Cobb Chamber to hear The Avenue East Cobb redevelopment plans

The Avenue East Cobb redevelopment

Two officials with North American Properties will be discussing the current redevelopment of The Avenue East Cobb at a Thursday breakfast meeting of the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

The breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. at Indian Hills Country Club (4001 Clubland Drive) and admission is $30 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members. Walk-up admissions and payment cannot be granted.

The speakers are Mike Lant, a redevelopment executive with NAP, and Cayley Mullen, who leads a guest experience team for the management company.

The East Cobb Area Council holds three breakfast luncheons per year at Indian Hills.

For more information on Area Councils, contact Katie Guice at kguice@cobbchamber.org.

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East Cobb biz updates: East Lake Starbucks; Chick-Fil-A Lassiter

East Lake Starbucks opens

Over the weekend we saw the finishing touches being put on a new standalone Starbucks at the East Lake Shopping Center (2135 Roswell Road).

A reader sent us word on Sunday that it’s now open. The hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

This is the ninth Starbucks in the East Cobb area, and it’s right across the street from a smaller Starbucks inside the Kroger at the Pavilions at East Lake, and a mile or so from another Starbucks at Roswell and East Piedmont.

(See the map for more details.)

The new East Lake location was built on the site of a former bank, and is near the Los Bravos Mexican restaurant.

There’s a drive-through and indoor seating, as well as mobile app ordering and Wi-Fi.

Another standalone Starbucks is in the works at Paper Mill Village, with a delayed rezoning case requesting demolition of the existing small coffee shop for a 5,000-square-foot, two-story building.

That first hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 3 before the Cobb Planning Commission.

Back in service

What was supposed to be a short closure in February to expand drive-through service turned into be a longer hiatus for the Chick-Fil-A Lassiter (3046 Shallowford Road).

Store management announced on Friday that it’s reopened at its usual hours, after “a few unforeseen delays.”

The store had scheduled a Daddy Daughter Date Night but due to the closure that’s been rescheduled for March 25.

New Businesses

The following businesses in East Cobb were granted licenses by the Cobb Community Development Agency the last few weeks:

  • ASE Ventures, 2501 East Piedmont Road, Suite 204 (antique sales)
  • Blossom Locs, 2790 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 100-A (hair braiding)
  • Family Dental Care of Marietta, 2525 Shallowford Road, Suite 100 (dentist)
  • Ferrara Medical Aesthetics, 1000 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite E-25 (physician)
  • Settle for Glam, 2790 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 100-A (beauty shop)
  • Top Massage, 2200 Roswell Road, Suite 150 (health club/spa)

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East Cobb Biz Notes: Pure Barre Grand Opening; ECBA After Hours; more

Pure Barre East Cobb opens

The new Pure Barre Studio at Parkaire Landing Shopping Center (4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 790) is holding several grand opening events this week, after a few months of a soft opening.

The main events are this weekend—from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday—and include free classes, membership specials, raffle prizes and giveaways, vendors and more.

The raffle prizes come from IceboxCryotherapy, Athelta, McCray’s Tavern, Blo Blow Dry Bar and others, and there will be local juice places in the studio and B12 shots on Saturday from wHydrate, a hydration therapy spa.

Updates are being posted on the studio’s Facebook page, and owner Jenna Scearce says that if you want to take part in a free class, you’ll need to reserve a spot by phone/text (770-283-0278) or e-mail (eastcobb@purebarre.com).

Those class times are 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11 am. and 12:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and are  Foundations or Classic classes “so good for newbies,” general manager Chad Stone said.

Barre is a fitness concept that incorporates ballet, yoga and Pilates into a full-body, muscle endurance workout (intro info here).

Pure Barre, which has more than 600 locations in North America. Jenna Scearce and her husband Chad operate Pure Barre locations in Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton and will be opening another in Suwanee in the fall.

ECBA Resumes After Hours

The East Cobb Business Association is holding its first After Hours networking event of 2023 this week.

The event is from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday at Tijuana Joe’s Cantina (690 Johnson Ferry Road) and is open to ECBA members, their guests and visitors.

The cost is $5 for members and $10 for guests and visitors and includes one drink ticket and appetizers. You’re asked to register in advance to get an accurate headcount.

The ECBA also has a monthly luncheon for women this week. The group is called the Professional Women of East Cobb, and they also meet at Tijuana Joe’s for lunch the first Friday of each month, from 11:30-1 p.m.

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and advance online registration is required.

ECBA also holds a weekly open networking event every Friday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the IHOP (3130 Johnson Ferry Road). There’s no registration required; you pay for whatever you may eat or drink.

