East Cobb Business

MetroAtlanta Ambulance CEO named new Cobb Chamber chairman

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Submitted information and photo:MetroAtlanta Ambulance CEO named new Cobb Chamber chairman

The Cobb Chamber’s Board of Directors have named Pete Quinones, CEO of MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, Inc., as its 2027 Chairman of the Board.

Quinones will succeed Melissa Cantrell, President and CEO of CDH Partners, who begins her term as Chairwoman of the Board in 2026. Quinones will start his term in January 2027 as Board Chairman and will serve as Board Chair Elect in 2026.

“I am humbled and honored to have been selected to serve as the 2027 board chairman. I am deeply passionate about our community, and I am committed to promoting business opportunities for everyone’s success,” said Pete Quinones. “I am excited to be working alongside our Chamber leaders and local businesses to continue to build on its long-standing history of excellence and help shape the economic and business landscape of our county. I look forward to carrying on the Chamber’s mission as we continue to utilize our collective power to foster collaboration among businesses and advocate for policies that promote sensible growth and prosperity.”

Quinones is the Founder and CEO of MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, a business that started and maintains its headquarters in Marietta, Ga. Over 25 years, Quinones has grown the business from one ambulance and four employees to now employing more than 800 employees, with a fleet of over 200 vehicles, serving more than one million residents in Bartow, Cobb and Paulding counties. 

Quinones is a long-time member and investor in the Cobb Chamber and its economic development strategy, SelectCobb. He has served on the Cobb Chamber Board of Directors since 2012 and the SelectCobb Board of Directors since 2014. He has served on the Chamber’s Executive Committee since 2022 and on the Government Affairs Committee for decades. In 2022, Quinones played a critical role in leading the Cobb Chamber’s strategic planning process as the Co-Chair of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. 

Since launching MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, Quinones and his business were quickly recognized with various awards and accolades from community organizations, industry associations and other entities. In 2006, MetroAtlanta Ambulance earned the coveted Cobb Chamber Small Business of the Year award. In 2011, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber named Quinones the Businessman of the Year. MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service and Pete Quinones have earned prestigious recognitions and awards by the Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Services, the American Ambulance Association, the Region III EMS Council, the State Office of EMS & Trauma, Georgia Institute of Technology, the City of Marietta and the WellStar Foundation.

Quinones has also served in many community and state leadership roles. He is the Chair of the Cobb County Board of Health, a board he has served on since 2018. He is a board member and treasurer of the Georgia Trauma System Commission. He is a member of the Governor’s Healthcare Task Force Commission and a board member of Highland Rivers and the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Scheller School of Business.

“Pete Quinones has been a steadfast leader, not only for the Cobb Chamber, but for our entire community and state,” said Sharon Mason, President & CEO of the Cobb Chamber. “His decades of commitment, from building MetroAtlanta Ambulance into a vital community asset to guiding our Chamber’s strategic plan, speak to his ability to lead with both vision and heart. We are thrilled to have Pete serve as our 2027 Chairman of the Board and know his leadership will strengthen our organization and the community for years to come.”

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Café Rivkah reopens with a new menu

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Cafe Rivkah ribbon cutting
Vicky Savrin (behind the counter) has made a myriad of changes since opening Cafe Rivkah in 2023. File photos.

Earlier this month, Vicki Savrin posted a notice near the front door and closed the blinds to Café Rivkah, the bakery and cafe she started in the Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center in 2023.

She has struggled almost since opening to find qualified and reliable labor, weathered a major price increase for eggs and changed up her menu many times to respond to customer tastes.

But two and a half years in, the professional baker, who got the idea for a neighborhood cafe from customers at the Marietta Farmers Market, was wondering if it was worth it to stay open.

“I do love the work, there’s no question about it,” Savrin said near closings hours on Sunday, at the end of the first weekend since coming back to open during limited hours and with a slimmed-down menu.

For a couple of weeks this month, Savrin thought about closing altogether. But on Friday, Café Rivkah reopened, and is now serving from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

Café Rivkah was closed briefly earlier this month, which caused some confusion for customers.

The family meals for takeout that she had prepared are on hold, and the cafe menu has been reduced, not only because of her smaller workforce but also to focus on breads and gourmet pastry items that have been the focus all along.

Savrin called the changes the latest of the “variations” she’s made in running Café Rivkah along with her husband, Phil Savrin, an attorney who has helped out on the weekends.

She admitted that her wide range of breakfast and lunch offerings, served up fresh and made-to-order six days a week, along with catering and family meals, might have been too much to take on, especially with a revolving staff.

Over the last two weeks, some customers were concerned by the sign on the door and a similar notice on the restaurant’s Facebook page indicating the cafe would close, and that the business would be focusing on catering, special orders and brunch and dinner events by reservation.

But during the middle of last week, the website announced the reopening. The new menu items will eventually be posted there.

She explained to customers that “to maintain the quality of food and service that meets these standards, I’ve made the decision to scale back and take a more hands-on approach to everything we prepare. This will mean more limited production and operating hours . . . so that everything we offer reflects the standards I’ve set for myself and am committed to upholding.”

Breakfast items include Shakshuka, a Mediterrean dish of eggs cooked in tomatoes and spices, Khachapuri, a Georgian (the nation, not the state) baked dish of cheese bread, Challah French toast, bagels, croissants and pastries and some egg/omelet offerings.

