeal Kitchen & Bar, East Cobb restaurant, health inspection

Ever since Scott Sawant opened Zeal Kitchen & Bar in late 2013, his debut East Cobb restaurant on Johnson Ferry Road never had much to worry about when health inspectors arrived.

The twice-a-year inspections had resulted in three perfect scores of 100, a few more in the 90s and just one below that, an 86.

The graduate of Wheeler High School and its culinary program had carved out a niche in an East Cobb restaurant scene suddenly brimming with high-end options, focusing on what he calls a “chef-driven” menu catering to a decidedly suburban palate.

When Zeal’s familiar inspector from Cobb and Douglas Public Health showed up unannounced (as all inspectors do) on April 5, however, something very different was about to transpire.

Instead of the usual half-hour or so it took to conduct the inspection, this one lasted longer, more than two hours, by his accounting. It took place between lunch and dinner, he said, before staff could conduct a post-lunch cleaning.

Several violations, in the kitchen and around it, even regarding the menu and where the health inspection reports were posted, began to pile up. The result: A score of 61 for Zeal, a failing grade. This had never happened before.

Here’s a link to the full report, which included citations for improper storage of food, unlabeled chemical spray bottles, and one that was made especially public, a buildup of mildew in the front kitchen area.

“Mildew is a word that’s so scary for customers,” said Sawant, who added that he didn’t smell any, and that he has long contracted with a company that does such hygiene-oriented cleaning on premises weekly.

Sawant was shocked and upset. He thought some of the violations were technicalities, such as a container of grits not being warmed at a proper temperature, although he said he explained to the inspector that the container wasn’t in the kitchen area and the grits weren’t going to be served. However, that was good for a nine-point deduction.

Another violation indicated that Zeal’s bar menu didn’t disclose that one of the cocktails is made with egg whites, although that information is on the main restaurant menu.

“We fixed everything right away,” Sawant said.

When inspectors arrived several days later (as they do to follow up a failed inspection), Zeal received a perfect score of 100 (here’s the link to that report).

More restaurant news

Sawant said he was alternately relieved but also still concerned about what his regular customers, as well as potential new customers, would think. Zeal has won several awards, including at the Taste of Marietta, and for its gluten-free options.

“It feels like you failed somebody in a relationship,” he said. “We’ve had good relationships with so many of our customers for nearly five years.”

He decided that being forthcoming about the inspection was the best way to go. He sent out an e-mail to “friends and community supporters” (East Cobb News also received a copy) explaining what had happened. He said that while he disagreed with the score, “my goal is to continue to focus on doing the right things and the right outcomes will follow.”

Sawant told us in an interview this week that failing a health inspection is far worse than getting bad reviews, since the latter “are so subjective.” He said he estimates the lost business to the restaurant since the failed inspection has cost him around $36,000.

But fixing the problems, he said, are paramount. A second failed inspection could result in at least the temporary closure of a restaurant.

“If you fail again, you don’t deserve to serve the public,” Sawant said. “I’m fine with that.”

It’s been a difficult month or so for Sawant and his Zeal staff of 28 for other reasons, too. One of their fellow employees, Alexander Seidnitzer, died in a motorcycle accident on Johnson Ferry Road in late March, and Zeal held a special event at the restaurant in his memory.

Sawant, who got his start in the restaurant industry by working at LaMadeleine at Providence Square and then by serving that company as a corporate trainer, said he’s tapped into that background, and by tightening food storage and cleaning procedures, during what’s been his most challenging time as a business owner.

He said a number of customers have sent him messages of support, and only one has been negative.

“We’re going to continue to do what we do,” Sawant said, “because we’ve been doing so well.”

 

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East Cobb Restaurant Update: Jason’s Deli coming to former Sage/Chequer’s/Houlihan’s space

Jason's Deli, East Cobb

Some readers have asked, and we’ve been been able to get an answer: Jason’s Deli is coming to East Cobb, where Sage Social Kitchen, Chequers Seafood and Houlihan’s have come and gone.

But it won’t be for a while.

The Texas-based fast casual eatery chain operates 275 restaurants in 28 states, including 16 in Georgia and two in Cobb, near Cumberland and Town Center malls.

Brandi Alexander, a spokeswoman for Jason’s Deli, told East Cobb News only that “this location is planned to open in fall of this year. Unfortunately, that is all of the information we can provide at this time.”

The Merchants Festival location (1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 334) has been empty for nearly a year since Sage Social Kitchen closed in April 2017, after only a few months in business.

In addition to traditional deli-style menu options, Jason’s Deli also serves burgers, salads (and a salad bar), vegetarian dishes, soups, pasta entrees and a kid’s menu.