New Businesses

The following businesses in East Cobb were granted licenses by the Cobb Community Development Agency in recent weeks:

  • AM A Joy Designs, 4556 Steinhauer Road (merchandise and service broker)
  • Berry Good Realty Group, 2686 Jamerson Road (real estate and property management)
  • Blinds & Designs Ltd., 2993 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 110 (drapery and blind installation)
  • Burmeister & Associates PC, 1827 Powers Ferry Road, Suites 10-200 (CPA)
  • Cinetable Light Tight Films Inc., 4880 Surrey Drive (video and film production)
  • Elegance Events, 2080 Lower Roswell Road (catering service)
  • Isakson Living, 4994 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 16 (real estate and property management)
  • Peach Renovations, 652 Powers Ferry Road (roofing and siding contractor)
  • Phil Cool Heating and Cooling, 1751 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 3
  • Pretty By Kitty, 3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 109 (beauty shop)
  • Primary Fence of Georgia, 890 Blackwell Road (fencing contractor)
  • Professional Auto Repair Marietta, 1770 Lower Roswell Road (auto repair)
  • Roses Brazilian Bakery, 3349 Canton Road, Suite 219
  • SMG Motors, 4757 Canton Road, Suite 218B (used auto dealer)
  • The L Room, 2217 Roswell Road, Suite 132 (event venue)
  • Uncle Dave’s Automotive Repair, 3086 Canton Road
  • Visionworks, 4250 Roswell Road, Suite 520 (optical supplies)
  • Zen Dry Restoration, 111 Village Parkway, Bldg 2, Suite 100 (waterproofing contractor)

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More from Barnes and Noble about The Avenue East Cobb store

Barnes and Noble coming The Avenue East Cobb

Barnes and Noble issued its own release about the forthcoming store at The Avenue East Cobb after what North American Properties confirmed last month.

As we noted previously, the national book retailer will be occupying 15,0000 square feet of the former Bath Bed and Beyond store this summer, and the space will include a B & N Café similar to some of its nearby stores, including near Cumberland Mall.

Barnes and Noble CEO James Daunt said in a release Wednesday that this is Barnes and Noble’s first new store in Cobb in nearly 20 years, since opening at The Avenue West Cobb.

“Now that Barnes & Noble begins to grow again, opening new bookstores across the country, happily this omission is to be corrected,” Daunt said. “Our booksellers are very excited to be bringing such a large and beautiful new bookstore to the community.” 

Daunt was brought on to revive Barnes and Noble after turning around the famed Waterstone bookselling chain in his native Britain.

The Barnes and Noble release said the store at The Avenue East Cobb—the first in Georgia as part of a “smaller” size concept—is one of 30 the chain is planning to open across the country this year.

The revamped store concept allows for store managers to curate recommended books for local and regional tastes and to reflect the atmosphere of independent stores.

A specific opening time frame hasn’t been announced for the East Cobb store, but two social media sites have just been created, on Instagram and Twitter.

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Chick-Fil-A Lassiter closed two weeks for drive-thru upgrade

Chick-Fil-A Lassiter drive-thru upgrade

A busy Chick-Fil-A location in East Cobb is closed this week and next for expansion of its drive-thru service.

Brian Baldwin, the operations manager for the Chick-Fil-A Lassiter (3046 Shallowford Road), said in a video release over the weekend that “we are committed to improving your drive-thru experience.”

He didn’t specify what the renovations would entail, but management reassured a customer that they wouldn’t be getting rid of the play area for kids.

The closest Chick-Fil-A in that area is across from Sprayberry High School at 2530 Sandy Plains Road.

Chick-Fil-A locations in the East Cobb area have expanded recently to include a double drive-thru at some locations, with one dedicated for customers who order ahead.

The Chick-Fil-A at Woodlawn Square on Johnson Ferry Road was closed for several months in 2018-19 due to significant renovations that included reconfiguring its drive-thru access.

Retail Planning Corp., which manages the retail center, has applied to expand to a double pick-up lane and needs county approval to relate a Delta Community Credit Union ATM in order to do that. That case goes before Cobb commissioners on Feb. 21.

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The Avenue East Cobb details ‘Galentine’s Day’ event for women

The Avenue East Cobb Galentine's Day

Sorry fellas, you’re not invited.

The Avenue East Cobb is giving women a chance to enjoy Valentine’s Day a day early with their female friends.

“Galentine’s Day” is an event taking place next Monday from 5-7 p.m. in what’s being called the “Babe Cave,” between Tin Lizzy’s and Chico’s.

Admission to the Babe Cave is free, and the goal is to “make for a fun, easy way to get the group together for a night out celebrating the power of female friendship.”

There will be a “stroll map” of participating retailers and restaurants offering special sales and “photos with a group of huggable llamas that will be roaming the property.”

More about Galentine’s Day can be found by clicking here.

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East Cobb Biz News: Emergency vet to replace Tokyo Valentino

Veterinary Emergency Group East Cobb

Work crews this week officially unveiled what’s going in at the former Tokyo Valentino adult store space at 1290 Johnson Ferry Road.

A sign posted in the front window revealed the second Georgia location for Veterinary Emergency Group, a nationwide chain with 43 clinics, including one in Alpharetta.