The lunch menu is focused on a variety of personal-pan pizzas. Coffees, teas, juices and other drinks are also served.

Savrin admits that she’d like nothing more than to “bake and cook all day,” but said that simplifying her managerial tasks were imperative.

Cafe Rivkah opens in East Cobb
Gourmet pastries are a big draw at Café Rivkah.

Finding consistent help has been hard for many restaurants and retail businesses, especially since COVID-19. She said Café Rivkah had paid “above the market rate” for kitchen and front-counter help, and that “when we tried to limit pay, that didn’t work out well.”

The biggest obstacle has been keeping a cook. Café Rivkah opened with a chef go match Savrin’s desire for a Mediterranean-oriented menu, and has had several others running the kitchen since then.

One of the reasons she decided to keep the doors open is that “we have good people who love this place.”

That refers to her current staff of herself and three others, plus a doughmaker who comes once a week, on Sunday, to help expedite the new arrangement.

She waves to the latter, expressing a sigh of relief, as he heads out the door.

“He’s been my safety net.”

Café Rivkah is located at 2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2104. Phone: 678-402-5809.

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East Cobb Biz News: 24/7 veterinary clinic sold for $3.33M

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East Cobb Biz News: 24/7 veterinary clinic sold for $3.33M

A 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic in the Powers Ferry Road area has been sold to a real estate investment group.

The Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency clinic at 1234 Powers Ferry Commons was sold to Terravet Real Estate Solutions, for $3.33 million, according to a release.

The sale was completed in coordination with the initial purchase of the practice by Innovetive Pet Care, a Texas-based firm that operates veterinary clinics nationwide.

The business will continue to go by the Dogwood name.

The release said that Dogwood’s 12,726-square-foot facility has been the only 24/7 emergency hospital in the Marietta area, and that the practice includes 17 full-time doctors and more than 70 total employees.

Dogwood operates in a standalone building in an office park off Powers Ferry Road, near the Delk Road intersection, and behind the China Doll and Brazilian Bakery restaurants.

“Facilities like Dogwood play a critical role in their communities by providing the specialized expertise and round-the-clock availability that pet owners depend on during emergencies,” said Daniel Eisenstadt, CEO of Terravet Real Estate Solutions, said in the release.

“Expanding our partnership with Innovetive reinforces our commitment to supporting practices that deliver this level of essential care.”

Dogwood is the first Georgia location for Terravet, which recently purchased veterinary facilities in Fairburn and Peachtree City and owns more than 1.5 million square feet of real estate across more than 165 veterinary properties.

Innovetive provides business support for veterinary clinics in 15 states, including three others in Georgia.

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L’Occitane en Provence beauty store open at Avenue East Cobb

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L'Occitane en Provence beauty store open at Avenue East Cobb

The third metro Atlanta location of L’Occitane en Provence, a luxury beauty and skincare retailer, opened this week at Avenue East Cobb.

It’s located behind Press Waffle Co. in one of the “jewel box” buildings recently added to the retail center at 4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1850.

Based in the Provence region of France, L’Occitane sells a variety of beauty and skincare products, including shea butter hand creams, aromatic essential oil blends and fragrances.

L’Occitane stores also are located in Alpharetta and Buckhead.

The Avenue East Cobb store hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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East Cobb foodie news: Duck Donuts closing at Merchants Walk

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Duck Donuts closing East Cobb

Six years after opening in Merchants Walk, the Duck Donuts store in East Cobb will be closing at the end of next week.

Co-owners Christine and Andrew Doring made the announcement Tuesday on the store’s Facebook page, saying the closure is due to “reasons beyond our control” but they did not elaborate.

“We can not thank you enough for your support over the last six years. We have truly enjoyed serving you.”

The last day of business will be Sunday, Aug. 17 for the made-to-order donut business, which is based in Pennsylvania and has more than 100 stores nationwide.

“We are proud to say we are not closing because of financial reasons. We have built a nice small business here,” Christine Doring said in response to a comment from a customer.

East Cobb News has left a message seeking more information.

The Dorings opened the first Atlanta-area Duck Donuts at 1281 Johnson Ferry Road in July 2019. There are two others that have opened since, in Acworth and Alpharetta.

“Hope to see you at the store during these final two weeks for one more ‘Warm, Delicious, Made-to-Order Donut!’ ” the Dorings’ message said.

Customers will get 35 percent off their orders when redeeming Duck Donut gift cards through the closure.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: A new look for main Avenue entrance

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East Cobb Biz Scene: A new look for Avenue entrance

We mentioned a few weeks ago that the main entrance/exit at Avenue East Cobb was undergoing a makeover, and here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see when y0u come and go.

That view is from Chico’s and toward the traffic light at Roswell Road. The same traffic flow pattern is in effect, and the installation of the white tiling, we were told then, was to “create a smoother, more beautiful arrival experience.”

Here’s an aerial look at what’s new.

As for a couple of upcoming restaurants at Avenue we’ve been reporting on since last fall, there’s no new information on when they may be opening. Renovations are continuing at  Tenku Sushi Elevation in one of the new “jewel box” buildings (the other is Press Waffle Co.) and Luga, an Italian concept by Ben and Seth Gjuka, brothers who opened Giulia, an Italian bakery, in Peachtree Corners last April.