More restaurant news

 

 

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East Cobb-based e-commerce retailer Magnolia Ann wins small business award

Susie Simpkins, Magnolia Ann

Press release:

Local e-commerce retailer, Magnolia Ann has been named a winner of The 2018 American Small Business Championship by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer,expert business mentors. The Championship awarded this title to 102 entrepreneurs (2 per state) for their dedication to the success of their small businesses, awarding them an all-expense-paid trip to a training and networking event, SCORE mentoring and publicity throughout the year, and a chance to win one ofthree $15,000 grand prizes, made possible with the support of Sam’s Club.

Magnolia Ann earned the title of American Small Business Champion by submitting an online application describing what makes their business one of the best small businesses in their community, and how they plan to use the prizes to grow their business. Nominations that garnered at least 100 votes were then presented to a judging panel of small business experts that determined 102 winners including Magnolia Ann.

“We are so grateful to receive this recognition for the obstacles we have overcome as a small business.Thank you to our wonderful community both locally and online for supporting us and helping us succeed.This would not have been possible without you,” says Susie Simpkins, owner of Magnolia Ann.

Magnolia Ann is also eligible to win one of three additional $15,000 grand prizes, by being named Grand Champion. A judging panel of small business experts will select three Grand Champion from the group of small business champions this summer. Selection will be based on how effectively Champions utilize their prizes to grow business revenue or operations, as well as how effectively the winners promoted the Championship in the media and social media.

 

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East Cobb Biz Notes: Planned Regions Bank Johnson Ferry Road branch seeking variances

Regions Bank Johnson Ferry Road

The former location (and only briefly) of a Pollo Tropical restaurant on Johnson Ferry Road is being eyed by Regions Bank, and the banking company is seeking two variances that will be considered in May.

Regions Bank has applied for a waiver to the landscaping enhancement strip next to a public street from the required minimum of eight feet to two feet, and also wants to increase the maximum allowable impervious surfacing from 70 percent to 86 percent.

The freestanding building at 680 Johnson Ferry Road, located next to Moe’s Southwest Grill and in front of Parkaire Landing Shopping Center, has been empty since October 2016.

The Regions Bank variance request (agenda item packet) goes before the Cobb Board of Zoning Appeals on May 9. The land is zoned for general commercial use and doesn’t require rezoning.

Earlier this week, Cobb commissioners adopted Johnson Ferry Road Design Guidelines that had sat dormant since they were unveiled in 2013.

McDonald's Lower Roswell Road

Renovations at McDonald’s

Just around the corner from the planned Regions Bank you may have noticed the McDonald’s location on Lower Roswell Road is closed, with lots of work crews on hand.

That fast food store is one of the businesses on the north side of Lower Roswell that will be impacted by planned transportation improvements between Davidson Road and across Johnson Ferry to Woodlawn Drive.

Commissioners also voted this week to spend $160,000 in further engineering design work for that project, which has been delayed since 2012 for those and other reasons.

The improvements will include a frontage road between the McDonald’s and Davidson Road to provide access to businesses on the northern side of Lower Roswell, including several medical offices.

Now open

The following new businesses in East Cobb have received their licenses since March:

  • Aegis Group Practice (4401 Shallowford Road), physical therapy
  • Apex Imaging (1070 Woodlawn Drive), medical clinic
  • Court America (3115 Roswell Road), legal services
  • Enwhite Bridal (3660 Canton Road), bridal shop
  • Erin Westmoreland (255 Village Parkway), family and individual counseling
  • Everything Burger (3372 Canton Road), restaurant
  • Fareba Stylist (2145 Roswell Road), beautician
  • Fletcher Law Firm (2993 Sandy Plains Road), lawyer
  • Graham & Kapp (3650 Canton Road), CPA
  • Japan City (4400 Roswell Road), restaurant
  • Judah the Salon (2000 Powers Ferry Road), beauty shop
  • L & Y Massage (2520 East Piedmont Road), health club
  • Mondosa Motors (2501 Piedmont Road), auto dealer
  • Natures Heaven (4750 Alabama Road), restaurant
  • Northside Urgent Care (4800 Olde Towne Parkway), medical
  • Pedis and Potions (4101 Roswell Road), beauty shop
  • PBM Records (2481 Canton Road), recording studio
  • Pur Skin Bar (4101 Roswell Road), beauty shop
  • Renewed You (2993 Sandy Plains Road), psychotherapist
  • Sandalwood Yoga (2440 Sandy Plains Road), health services
  • Souvonyx Salon (4101 Roswell Road), beauty salon
  • Spoken Images (3778 Canton Road), theater
  • Stockyard Burgers (4475 Roswell Road), restaurant
  • Taqueria Tsunami (1275 Johnson Ferry Road), restaurant
  • Tropical Smoothie Cafe (2960 Shallowford Road), restaurant
  • Wayfare Counseling (1640 Powers Ferry Road), counseling
  • Works Auto Group (2501 Piedmont Road), auto dealer