It will be second such emergency vet clinic to locate in East Cobb in recent months, following Urgent Vet’s opening at East Cobb Crossing last September.

The VEG concept is similar to Urgent Vet, with after-hours availability and collaboration with a pet’s primary veterinarian to handle emergencies.

VEG co-founder and president David Glattstein is an Emory University graduate with investment experience. He teams up with veterinarian David Bessler, who opened his first emergency vet hospital in 2014.

Tokyo Valentino was ordered closed in July 2021 by a Cobb judge after operating without a proper business license. The adult retail store was tangled in litigation with Cobb County, which sued to permanently revoke its business license for misrepresentation.

Cobb issued a business license in March 2020 to 1290 Clothing, which listed itself as a clothing store on its business license application.

But pink and purple Tokyo Valentino signs went up when it opened in June 2020, the latest in an Atlanta-area chain of adult retail stores, with an inventory including adult lingerie and sex toys and other adult items.

Tokyo Valentino never re-opened in East Cobb, and last fall the City of Marietta revoked the business license of a Tokyo Valentino store on Cobb Parkway for similar reasons.

A Cobb judge upheld the revocation, citing a “bait and switch” tactic by Tokyo Valentino, which initially said that store would feature smoking products.

Federal litigation is still pending in that case.

Coming to Pinestraw Plaza

Visionworks, which operates more than 700 retail optical centers across the country, is coming soon to Pinestraw Plaza (4250 Roswell Road).

Customers can schedule an eye exam and choose glasses and contacts onsite in a similar concept to Warby Parker, which opened last fall at The Avenue East Cobb.

Visionworks has 15 locations in metro Atlanta, including near Cumberland Mall and Town Center at Cobb.

A growing footprint

The Big Peach Running Co. location at the Shops of Woodlawn (1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite C), is marking its 17th anniversary in business by expanding its space.

A wall between Big Peach and the new Cleaver and Cork butcher shop is coming down. Big Peach is open during the renovations, and continues as East Cobb’s spot for picking up community race packets (including the Walton Raider Chase on Saturday).

The East Cobb store was the second of what is now nine Big Peach Stores in metro Atlanta.

Hours are Monday-Friday 10-8, Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 12-5.

Welcome

Here are the new business licenses granted in East Cobb the week of Jan. 30-Feb. 3 by the Cobb Community Development Agency:

  • AP3 Marietta, 2620 Canton Road (auto accessories and installation)
  • Best in Dog, 2651 Beckwith Trail (small animal training)
  • Castellanos Welding Services, 934 Old Farm Walk
  • Duffy Scott Interiors, 5065 Fields Pond Cove
  • Gill’s Alterations and Cleaners, 2932 Canton Road, Suite 270
  • Nacho Tree Experts, 1900 Falcon Wood Place
  • Le Lawn Services, 4058 Cloister Drive
  • North Metro Truck Center, 2009 Dorsey Road, Suite 600 (auto repair shop)
  • PLS Yoga, 1000 Johnson Ferry Road (personal trainer)
  • Reesha, 3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 640 (barber shop)
  • The Maddox Home, 4487 Trickum Road (personal care home)

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East Cobb biz news: New LongHorn site; Withrow’s Jewelers closes

New East Cobb LongHorn site

Work crews recently demolished a former bank and restaurant building at 4370 Roswell Road (an outparcel at the Merchants Exchange Shopping Center) that will be the new site of the LongHorn Steakhouse.

It’s been more than a year since the one-acre property’s owner, East Cobb Warren LLC, got a variance from Cobb County to reduce the parking spaces from 57 to 50 and make other site plan changes.

LongHorn has been located at 4721 Lower Roswell Road since 1983, and when it marked its 30th anniversary at that location in 2013, it was the longest-standing original location for the Orlando-based chain.

The standalone building going up where BB & T bank and originally a Black Eye’d Pea restaurant once stood will be roughly the same size as the current location, a little less than 6,000 square feet, according to planning documents submitted with the variance request.

BB & T Marietta LLC sold the property in August 2021 for $2.5 million, according to Cobb property records.

East Cobb News has left a message with LongHorn seeking more details, including a timeline for opening.

Saying farewell

After 36 years in business in East Cobb, Withrow’s Jewelers closed in January due to the retirements of co-owners Jill and Robert Withrow.

The family-owned business was located at the Woodlawn Point Shopping Center, and in a Facebook message, Jill Withrow said that closing was “not a decision we came to lightly, but we hope that over the years we have been successful in our mission to offer exceptional fine jewelry and excellent customer service.”

She said that while she and her husband are looking forward “to slowing down, we will still remain part of the jewelry industry. We will continue to offer custom design, estate and gold buying, and select inventory by private appointment, starting in late spring of 2023.”

Contact information for those latter services: (770) 565-6675, text at (404) 234-2345, or email at withrowjewelers@gmail.com.