Their second location will operate adjacent to Luga and will serve pastries, croissants, sandwiches and a variety of coffee drinks.

Luga had been planning a spring-summer opening, and when we went by over the weekend, there was a sign in front of Luga from Cobb County about an application for an alcohol license. East Cobb News has reached out to Luga for more information.

NCBA announces expo

The Northeast Cobb Business Association announced Monday that it’s holding a business expo on Oct. 9 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Piedmont Church (590 Piedmont Road).

It’s a chance for local businesses to market themselves to the community. Exhibitors tables cost $50 for NCBA members and $100 for non-members, and include a table, social media promotion, and more.

The event includes sponsorships by the Small Business Development Center at KSU, Cobb County Economic Development and the Cobb ranch of Work Source Georgia.

For more information and to reserve a table, click here.

The NCBA women’s networking event is Aug. 12 at Marlow’s Tavern at Shallowford Sandy Plains, and the main luncheon is Aug. 20, also at Piedmont Church.

For more details, click here.

ECBA August events

The East Cobb Business Association has announced its slate of events for August.

The main luncheon on Aug. 19 at WellStar Healthpark includes featured speaker Jeremy Johnson, whose remarks are entitled “Stand Out without Selling Out.”

ECBA’s Toastmaster events are Aug. 6 and 20 at the Rich Hart Global Studios off Powers Ferry Road, and every Friday morning the ECBA hosts an East Cobb Open Networking session at IHOP on Johnson Ferry Road.

For information and to register, click here.

East Cobb Pigskin Preview

On Aug. 21 the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual East Cobb Pigskin Preview, featuring the head coaches of six high school football teams.

The breakfast meeting is held at the Indian Hills Country Club, and registration and refunds will close on Aug. 15. Click here to sign up.

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Cobb Chamber’s 2025-26 youth leadership class announced

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The Cobb Youth Leadership (CYL), a development program sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta that focuses on developing leadership skills through interactive participation, has announced the members of its 2025-2026 class.Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

They include a number of students from high schools in East Cobb.

Here’s more about CYL from the Chamber:

“Created in 1989, the program provides students a unique opportunity to learn about their community as well as meet and interact with students from other high schools. Students attending public or private high schools or home-school students in Cobb County must complete and submit an application for CYL in the spring of their sophomore year. Students participate in the program during their junior year of high school.”

The Presenting Sponsor is Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and other sponsors include Six Flags Over Georgia, Walton Communities, and Kennesaw State University.

  • Johnson Ferry Christian Academy: Abby West
  • Lassiter High School: Julia Curtis
  • Mt. Bethel Christian Academy: Asher Adams
  • Pope High School: Abby Harsch
  • Sprayberry High School: Mary McGee
  • Walton High School: Gabi Angryk, Aashray Arun, Safah Patel, Young Kirkland, Jordyn Rubin, Emerson Webb
  • Wheeler High School: Takara Cannon, Jolie Charles, Raleigh Rhoden

According to the Chamber, orientation for the 60-member class begins on Aug. 11, with a fall retreat in September and several program evenings scheduled until graduation next April.

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Cobb Galleria Centre overhaul gets final approval

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Cobb Galleria Centre overhaul gets final approval

Submitted information and photo:

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, owner and operator of Cobb Galleria Centre, Georgia’s premier mid-size convention venue for tradeshows, meetings and special events, has approved the funding for a transformational, $190 million renovation and expansion project. It is scheduled to break ground in the fall of 2025 and be completed in early 2027.

“Over the past two years, we have conducted multiple supporting studies alongside design, master planning, pre-construction analysis, and financial reviews,” said Charlie Beirne, General Manager and CEO. “With this groundwork laid, we are poised to hit the ground running.”

The renovation and expansion will happen in phases. While the convention center will be closed for the last four months of 2025, it will reopen for business in January 2026 in the exhibit halls and ballroom.

“Cobb Galleria Centre will be open throughout 2026 and will continue to host trade shows, expos, meetings, conventions and social events in the exhibit halls and ballroom,” Beirne said.

The outside arrival area, new parking deck, and expanded meeting and event space will remain in progress until early 2027

RENOVATED BALLROOM, EXHIBIT HALL, ROTUNDA COMING IN JANUARY 2026

In January 2026, the rotunda, ballroom, and common area spaces will boast a major facelift with a completely new, contemporary look. From new carpet, wall coverings, new wood finishes and modern chandeliers, guests will be impressed with the lighter, brighter event spaces. The rotunda will be transformed with new terrazzo flooring and a new, large sculptural chandelier that will dazzle from above. Additionally, the 144,000-square-foot exhibit halls will feature updated entrance vestibules, upgraded restrooms, new electrical floor boxes, and LED lighting throughout.

The project master plan scope includes:

  • Demolition of Galleria Specialty Shops and 2nd floor meeting rooms;​
  • Expansion to include:
    • An exciting new, two-story grand entryway
    • A new, 7,200-square-foot junior ballroom
    • 11 new meeting rooms and an executive board room, totaling 24,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting room space with enhanced graphics and technology​
    • A unique, 11,000-square-foot outdoor event courtyard and a separate garden, both allowing natural lighting to penetrate interior conference room spaces
    • New, connected parking​ with covered, all-weather access into the expanded facility
    • Overall addition of 13,000 square feet of indoor event space
  • Extensive renovation and facelift of existing exhibit hall, concourse, rotunda and ballroom.