 

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East Cobb businesses included on Cobb Chamber list of Top 25 small businesses

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for 2018 small business of the year, and seven are East Cobb businesses. Cobb Chamber of Commerce, East Cobb businesses

The “winner” will be announced in June, but the Top 25 are being honored by the chamber, as well as new businesses in its Businesses to Watch category.

Those East Cobb businesses in the Top 25 include the following:

  • Deluxe Athletics (80 Scott Drive), a producer of synthetic sports turfs;
  • IAG Forensics and Valuation (501 Village Trace), investigative accounting firm;
  • InPrime Legal (1640 Powers Ferry Road), law firm for small and mid-sized businesses;
  • Marietta Wrecker Service (950 Allgood Road), vehicle towing and equipment transport;
  • Southeastern Engineering Inc. (2470 Sandy Plains Road), engineering, landscape architecture and construction management;
  • Three-13 Salon, Spa and Boutique (2663 Canton Road), full-service salon;
  • Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q (1425 Roswell Road), restaurant and catering.

In addition, Peachtree Hearing, a hearing aid clinic located at 4934 Lower Roswell Road, is one of three “Businesses to Watch,” that features businesses that have started within the last three years.

Here’s more about the Cobb Chamber’s small business awards program, which also includes a Small Business Hall of Fame.

 

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East Cobb Stockyard Burgers and Bones opens next week; Taqueria Tsunami plans continue

East Cobb Stockyard Burgers and Bones

The long-awaited opening of the East Cobb Stockyard Burgers and Bones location (previous East Cobb News post here) is taking place next week.

Management at The Avenue posted the news on Friday, and the photo above is what we saw when we went by there earlier this afternoon. The establishment was granted an alcohol license by the Cobb Community Development Agency on March 22.

The Marietta-based Fork U Concepts, the parent company of Stockyard Burgers and Bones, is saying that it’s taking applications from 10-6 Monday through Saturday at the new East Cobb location (4475 Roswell Road, in the former Brixx Pizza space). Job-hunters can also apply online at the Stockyard Burgers and Bones website.

More East Cobb restaurant news

Fork U Concepts also is expected to open a Taqueria Tsunami location (1275 Johnson Ferry Road) at the former Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagel, and here’s what the site looks like now.

A revised site plan was approved by Cobb commissioners in September, and it includes removal of the drive-through window once part of Caribou and expanding parking to 42 spaces.

There’s mostly a lot of mud in the parking lot and work trucks and crews. A sign in a window says a liquor license has been applied for, but county records indicate one also was granted on March 22.

If you’ve got a restaurant tip to pass along (openings and closings in particular), or if you want us to find out about restaurants to come, get in touch. E-mail: editor@eastcobbnews.com with your information or questions.

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Report: East Cobb Chick-fil-A to close in July for renovations

Chick Fil A Woodlawn canopy rendering

Back in December we reported on expansion plans for an East Cobb Chick-fil-A store that would include a double drive-through and reconfigure the parking lot at the Woodlawn Square location (1201 Johnson Ferry Road).

That renovation will require several months to complete, according to a report published Tuesday at tonetoatl.com, which said the location will close July 9 for a complete rebuild. It is expected to reopen in November.

Interplan LLC, which operates the Woodlawn Square store, needed to get rezoning for an additional parcel .15 acres at the shopping center to accommodate the expansion request, in addition to site plan amendments approved by the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

Those changes include a canopy at the drive-through order stations. The operator also agreed to limit the use of construction vehicles to the shopping center parking lot, permitting no parking on Johnson Ferry Road during the renovation project.

The double drive-through lanes will wind around the back of the Chick-fil-A, and the extra land will be used to create additional parking.

The tonetoatl.com report said a similar Chick-fil-A renovation project will take place on South Cobb Drive and will last as long.

 

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East Cobb Business Notes: Tropical Smoothie, Nancy’s Vintage Shop opening soon

Some East Cobb business notes below include opening events taking place over the next couple of weeks.

A new Tropical Smoothie Café location opens a week from today, March 30, at the Sandy Plains Centre Shopping Center (2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 102), and is giving away free smoothies to the first 50 guests when it first opens its doors at 7 a.m. Other discounts on smoothies will follow during the day.