The Withrows also are referring customers to David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry (3605 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 260).

Vacating Parkaire

Anytime Fitness has closed at Parkaire Landing Shopping Center. The last day of business was on Sunday, according to co-owners Julia and Patrick Hogue.

They didn’t cite a reason for the closing, but Parkaire has several gyms and fitness centers, including CycleBar, Rock Box Fitness, Pro Martial Arts and most recently, Pure Barre, which is having raffles and offering other prizes in February leading up to its grand opening in early March.

The Tuesday Morning consignment shop at Parkaire closed in late 2022, and the adjacent Kroger is expanding to include some of that space.

New Business Licenses

We’re going to start listing new businesses coming to the community, which are compiled each week by the Cobb Community Development Agency.

For the week of Jan. 22-27:

  • J & J Dental, 2230 Roswell Road
  • Jessen Cabinets, 4651 Woodstock Road, Suite 150
  • Masterpiece Pools, 3278 Hembree Road
  • Nicole’s Dog Gone Cute Grooming, 4750 Alabama Road, Suite 105
  • Niki Gori (licensed professional counselor), 1640 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 18-200
  • Patel Plastic Surgery, 1519 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 250
  • Peakzen (fitness training), 1519 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 350
  • The American Woodworker (arts and crafts retail), 1719 Apple Boulevard

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Barnes and Noble to open bookstore at The Avenue East Cobb

Barnes and Noble coming The Avenue East Cobb
Most of the former Bed Bath and Beyond store at The Avenue will be taken up by a new Barnes & Noble location.

Nearly a dozen years after losing a major book retail store, The Avenue East Cobb is getting another one.

North American Properties, the retail center’s management company, confirmed to East Cobb News Friday that Barnes & Noble will be filling part of the former Bed Bath & Beyond space by this summer.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported earlier Friday at that Barnes and Noble will be testing a smaller concept, occupying 15,000 square feet at The Avenue, much less than its typical 25,000-square-foot size of standalone stores.

It will be the first such smaller store in Georgia, and is “intended to mimic the ambience, coziness and personal touch found in independent bookshops,” the ABC report said.

A story in The New York Times last April said Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt developed the concept, stemming from his days running Waterstones, a major book retailer in his native Britain:

“His theory was that chain stores should act less like chain stores and like more independent shops, with similar freedom to tailor their offerings to local tastes. It worked, and he returned Waterstones to profitability.

“He repeated that approach at Barnes & Noble. . . . Barnes & Noble has also concentrated on selling books, instead of the vast assortment of items that it once carried and that were only tangentially — if at all — related to reading.”

“We’re excited Barnes is coming,” an NAP spokeswoman said, adding that the rest of the BB & B space—which totalled more than 21,000 square feet—will be subdivided.

Borders was a staple of The Avenue in its early years before the company went into liquidation in 2011. That space is now occupied by the Michael’s craft store, which moved from the nearby East Cobb Crossing Shopping Center.

Since then, the East Cobb area has been served by independent and smaller book store chains.

Currently, there’s a Half Price Books location at Woodlawn Square, and Bookmiser operates a independent store on Roswell Road near Robinson Road West.

Barnes & Noble has three other locations in Cobb County, near Cumberland Mall and Town Center at Cobb and at The Avenue West Cobb.

Bed Bath and Beyond closed at The Avenue East Cobb in January 2022 as part of a nationwide reduction in stores, and as it tries to stave off bankruptcy.

The Avenue is currently undergoing a makeover that includes “jewel box” buildings with restaurants and small retail space, a public plaza and valet parking, and is increasing events.

NAP’s overhaul got underway before Christmas, with a portion of the back parking lot fenced off for construction.

Most of that project is expected to be finished by the summer, but the NAP spokeswoman said Barnes and Noble hasn’t given a more specific opening date.

She said several other leases of new retail tenants will be announced in the coming weeks, and that the Lululemon pop-up shop has converted into a full-time store at The Avenue.

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Cobb Chamber accepting 2023 small business of the year applications

Artisan Custom Closets Cobb Small Business of the Year
Artisan Custom Closets of East Cobb was the 2022 Cobb Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.

Submitted information:

The Cobb Chamber is accepting nominations and applications for the 2023 Small Business of the Year awards. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, February 1. Applications close on February 28.

In 1982, the Small Business of the Year awards were established to honor the important role that small businesses play in the Cobb community and the economy. For the 2023 competition, the Cobb Chamber will name the 2023 Small Business of the Year, the Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year, the Businesses to Watch – businesses that have launched three years ago or less – and the Next-Level of Excellence award winner. The Next-Level of Excellence award recognizes companies that have exceeded SBA size standards and are continuing to excel. 