For more information, visit cobbgalleria.com/where-it-all-comes-together.

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Biz Update: SPENGA fitness studio closes at Merchants Walk

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Biz Update: SPENGA fitness studio closes at Merchants Walk

After nearly six years in business, the SPENGA East Cobb fitness studio has closed at Merchants Walk.

A notice was posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday saying “thanks for the memories East Cobb” with a heart shape. At the bottom of notice it said “location permanently closed.”

There was no explanation given after readers on the page inquired.

“SPENGA East Cobb was the absolute best!,” wrote one. “Everyone is going to miss the classes, staff and amazing instructors so much. How I wish someone would buy it and keep it going.”

Denese Faulkner, the studio’s owner, told East Cobb News that “I closed SPENGA because it was time for me to move on to a new chapter in my life. I would love for someone to buy it and keep it in the community!”

On July 1 SPENGA asked for customer testimonials for a chance to win a gift card, and had posted a full schedule of designated workout sessions for the month of July.Biz Update: SPENGA fitness studio closes at Merchants Walk

“Covid changed our trajectory and we had a hard time recovering,” Faulkner said. “Therefore, it’s time for me to start a new chapter. It was a hard decision to make but it was the right decision for me.

“The East Cobb community welcomed us 6 years ago with open arms and excitement and has embraced us with such kindness and warmth over the last few days. We had AMAZING members and I will miss them all terribly.”

Faulkner said that members received an e-mail letting them know that their memberships will be pro-rated and canceled.

SPENGA is a fitness franchise based in Evanston, Ill., and was founded in 2015. It features a trio of exercise concepts—spin, strength training and yoga—into a 60-minute workout, and has locations in more than 20 states.

SPENGA opened at Merchants Walk, across from Marlow’s Tavern, in the fall of 2019. The only other Georgia location is in Roswell.

The East Cobb area has become a magnet for a variety of national fitness franchises, including multiple locations of Club Pilates, Orangetheory Fitness and LA Fitness, as well as a number of yoga-specific studios.

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2026 Leadership Cobb class announced by Cobb Chamber

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Submitted information:Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

Leadership Cobb, the Cobb Chamber’s premier leadership development program, has selected 60 new participants for the 2025-2026 class. Founded in 1983, Leadership Cobb brings together diverse business and community leaders for a 10-month journey focused on personal and professional growth. The program accomplishes this through leadership training, teambuilding, and educational experiences highlighting our community’s greatest success stories and most significant ongoing challenges.

The 2026 Class:

  • Kimberly Allred, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
  • Kate Beasley, Walton Communities
  • Priti Bhatia, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Mike Bonnette, Kennesaw State University
  • Nicholas Booth, O’Dell Hungerford Blanchard & Booth
  • Tonya Byrd, Gilbane Building Company
  • Carl Carlson, The Walker School
  • Lauren Cedor, Cobb & Douglas Public Health
  • Chase Clark, Brasfield & Gorrie
  • Vic Collins, Hounds Town Atlanta – Smyrna
  • Christina Cummings, Kidz2Leaders
  • Rodney Drinkard, The Coca Cola Company
  • David Esterline, CROFT & Associates
  • Richard Freeman, Wellstar Health
  • Chuck Gardner, Marietta City Schools
  • Jenn Garner, Papa Johns
  • Jessica Guinn, Cobb County Government
  • Jules Harper, The Four Walls Group
  • Gina V. Hawkins, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office
  • Karen Heard, Marietta Wine Market
  • Tim Henderson, LGE Community Credit Union
  • Molly Holm, Glory Haus
  • Amanda Hughes, Cobb Travel & Tourism
  • Stephanie Idland, Chick-fil-A, Inc.
  • Simon Janman, Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Keisha Jeffcoat, City of Mableton
  • Kyle Johnstone, TK Elevator
  • Shea KonigsmarkMetro Regional Educational Service Agency, Metro RESA
  • Rachel Langelotti. City of Marietta
  • Kyoung Lee. Arcadis
  • Kafi London, Kafi London Intl.
  • Jose Lopez-Vera, Northside Hospital
  • Toby Mabry, Cobb EMC
  • Christopher McKellar, Mauldin & Jenkins
  • Daniel McKinney, RaceTrac, Inc.
  • Tomeca Mosley, Cox Enterprises
  • Ben Needle, Osborne High School
  • Scott Orr, Cetera Investors
  • Gina Owens, Verizon
  • Tahnicia Phillips, Cobb County State Court
  • Paul Powers, Powers Electrical Solutions
  • Brian Rutledge, City of Marietta
  • Courtney Santry, CDH Partners
  • Alisha Thomas Searcy, Center for Strong Public Schools
  • Abby Smith, Visit Marietta
  • Andy Stearns, Atlanta Braves
  • Zach Strickland, Croy Engineering
  • Darrell Sutton, Sutton Law Group
  • Jaret Usher, Cobb County State Court
  • Ryan Varchetti, US Air Force/Dobbins Air Reserve Base
  • Dan Vasquenza, id8
  • Heather Walker, Cobb County Tax Commissioner’s Office
  • Ashley West, Georgia Power Company
  • Anthony White, Adio Chiropractic
  • Megan Will, Cumberland Community Improvement District
  • LaTonya Williams, Vanderlande Industries
  • Jordan Wilson, Corporate Tax Advisors
  • Laurie Wong-Burns, Reflections of Trinity Inc.
  • Crystal Wyche, Vinsere Group
  • Darrell Young, Compliments Salon and Barbers