More opening day details can be found on its Facebook page.

Also on the menu are wraps, sandwiches and flatbreads. The new location is operated by Meritage Restaurant Group, a local company that has two other Tropical Smoothies in Cobb and Cherokee.

Tropical Smoothie has more than 600 locations nationwide.

********

On April 7, Nancy’s Vintage Shop will open at 1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 102. That’s in the Piedmont Commons Shopping Center (a Publix is located there), right across from the McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA.

The opening-day events last from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the first 25 guests will receive a free, reusable tote bag and 15 percent off their initial purchase.

The owner is Nancy Joy Hartung, who tells us she’s a former corporate web analyst, and that her store includes vintage goods from the 1950s to the 1990s.

For more information, visit NancysVintageShop.com or follow NancysVintageShop on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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East Cobb Muss & Turner’s restaurant closes abruptly

 

Muss & Turner's, East Cobb restaurant scores
East Cobb News file photo

After less than year in business, the East Cobb Muss & Turner’s restaurant has closed, effective today, at 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, in the Woodlawn Square Shopping Center.

Here’s the message that was posted on the restaurant’s social media pages, as of around 4 p.m. today:

“After a year of giving it our best shot, we have made the difficult decision to close our East Cobb location. We feel honored by the amount of support we have received from loyal fans (old and new) and are grateful to have forged such incredible relationships within this neighborhood. Thank you for your loyalty and support over the last year. It was truly a pleasure serving you. Thank you for joining us on this ride!”

Muss & Turner’s will continue to operate its original location in Smyrna, and partner Ryan Turner explained more about the decision to close in a release:

“Dining patterns among the East Cobb market varied significantly from our Smyrna location and, unfortunately, didn’t prove a financially viable model for our concept.”

Muss & Turner’s East Cobb was part of the Unsukay Concepts partnership, which operates the Smyrna Muss & Turner’s as well as Eleanor’s Restaurant in Smyrna and the Local Three Kitchen & Bar in Buckhead.

Turner, Todd Mussman and Chris Hall were part of a group that ran Common Quarter, which operated at the same Johnson Ferry Road location from 2013-17. After closing Common Quarter, they expanded the Muss and Turner’s concept into East Cobb and opened in March 2017.

Muss & Turner’s said it will honor East Cobb gift cards and loyalty points at the other Unsukay restaurants.

On Sunday the East Cobb Muss & Turner’s restaurant had been promoting its Sunday brunch menu, and in a comment thread on its Facebook page indicated that staff had been told earlier on Monday of the closing.

 

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East Cobb Biz Notes: New RaceTrac location on Roswell Road breaks ground; Gigi’s Cupcakes closes

Carwash USA, East Cobb biz notes

A couple of weeks ago demolition crews began knocking down what had been a Carwash USA location at Roswell Road and Old Canton Road (3103 Roswell Road).

The car wash closed there in December after 14 years, and the owners indicated the business would reopen “nearby” in 2018, although they did not specify a new location.

Carwash USA, East Cobb biz notes

One of East Cobb’s biggest bottleneck intersections has become competitive ground for a glorified gas station battle.

A nearly 5,000-square-foot RaceTrac is going up at the site, which initially was a gas station, and it’s on a catty-corner from a newly renovated and expanded Quick Trip.

This RaceTrac will include a convenience store, free Wi-Fi, frozen yogurt and a coffee selection.

When we drove by earlier today, construction crews were digging deep into the Olde Mill Shopping Center outparcel. A news report last March indicated that the new RaceTrac will open in the third quarter of this year, but it looks to be sooner than that.

RaceTrac, which is headquartered in Cobb at the Galleria, also has an East Cobb location at 2337 Canton Road.

Gigi’s Cupcakes closesGigi's Cupcakes Marietta

The Gigi’s Cupcakes location at Merchants Walk (1281 Johnson Ferry Road) closed on Jan. 31, but the announcement didn’t come until today, two days before Valentine’s Day. A message posted on the store’s Facebook page said “we will miss being a part of your lives.”

Gigi’s opened in East Cobb in early 2011. A Kennesaw location, the only other Gigi’s store in Cobb, also closed the same day.

On the move

Palm Beach Tan has relocated from Market Plaza (1275 Johnson Ferry Road, adjacent to Zeal’s) to The Avenue (4475 Roswell Road). It’s located in Suite 1420, between the Barre 3 studio and Springfree Trampoline.

That’s the same location formerly occupied by Solar Dimensions, which was purchased by Palm Beach Tan in January.