Business owners can nominate themselves or other businesses. Nominees and applicants must:

  • Comply with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s size standards.
  • The applicant must be the owner, partner, or major shareholder of the business, and active in its day-to-day operations.
  • The business must be financially stable and operational for a minimum of three years – except for Businesses to Watch applicants, which are businesses that were established fewer than three years ago.
  • Businesses must be a member of the Cobb Chamber at the time the award is presented on May 8.

Once applications are submitted, each application is judged on business growth and performance, business challenges, unique and innovative approaches, community involvement and contributions, company culture, and employee relations. For the 2023 Small Business of the Year competition, an independent evaluation team will choose a Top 25, and from that group five finalists will continue in the competition for one to be named the 2023 Small Business of the Year. For Business To Watch and Next-Level of Excellence applicants, an independent evaluation team will choose the top three applicants for each award category. An overall winner for each award category will be chosen from the top three applicant pool. 

The winners of each award category will be announced and celebrated at the Small Business of the Year Luncheon on Monday, May 8 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coca-Cola Roxy.

Nominations and applications can be submitted at https://bit.ly/3IY6J7k. For more information on the Small Business of the Year Awards or to become a sponsor, contact Jani Dix at 770-859-2335 or jdix@cobbchamber.org.

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East Cobb Trader Joe’s reopens after temporary closure

East Cobb Trader Joe's temporarily closed

UPDATED, SATURDAY, 2:20 P.M.

The store has reopened.

ORIGINAL POST:

For at least a couple of days, the Trader Joe’s at Pinestraw Plaza (4250 Roswell Road) has been closed due to plumbing issues.

When we went by on Friday afternoon, two employees were giving customers that news, and it was an odd sight to see that part of the retail center’s parking lot empty of vehicles.

They didn’t indicate when the store would reopen, but apparently some pipes burst. Not long after we took the above photo, a repair vehicle was parked near the entrance.

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Westfield Tavern opening soon in former East Cobb Tavern space

Westfield Tavern opening East Cobb

Those behind the forthcoming Westfield Tavern at the Shallowford Corners Shopping Center say they’re getting closer to opening, and they got a big boost in the process last week.

Cobb commissioners approved on a consent agenda an item to grant a beer, wine, liquor and Sunday pouring license to Westfield Tavern, which is set to occupy the former East Cobb Tavern and Keegan’s Public House space.

Managing partner Erik Tierney told East Cobb News Monday that he’s hoping to open the doors in a couple of weeks, but couldn’t say exactly when.

He’s still hiring a staff and “waiting on a few other things” regarding licensing and permitting from Cobb County.

A veteran of the Atlanta pub and community tavern scene, Tierney said Westfield Tavern will be a “family-friendly community tavern” much like his Whitehall Tavern, which opened in Buckhead at the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center near Piedmont Hospital in 2011.

His restaurant group also includes the Creatwood Tavern in Smyrna, which features a rooftop patio.

While there’s a sports bar-type atmosphere, Tierney said he wants Westfield Tavern to exude a real community feel—it’s named after an adjacent subdivision on Shallowford Road—and will include an area for kids’ games.

The business also plans to get involved as a sponsor and partner in community activities, especially those involving youth and in the Pope, Lassiter and other school communities.

In doing the market research, Tierney said the demographics are very similar to Whitehall Tavern—40 and over and those raising children.

“It works very well down there,” he said in reference of the Buckhead location’s concept, “and I think it’s replicable here.”

The Westfield Tavern menu, he said, will also reflect those similarities (here’s Whitehall’s), including a number of kids’ items.

While Westfield will be located in the heart of the “JOSH” area soon to welcome East Cobb Church and new residential development, Tierney said its proximity to Roswell also is ideal.

“We’re trying to create this as a destination,” he said.

East Cobb Tavern opened in Jan. 2020, but closed soon after due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It briefly reopened then shut again in early 2021 in an attempt to find new ownership.

But that didn’t materialize, and the premises were vacant until last fall, when plans for the Westfield Tavern got underway.

Westfield Tavern was initially denied an alcohol license due to distance requirements under Cobb ordinances, but the Cobb License Review Board reversed that decision, which was upheld by Cobb commissioners last week.

That’s a standard pattern for many restaurants and bars in Cobb (as we noted in March 2021 about the Flying Biscuit Cafe opening).

Westfield Tavern’s opening hours will be Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The address is 4401 Shallowford Road Suite 13.

Tierney said anyone interested in applying for positions at Westfield can email info@westfield-tavern.com.

Tierney, who hails from Ireland and previously was a manager of the now-closed Ri Ra Tavern in Midtown Atlanta as well as Meehan’s Public House in Atlantic Station, said that while Westfield Tavern won’t be following as a true Irish pub, “we’ll still have Guinness on tap,” he said.

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The Avenue East Cobb raises $4.2K for Habitat in holiday fundraiser

The Avenue East Cobb holiday events

Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta announced this week that The Avenue East Cobb and its merchants raised $4,266 in its inaugural holiday partnership.