Joyette Holmes, Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, and Eddie Wade, Croy Engineering, will be co-chairs for the 2025-2026 program year. Andy Gaines, Earl and Rachel Smith StrandTheatre, and Tricia Newton, Waterworks Atlanta, will be the vice co-chairs for the 2025-2026 program year. This year’s class theme is “Lead the Way.”

The Leadership Cobb class of 2026’s Yearlong Presenting Sponsor is Kennesaw State University Executive MBA; and Legacy Sponsors, Accounting Consultants of Cobb, CDH Partners, Cobb Travel & Tourism, Croy Engineering, Genuine Parts Company, Johnson & Alday, and Mauldin & Jenkins. For more information about Leadership Cobb, contact Kai Lawrence at 770-859-2346 or klawrence@cobbchamber.org.

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Biz Scene: Pho Hoa grand opening; Einstein Bros. open; more

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Biz Scene: Pho Hoa grand opening; ECBA July events; more

After several weeks of a soft opening period, Pho Hoa and Jazen Tea is holding a grand opening celebration this weekend.

The Vietnamese-style franchise opened its first Georgia location at Market Plaza in the former Kouzina Christos and Aurelio’s space (1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 22) in May.

Owner Leo Zheng announced that on Saturday and Sunday, pho entrees and drinks will be 50 percent off, and there will be other gift giveaways during the weekend.

In addition to a variety of pho specialties (spicy beef stock with noodles and protein, including brisket, chicken and shrimp), Pho Hoa serves up rolls, rice and vermicelli plates and banh mi, a baguette-style Vietnamese sandwich.

In addition to the Jazen Tea specialties, other drink offerings include tropical specialties and smoothies and slushies.

Pho Hoa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; more updates on its Facebook page.

Einstein Bros. Bagel opens

The second Einstein Bros. Bagels shop in Cobb County has opened at Providence Square Shopping Center (4101 Roswell Road, Suite 801), between Sprouts and Mattress Firm, as we first reported in May.

The company sent out a release Monday with the following information:

To celebrate, for the next two weeks at the new Marietta location, guests can enjoy a BOGO Free Egg Sandwich when they order in bakery, online, or in the app with code BOGO.

“We’re thrilled to bring our fresh-baked breakfast to the Marietta community,” said Adam Modzel, Chief Operations Officer at Einstein Bros. Bagels. “Atlanta has always been a welcoming market for us, and we’re excited to serve even more guests in this vibrant area. There’s no better way to start the day than with a warm, delicious bagel – and that’s exactly what we’re proud to deliver.”

Hours are daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; here’s the store’s website with more information.

Wing Café bash

The Wing Café and Tap House (2145 Roswell Road, Suite 170) is celebrating its 30th anniversary Saturday with a Pig Roast starting at 2 p.m.

The event features a full pig roast, live music from Baditude, featured beers from New Realm Brewing and whiskey specials from WhistlePig (more details here).

An independent establishment for more than 20 years, Wing Café originally opened in the East Lake Shopping Center in 1995 as part of the North Carolina-based Wild Wing Café chain, which still has locations in Alpharetta and Dacula.

It still retains the neighborhood tavern and features a variety of live music on the weekends, and has a Tiki Bar that’s open seasonally.

ECBA July events

The Professional Women of East Cobb will hold its monthly luncheon on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at J. Christopher’s at Woodlawn Square (1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 114).

The cost is $20 for East Cobb Business Association members and $30 for non-members, and you can register in advance at this link. The event includes networking and a speaker from among the membership.

The objective, according to the ECBA, is “to build relationships with other East Cobb businesswomen. This group is intended to support, learn, and grow from one another.”

The featured speaker at the July 15 ECBA luncheon is Rainy Lynn, who will discuss “Experience Over Exposure: Building Deeper Client Connections,” devoted to developing marketing experiences that “that drive real engagement, brand loyalty, and long-term growth.”

The event, which lasts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road) includes lunch and open networking.

The cost is $20 for ECBA members and $25 for non-members and you can sign up at this link.

There’s no ECBA After-Hours networking event in July.

NCBA on hiatus

The Northeast Cobb Business Association will resume activities in August.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Celebree School a chance ‘to give back’

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Celebree School a chance 'to give back'
Aloke Devalia (left), Farwa Khan (center) and their children break ground at the forthcoming Celebree School in East Cobb. ECN photos.

Aloke Devalia and Farwa Khan are not unlike a number of East Cobb married couples who’ve taken the plunge into running a local business.

Devalia, a corporate revenue manager with Delta Air Lines, is continuing in his position. After working at a Marietta private preschool, Khan had a dream to start one of their own.