 

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East Cobb Biz Notes: Okko Ramen Asian Kitchen open on Gordy Parkway

Okko Ramen Asian Kitchen

We noted this a few weeks back, but it’s now open: Okko Ramen Asian Kitchen, in the same building as the New Lucky China restaurant in the Sandy Plains-Shallowford Road area.

To be specific, the address is 3045 Gordy Parkway, Suite 108. Okko opened its doors in mid-January, and the menu features several Ramen entrees and other Japanese specialties, starters and sides.

Okko is open seven days a week; phone is 770-988-5000.

Challise & Co. honored

Challise & Company, a hair-skin-body salon located at 3534 Canton Road, has been recognized by Salon Today 200, a leading business for salon owners.

The Salon Today 200 list includes businesses nominated by the publication’s readers, and who meet various criteria for best business practices.

Challise & Company is owned by Challise Copeland, who took over the former Studio 5 Salon in 2003, and Carrie Cox. They’re active in the Northeast Cobb Business Association and the Cobb Women’s Business Association as well as Small Business Saturday (previous East Cobb News post here).

Other openings in East Cobb

The following East Cobb businesses have been granted licenses over the last couple of weeks:

  • Body Face Image Solutions, 1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 108 (esthetician);
  • Brazilian Bakery Cafe, 1260 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 115 (bakery);
  • Callis Counseling & Consultation, 2993 Sandy Plains Road (family & individual counseling);
  • Celia Webb Counseling Solutions, 1640 Powers Ferry Road (family & individual counseling);
  • Deirdre Foley, 3417 Canton Road (massage practitioner);
  • G Tree, 2915 Davis Road (tree trimming service);
  • Healthy Smiles of East Cobb, 1505 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100 (dentist);
  • Inside AT Training, 4048 River Ridge Trace (fitness trainer);
  • Insur D Benefits Benefits Deposit USA, 2550 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 365 (insurance company);
  • Livingston and Associates, 2827 Gracewood Drive (legal services);
  • Marietta Dental Professionals, 2551 Roswell Road, Suite 101 (dentist)
  • Maxham Farms Landscape and Lawn Care, 280 Robin Lane (landscaping contractor);
  • Merchants Walk Cinema, 1301 Johnson Ferry Road (restaurant);
  • Miella Wellness, 2440 Sandy Plains Road (health spa);
  • Novo Psychotherapy, 1225 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 170 (counseling);
  • Nubesec, 2704 Stillwater Lake Lane (computer consultant);
  • Salata, 4101 Roswell Road, Suite 1100 (restaurant);
  • Sherry Goins, 2145 Roswell Road, Suite 200 (beautician);
  • Styles by Isaac, 4101 Roswell Road (beauty salon);
  • Superior Dental of East Cobb, 2745 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 118 (dentist);
  • Ushak Rug Gallery, 1762 Shady Hill Road (carpet sales);
  • Wood Family Chiropractic, 3417 Canton Road (chiropractor).

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Burn Boot Camp East Cobb location opens at Pavilions at East Lake; other Biz Notes

Burn Boot Camp, East Cobb Biz Notes

Burn Boot Camp East Cobb, part of a national women’s fitness company, has opened at the Pavilions at East Lake, 2100 Roswell Road (website).

It’s the first of three planned Atlanta-area locations operated by the husband and wife team of Jayme and Chad Avrit. She’s from Marietta and both previously worked in the NASCAR stock car racing industry.

The Burn Boot Camp concept is a 45-minute circuit-style workout that includes 72 different styles and 15 different formats.

Members are not required to register for sessions in advance; all sessions before 5 p.m. are for women only, and free child care is available.

Cobb police meets with ECBA

Next Monday’s quarterly breakfast of the East Cobb Business Association features Cobb Police Precinct 4 commander Maj. Jerry Quan and his deputy, Capt. Everett Cebula. The breakfast takes place from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the J. Christopher’s at the Pavilions at East Lake, 2100 Roswell Road.

The cost is $10 for ECBA members and $15 for guests; registration here.

Small business nominees sought

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its small business of the year program. A total of 25 businesses from across the county will be selected by a panel of judges, with one of those finalists chosen as the small business of the year.

Last year, East Cobb businesses Ivy Lane Boutique, The Color Spot, Deluxe Athletics, ETA Creative Event Producers, IAG Forensics & Valuation, Seed Kitchen & Bar, Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique, Tuxedo Mosquito Control and Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q were among the Top 25 small businesses honored by the chamber.

The program also includes a small business to watch honor, for those small businesses that have been open three years or less. Last year Dirty Deeds Junk Removal Service and Peachtree Hearing of East Cobb were among those businesses recognized in that category.

For information, and to apply, click here.

 

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