A total of $3,015 came from proceeds from ticket sales the East Cobb retail center held, including Experiences with Santa and Storytime with Santa.

Another $1,251 also raised from the Kendra Scott jewelry store at The Avenue East Cobb. The Habitat chapter featured a table at each event offering more information on the organization’s mission and how to get involved.

“We are so happy the amazing team at Avenue East Cobb and Kendra Scott selected us to be the benefactor of these popular events,” said Jessica Gill, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta, said in a statement. “We look forward to a long partnership bettering our community together.”

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East Cobb Biz Update: Pure Barre opening date is Dec. 26

Pure Barre East Cobb opens

We’ve been in touch with Jenna Scearce, owner of the forthcoming Pure Barre fitness studio at Parkaire Landing, which has been promoting its opening with founding memberships and other specials.

She said this week that a soft opening will start Monday, Dec. 26, the day after Christmas. Normal hours include classes that start at 7:15 a.m. with the last at 5:30 p.m. (there’s a daily schedule at the link above).

There have been some appointment-only classes for those founding members, and those will continue through March, when a grand opening is planned. Pure Barre also has had some joint events with CycleBar, also located at Parkaire Landing (4880 Lower Roswell Road).

Pure Barre is located in the former Draisen Edwards Music space near the McCray’s Tavern, and is the latest in the barre concept to come to East Cobb, along with barre3 at The Avenue East Cobb.

Barre is a fitness concept that incorporates ballet, yoga and Pilates into a full-body, muscle endurance workout (intro info here).

Pure Barre, which has more than 600 locations in North America, also has studios in Inman Park, Chastain Park, Buckhead and Westside in Atlanta, Kennesaw, Vinings, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody and Brookhaven.

1st Anniversary Celebration

Clara Goncalves Vanilla Cafe e Gelato at The Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road) checked in this week to alert us to the first anniversary of the business (our post from last year) that’s coming on Jan. 8.

They’re giving out treats and welcoming the public from 3-6 p.m. that day.

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Opening a business or know someone who is? Marking an anniversary or milestone? Send your information to editor@eastcobbbnews.com and we’ll share it with the public. You can send releases and photos, and please let us know your opening days/hours and provide links to how to find you online.

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Engaged Wedding Library service opens at Paper Mill Village

Engaged Wedding Library opens Paper Mill Village
Allie Heineman and Stephanie Whitaker of Engaged Atlanta; photo by ENewbern Photography

A concierge service that helps couples plan for weddings has opened at Paper Mill Village.

It’s called Engaged Wedding Library, and it’s the second such location opened by Stephanie Whitaker, whose original business is in Birmingham, England that she started in 2007.

She and her consultants work with vendor partners “based on a thorough vetting process and use that library of vendors to help couples build a wedding team that perfectly suits their style, location and budget,” according to a company release.

She said that the goal “is to match each bride and groom to the perfect team of wedding vendors . . . While the Internet is a great resource for finding hundreds of options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to figure out which ones are professional and a good fit for their unique needs. We help them get a clear vision for their wedding, set up meetings with local vendors that match their style and budget criteria, teach them about the planning process and give them some fun goodies to celebrate this exciting time in their lives. Brides and grooms leave Engaged more informed and less stressed, with custom vendor connections and a plan for their next steps.”

There is a one-time fee of $99 to become a “Library Member” that includes up to four planning meetings to become educated on vendor costs, get an overview of the planning process and plug into a system to keep planning on track.

Members also get unlimited email correspondence with the Engaged experts, the Engaged Handbook with a listing of vendors, and access to the perks and discounts offered by Engaged vendor partners.

Whitaker said most discounts range from $50 to $150 off and range from wedding gowns to honeymoon suites. Members also receive tickets to local bridal shows that Engaged partners with and conducts on its own.

Engaged also offers wedding day management services.

Whitaker’s Birmingham business serves more than 100 local vendors and 300 couples annually.

Engaged Wedding Library is located at 255 Village Parkway, Suite 510.

For more information, visit engagedatlanta.com.

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The Avenue East Cobb redevelopment construction work begins

The Avenue East Cobb construction work
Fencing around the back portion of The Avenue East Cobb has prompted some significant traffic detours.

Right before the holiday shopping season got underway, a sizable portion of the back parking lot at The Avenue East Cobb was being fenced off.

It’s the start of a redevelopment plan we’ve been following for some months, to include a public plaza and two “jewel box” buildings with restaurants and retail, as well as optional valet parking.

“Our intention is to transform AEC into a more walkable and pedestrian-friendly destination, so the current, short-term disruption to traffic flow is required to reach that goal,” said Britni Johnson, a spokeswoman for North American Properties, which manages the retail center on Roswell Road.

The groundbreaking was in August, but nothing further has happened until now to begin work on the “Central Boulevard” plan that’s scheduled to be completed early next year.

The barricades and fencing went up earlier this month, and the loss of a few dozen parking places and detours caused some traffic issues on Black Friday and over the weekend.