They’ve been in East Cobb for the last decade and are raising their children here (and who attend Dodgen MS and Timber Ridge ES).

For the last 15 years, Devalia said, he and his wife have looked at a variety of franchise options, and began saving and planning.

Together, the couple decided to invest in an early childhood education franchise location that’s among the first in the metro Atlanta area.

The Celebree School is set to open in the fall for infants through the pre-kindergarten age, at a former CVS store (1099 Johnson Ferry Road). A groundbreaking was held last Thursday, as work crews continue finishing interior renovations and as Khan provides tours to prospective families.

Another Celebree School is opening in the Smyrna area, as a 31-year-old company based in the Middle Atlantic states is reaching into the Southeast.

“This one is owned by the founder,” Devalia said of the Celebree School, which has locations in 24 states. “It’s an investment for us, but we’re doing it for the children in this community.”

He said that a number of children whose parents have signed them up thus far “are literally living in our neighborhood.”

Khan, who’s been accredited in the early childhood field for 15 years, said a family-focused opportunity was a major factor in getting started.

“We want to create a place,” she said, “that’s just like home.”

For the last two years, she and her husband have been searching for space in East Cobb for such a venture, but they found a dearth of suitable commercial real estate.

They had even been looling in nearby areas of metro Atlanta when the former CVS site became available for lease.

Since March, renovations have been underway to convert 10,000 square feet of what had been open retail space into a facility with nine classrooms and common areas.

The school’s objective is to “encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration, along with a new, inclusive playground designed to engage children in physical activity and imaginative play.”

Khan said that the building will be ready later in July, with tentative opening in August or September. Each room has a window—those had to be cut out of the brick walls of the former pharmacy—and in the back a playground is being constructed that can’t be seen from Johnson Ferry Road.

The couple’s children are active in youth sports and other activities in the East Cobb area, as the family has settled in like many others who have come here for the same reasons.

“Community, faith and family,” Devalia says, “those are big values for us. This is kind of an opportunity for us to give back.”

Celebree School is accepting enrollment. For information, call 770-574-4867 or visit its website.

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Everest Spirits Superstore replaces Sherlock’s in East Cobb

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Sherlock's liquor store becomes Everest Spirits Superstore

A couple weeks ago, a reader told us that the long-standing Sherlock’s liquor store on Roswell Road in the East Lake area had been sold, but didn’t know what the new name would be.

We went by there earlier today and the new sign is up on the marquee: It’s called Everest Spirits, officially the Everest Spirits Superstore.

The Sherlock’s that had been on Ernest Barrett Parkway near Town Center Mall is the Everest Spirits and Wine Warehouse, and it opened under that new name in April 2024, per its Facebook page.

Nadeem Hirani, the new owner, told East Cobb News that a number of changes are in the works that customers will notice, including a new beer cooler with a beer cave featuring an increased product line, new red lights inside and outside the store “for better visibility and a secure shopping experience” and a revamping of the liquor and wine selection “to keep up our customers with new trends in the market.”

Hirani, who also owns the Town Center store, said he plans to add military and teacher discounts at the East Cobb location, along with monthly raffles and a new customer loyalty program.

He also said he is “keeping the same staff and adding more help to increase customer service and shopping experience.”

Sherlock’s opened in 1986 at several locations in metro Atlanta, including East Cobb, offering a large variety of wine, beer, spirits and cigars. There also were Sherlock’s stores in Decatur and Brookhaven that have since closed.

There remains a Sherlock’s Wine Shop on Northside Parkway in Buckhead. That’s where our reader was told to take his gift card that wasn’t honored when he wanted to use it at the East Cobb store, but before the Everest Spirits signs went up.

The Everest Spirits Superstore (2146 Roswell Road, at Robinson Road West) is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 12:30-8 p.m. Sunday.

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Town Center CID board elects new chairwoman, vice chair

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Submitted information:

Town Center CID board elects new chairwoman, vice chair
Britt Fleck (Kevin Harry Photo)

The Town Center Community Improvement District (CID) today announced the election of Britt Fleck as chairwoman and Michael Davis as vice chair of its Board of Directors.

Fleck, general manager of land at Georgia Power, oversees the company’s land engineering and acquisition operations strategy. With more than 35 years of experience guiding communities toward a higher quality of life, she brings extensive expertise to her new leadership role. Fleck previously held the position of vice chair on the CID Board. In addition, she serves as vice chair on the Board of Trustees for Kennesaw State University Foundation and as secretary on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

“Since joining the Board, my passion for the Town Center area has grown tremendously,” said Fleck. “I am honored to work alongside such an impressive group of community leaders to bring the CID’s vision to life.”

Michael Davis is the co-founder of D&G Development Group, a real estate development company. In this role, he pursues new development opportunities, advances existing projects and maintains external relationships for the company. Prior to founding D&G Development Group, Davis led the development of the $1 billion Avalon project in Alpharetta, Georgia. Appointed to the Board in 2024, he brings a wealth of entrepreneurial and real estate experience to his role as vice chair.

“I am honored to serve in an organization dedicated to the betterment of the area I call home,” said Davis. “Despite my short tenure on the Board, I’ve seen such impactful work done by an incredible group of people and I’m excited to help continue the CID’s legacy.”