What you can’t do any longer—and this change is permanent—is use the traffic lane closest to the back of the main building, between the former Bravura store and what was Stockyard Burgers and Bones.

That’s where Central Boulevard will be located, featuring the public plaza and the valet service.

The jewel boxes will be constructed in the parking lot area between that building and the Michael’s craft store.

For the time being, there is no access along the back traffic lane between the Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma.

There is some limited parking in that area, including access to Michael’s, with detour signs and arrows on the pavement directing motorists around the fencing.

There were some complaints on social media about the construction work, especially the timing given the holidays.

North American Properties said in response to questions from East Cobb News that 88 parking spaces have been fenced off for the construction, with all but 20 to reopen when the project is.complete.

Johnson said construction is beginning late due to delays in getting necessary permits.

She said the building permit took longer than expected, and that while construction could have begun in September, when a civil permit was issued, “we chose to wait until building construction could officially get underway to reduce the amount of disturbance time for locals.”

She said the decision to begin work now, at the start of the holidays, was necessary “to keep the project on track for a summer 2023 delivery.”

Johnson said the “no thru traffic section” was opened on Black Friday and it is open again now.

The Avenue has scheduled a number of holiday events, including caroling this Friday, a live music concert next week and a Menorah lighting on Dec. 18.

When asked how extra traffic for weekend shopping and holiday events would be handled, Johnson said that “We are actively working with our general contractor to determine a low-impact solution for keeping the drive aisle open throughout the project while also moving construction forward in a timely manner.”

The Avenue East Cobb construction work
The planned “Central Boulevard” will be built between the main and back buildings at The Avenue East Cobb.

The Avenue East Cobb construction workA public plaza will be built at the former Bravura store.

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A gift guide for shopping small in East Cobb this holiday season 

East Cobb shopping small gift guide

For the holiday season we’re encouraging East Cobb residents to really keep it local with their shopping. East Cobb News contributor Tamar Levy has rounded up a few small businesses that provide a truly authentic community touch with their products, goods, services and customer connection.

Last Saturday was the traditional “Shop Small” promotion begun more than a decade ago by American Express to help promote community-focused businesses, especially retailers.

With additional promotions such as Cyber Monday, the shopping small ethos continues through the holiday season.

Levy will be contributing other holiday stories over the coming weeks. We’ll also be adding more freelancers in the new year to help us cover more of the news you’ve come to expect from East Cobb News.

In a recent reader survey, a number of you said you wanted more news and coverage of local businesses, and here’s an example of what we have in mind. Feel free to tell us how we’re doing.

By Tamar Levy

East Cobb is home to many unique small businesses, and this holiday season is a great opportunity to support them. From children’s items to home goods to wellness, you are bound to find something for everyone you are shopping for.  

Pineapple Porch Boutique 

Embrace your passion for southern hospitality and gracious living in an intimate shopping experience. This store has something for everyone on your list and items you won’t see anywhere else. They carry a wide variety of gifts and provide complimentary gift wrap as well.

1255 Johnson Ferry Rd, Unit 40 
Marietta, GA 30068 
(678) 398-9667
@pineappleporchboutique

The Orange Iris 

The Orange Iris presents a carefully curated collection of pieces for baby, child and her.  From the most traditional children’s clothing to whimsical gifts for your friend, they truly have something for everyone. And looking for something personalized? They have an extensive selection of both classic and modern monograms. 

255 Village Pkwy, Unit 160 
Marietta, GA 30067 
678-667-3526 
@theorangeiris 

Willow Park 

A curated and unique collection of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. The items you’ll find in this store are one of a kind and will help you stand out during the holiday season. With new pieces arriving frequently, you are bound to find something new for your closet here. 

255 Village Pkwy, Unit 170 
Marietta, GA 30067 
(404) 302-7138 
@willowparkboutique 

Olea Oliva! business anniversary

Olea Oliva 

This shop is the perfect place for the foodie. They carry spices, balsamic vinegars and olive oils. This family-owned business sells the finest oils and vinegars from around the world. In addition to shopping at their incredible taproom, you can enjoy a culinary experience through their various events. The perfect idea for a night out in East Cobb. 

4475 Roswell Rd, Unit 1725 
Marietta, GA 30062 
(770) 321- 0099
@oleaolivausa

Rose Jasmine Flowers and Décor 

This is the first flower shop in Atlanta to offer same day fresh arrangements with the option of delivery as well. In addition to typical flower arrangements, they carry beautiful, handcrafted flower boxes. This high-end flower and décor studio is the newest floral shop to East Cobb that has already made a lasting impression. 

255 Village Pkwy NE, Unit 740 
Marietta, GA 30067 
(404) 494-6473 
@rosejasmineatl 

Skin Care by Gabriela 

This five-star spa offers several treatments and services just for your skin. From light therapy to dermaplaning to luxury facials, they can do it all for your skin. Their team of experts will make you feel right at home no matter where you are on your skincare journey. 

286 Village Pkwy,  
Marietta, GA 30067 
(770)-226-9990 
@skincarebygabriela 

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Mr. Clean Car Wash to hold grand reopening events in East Cobb

Mr. Clean Car Wash reopens East Cobb

After closing in March 2021 due to a fire, Mr. Clean Car Wash reopened in East Cobb earlier this month and is holding several events and specials this week.

The combo car wash and oil change service is located at 3950 Shallowford Road, adjacent to a CVS store that is closing.

The new facility has been entirely rebuilt and expanded from the original building.

Services include self- and full-service car washes, detailing and Jiffy Lube oil changes for all types of vehicles.

A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m. with representatives of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and an appearance by the Morning Show crew from 94.9 The Bull and comedian Brian Moote for what’s being billed as “clean comedy.”

Free express car washes will be offered to all customers between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Thursday, Dec. 1 to Saturday, Dec. 3, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

Customers who purchase a single wash after that will get unlimited washes for their first month.

Mr. Clean has 11 locations in Georgia and four in Florida.

Updates for the East Cobb location are provided on its Facebook page.

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Kai’s and Ko restaurant to hold ribbon-cutting for relaunch

Kai's and Ko restaurant relaunching

Kai’s & Ko Restaurant and Lounge, located at 2520 E. Piedmont Road, Suite 106, in the Sprayberry Collection shopping center, is relaunching its business under new management.

A ribbon-cutting will take place on Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. and will include officials from the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

Kai’s opened in 2021 in the former Cafe 33 space, and is expanding its operations to include live entertainment and new menu items.

Kai’s will also be available for private events.

“We want to become an integral part of the Cobb community by supporting the community and providing a top service location with delicious menu items and entertainment,” owner Steve Cleveland said in a statement.

The business is partnering with Deep Waters Community Church to collaborate on ways to support the local community.

The relaunch events include the following:

  • Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. with karaoke until 11 p.m.;
  • Happy Hour Dec. 9 from 4-8 pm. and a live performance by BET Hip Hop Award winner Young Dro;
  • Brunch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 10 with the sounds of Kenny Bentley & Friends performing from 1-3 p.m.;
  • Day Party on Dec. 10 from 4-9 pm with R&B Artist “Nathaniel the Great” performing;
  • Soulful Sunday Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a soul food menu.

For more information, go to www.kaisnko.com or call (404) 451-5265.

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Cleaver and Cork opens in East Cobb; Roll On In closes

Cleaver and Cork opens East Cobb

The fourth location of the Cleaver and Cork butcher shop opened in late October in the Shops at Woodlawn (1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 162-D, next to Big Peach Running Company).

Cleaver and Cork describes itself as a family-owned artisanal butcher with a full line of premium meats as well as seafood, side dishes, cheese, produce, coffee, spices, charcuterie products and more.

The company is run by Chad and Audrey Stine, both former meat industry and sales representatives. They founded their first butcher shop in Sharpsburg, Ga., in 2018, then in nearby Newnan the next year. A store on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta also recently opened.

Another high-end butcher shop, the NY Butcher Shoppe, is tentatively scheduled to open in December at The Avenue East Cobb, but a specific date hasn’t been announced.

Cleaver and Cork is open Tuesday-Friday from 10-6, Saturday 10-5 and is closed on Sunday. Phone: 678-402-6996.

A vacancy at Woodlawn Point

A reader got in touch to say she heard that the Roll On In Sushi and Burrito eatery (1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 365) had recently closed, and saw a hand-written note on the door indicating that when she stopped for a look.

We saw the same thing; inside the restaurant’s furniture and insignia were still there. The location’s social media accounts have been taken down, although it’s still listed on the company’s website.Roll On In closes East Cobb

Roll On In is an Ohio-based Asian-Tex-Mex casual fusion chain whose first location in Georgia was in East Cobb, in March 2020.

Suzanne and Monte Jump, a married couple with roots in the community, were the proprietors, after years of working in the corporate restaurant industry.

We’ve left a message with Roll On In’s corporate office for more information.

Started in 2016, Roll On In featured such dishes as wanton tacos, sushi donuts and dumplings.

It currently operates 14 restaurants in six states, including two others in Georgia. Earlier this year it closed its original restaurant in Lebanon, Ohio, where it now has a cafe inside a local YMCA.

Ted’s closing for the holidays

Ted’s Montana Grill has announced it will be closing for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at all of its locations, including Parkaire Landing (640 Johnson Ferry Road).

It’s the second year in a row the Atlanta-based steakhouse chain, which has 11 metro locations, has opted to close for the holidays so employees can spend time with their families.

“We recognize the importance of spending quality time with loved ones,” Ted’s CEO and Co-founder George McKerrow said in a statement. “The holidays are all about giving back and making memories with the people who matter the most.”

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