Darin Mitchell serves as treasurer and Tracy Styf as secretary, while Dan Buyers, Steven Cadranel, Jo Ann Chitty and Nicolas Porter hold the remaining seats on the Board.

“Britt and Michael have proven themselves to be strong leaders,” said Styf. “I’m confident the transition to their new roles will be seamless and their guidance will continue to make Town Center Community an accessible, prosperous place to live, work and visit.”

For more information about the Town Center CID, visit towncentercid.com.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Marietta Donuts; Avenue traffic changes

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Marietta Donuts; Avenue changes; more

As we noted in November, a location of Marietta Donuts is coming to the Sprayberry High School area (2520 East Piedmont Road, Suite 3) in the Sprayberry Collection shopping center.

Original plans were for the opening to be before Christmas, but that has been delayed for a few months, and it’s coming up this Friday.

To celebrate, owner Sokcheat Heng is giving away free hot or iced coffee with the purchase of a dozen donuts at the new location and the original (1282 Johnson Ferry Road), from Friday-Sunday.

The new place (Facebook page) is bigger than the original, with 1,200 square feet of space, and some tables.

In addition to a wide variety of doughnuts, Marietta Donuts sells fritters and kolaches, a Polish-style pastry with sausage, as well as croissants, cinnamon rolls, eclairs, breakfast biscuits, bagels, coffees and teas.

Avenue traffic changes


Starting Tuesday, Avenue East Cobb will be implementing some traffic access changes the retail center said is being done to “create a smoother, more beautiful arrival experience.”

The entry lane of the main driveway will be closed starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, hours before the stores open. The two exit lanes “will be temporarily converted into a dual-purpose entry and exit to maintain access to the property.”

Then, at 5 p.m., according to an Avenue social media post, “the entire main entrance will be closed for safety purposes.”

Shoppers should use the side entrances closest to Lenscrafters and Barnes and Noble during this time.

Lauren Ness, a spokeswoman for Jamestown L.P., the Avenue East Cobb property manager, told East Cobb News that “weather permitting, the team is working diligently with the goal of completing the project by Thursday, July 4. Construction will generally occur Monday through Saturday. The enhancements will create a visual and functional upgrade that better reflect our redevelopment efforts and makes navigation more clear.”

Here are a couple of maps about the changes on an Instagram story post.

Gifts Galore & More Show

The organizers of the Gifts, Galore and More Show in East Cobb announced the dates for their 13th annual holiday show.

They’ll be Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 10-2 and 5-8, and Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 10-3 at  3275 Somerset Trace, in the Somerset subdivision.

That’s the home/studio/garden of Lynn Weinberg, a textile designer, and one of the dozen or so artisans and vendors whose work will be available for sale.

Here’s more about how Weinberg got this show going:

“The idea for the event which started in 2009 came from Weinberg’s interest in connecting with other artists and local vendors in East Cobb.  It started as a yearly event, but now only takes place every other year. ‘It’s also a reflection of my own lifestyle – the people, products, services and businesses showcased are ones I personally admire and use.’

“She started her career as part of an artist cooperative in Alexandria, VA., called The Torpedo Factory and this event gives her the opportunity to recapture that environment. Weinberg also loves working in the garden and the show features the work of a local garden sculptor in the front, along with many works that she has created, a greenhouse built by her husband and several other unique garden features.

“Weinberg’s husband, an avid birder, has turned the yard into a bird haven and now that he is retired he will be showing his woodworking as well.”

More details can be found at the show’s website.

You can also contact Weinberg at silkscapes@mindspring.com or call 678-234-0966.

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Delta Credit Union names new East Cobb branch manager

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Delta Credit Union names new East Cobb branch manager

Submitted information and photo:

Cobb County based Delta Community Credit Union is pleased to announce new branch managers at two of its locations in Cobb County. Corey Higman has been named manager of the Vinings branch at 3250 Riverwood Parkway, and Kara Buckner has been named manager of the Marietta branch at 1205 Johnson Ferry Road.

A graduate of Hillgrove High School with deep roots in Cobb County, Higman has been with Delta Community since 2018 and previously served as manager of the branch in Marietta. He is also involved in several of the credit union’s community outreach programs, particularly those focused on financial education and career development.

“As someone who grew up in Cobb County, I’m passionate about giving back to the community that shaped me,” Higman said. “At the Vinings branch, we’re committed to helping local families and businesses thrive by offering trusted guidance and exceptional member service. I am excited to lead this team and continue making a difference close to home.”

Buckner, who previously served as assistant manager of the credit union’s branch in Alpharetta, will now lead branch services for members in East Cobb County. She has more than eight years of experience in the financial services industry, having previously worked at United Community Bank before joining Delta Community in 2022.

“I love that credit unions have a people-first approach,” Buckner said. “Being part of a thriving, vibrant and welcoming community makes my role incredibly rewarding. I’m honored to serve our members in East Cobb and help them reach their financial goals.”

Higman and Buckner look forward to deepening relationships in Cobb County and forming new partnerships with local schools and organizations through Delta Community’s financial literacy and education initiatives.

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Celebree School coming to former Johnson Ferry CVS space

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Celebree School coming to former Johnson Ferry CVS space

If you’ve been wondering what’s going in the former CVS space at 1099 Johnson Ferry Road, it’s an early childhood education center called the Celebree School.

The school serves infants through Pre-K in what the franchise operation calls support of “the physical, emotional, social, and academic development of young learners, all while meeting Georgia’s rigorous early education standards.”

The East Cobb married couple franchisees, Farwa Khan and Aloke Devalia, who have three children of their own, are having a groundbreaking on June 26 for “a comprehensive renovation” of the former CVS site.

Celebree is a 31-year-old company founded in Maryland and Delaware, and that expanded in 2019, including a location in Smyrna. There are nearly locations in 24 states.

In a release, Khan and Devalia said that there will be clasrooms to “encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration, along with a new, inclusive playground designed to engage children in physical activity and imaginative play.”

Farwa Khan previously ran an accredited private school in Marietta and has an academic background in public administration. Her husband has been in leadership roles at Delta Air Lines and Equifax.

“As parents, we understand how important it is to find a place where your child can learn, grow, and thrive,” Devalia said in the release. “From day one, Celebree School felt like more than just a school — it felt like a family dedicated to providing the best care and education for young children.”

The Celebree School in East Cobb is accepting enrollment. For information, click the QR in the graphic, call 770-574-4867 or visit its website.

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Big Blue Swim School to hold Family Fun Day

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Big Blue Swim School Family Fun Day

Submitted information and photo:

Big Blue Swim School Family Fun Day

Location: 2960 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066

Date/Time: Saturday, May 31 2025

Event Description: Join us on May 31 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm to celebrate the opening of Big Blue Swim School in Sandy Plains!

Get a first look at our new state-of-the-art swim school while enjoying live entertainment, kids activities, and more!

We’ll be offering tours, and we’ll also have entertainment, food, and activities inside and out! This event is FREE and open to the public.

You can also enter to be the lucky swimmer who gets an ENTIRE YEAR of FREE lessons! We will reveal the winners at Big Blue Family Fun Day. Enter here- https://www.promoamp.com/c/digital-reputation-reviews-jy2h2o

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East Cobb restaurant update: Toastique Cafe coming soon

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East Cobb restaurant update: Toastique Cafe coming soon

The gourmet toast and juice bar Toastique is opening a location soon in East Cobb, in Pinestraw Place (4250 Roswell Road, Suite 150).

That’s next to Trader Joe’s and in the former Dan’s Fan City space, and it will be second Toastique in metro Atlanta.

The concept that started in Washington, D.C. in 2018 opened in Midtown last year, and has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

The Toastique website says there will be more expansion in “Atlanta” in 2025 but didn’t specify East Cobb.

The franchise operators are Rex and Leslie Sheridan, an East Cobb-area married couple.

Rex Sheridan told East Cobb News that the target opening is the fall, and that “we are excited to bring healthy, delicious food with a great atmosphere and convenient location to our neighbors in East Cobb.”

In addition to gourmet toasts, the Toastique menu includes bowls, coffees and teas, smoothies and cold-pressed juices, grab and go snacks and wellness shots.

Featured items include an Avocado smash toast and a hummus Greek toast.

The Toastique founder, Brianna Keefe, says on the company website that “Toastique is where beauty and all-day brunch-y goodness come together to break bread, and smoothies, and coffee, and juices . . .

“We are the fast-casual, modern dining your inner health nut has been waiting for.”

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The Music Studio Atlanta wins two Cobb Chamber awards

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Honors for The Music Studio Atlanta
Cecilia Rowe, The Music Studio Atlanta owner

Submitted information:

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce named The Music Studio Atlanta the 2025 Woman-Owned Business of the Year and a Top 25 Small Business of the Year for its remarkable innovation, sound approach to organizational challenges and positive impact on the community. This is the third year in a row The Music Studio has been named a Top 25 Small Business of the Year.

The 2025 Woman-Owned Business of the Year award recognizes a small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by women-owned businesses in the county. The Cobb Chamber awarded The Music Studio with both of these awards at their May Marquee Monday breakfast at the Coca-Cola Roxy.

“We are incredibly honored and thankful to receive both of these awards from the Cobb Chamber,” says Cecilia Rowe, owner and founder of The Music Studio. “For more than 30 years, we’ve remained dedicated to delivering the highest quality music instruction. I believe it’s the unique blend of exceptional teachers, our proprietary rewards-based curriculum, and our longstanding experience that has brought us to this moment of recognition.”

“We are proud to honor The Music Studio Atlanta as the 2025 Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award winner, a testament of the innovation and drive that defines Cobb County’s business community,” said Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber.

To be considered for the Cobb Chamber’s Small Business of the Year awards, each hopeful submits an application to the Cobb Chamber. The applicants must provide key factors contributing to the company’s success, 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 2025 Small Business of the Year Award is sponsored by LOUD Security Systems, Inc. and S.A. White Oil Company.

About The Music Studio Atlanta 
The Music Studio Atlanta opened in 2011 growing out of Courtnay & Rowe In-Home Music Academy and continuing a 30+ year tradition of offering quality music lessons to thousands of Atlanta students, of all ages and levels. With locations in Vinings and East Cobb, this multi-award winning studio offers lessons in piano, voice, guitar, drums, strings, woodwinds and preschool music, 7 days a week and employs a large roster of top-notch teachers and support staff.

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