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Consumer Stories

Restaurateur reacts to closing of neighbor’s business

Tracy Frey had high hopes in the early spring of 2022 when her “Roll On In” sushi roll/bowl and “Buzzed Bull Creamery” ice cream/alcohol franchise concept launched. She waded through the pandemic and waited a year to open. On Thanksgiving Eve, she closed permanently. The one restaurateur, who can truly feel her pain is her next-door neighbor—Renee Hajek of Stay. Social Tap + Table, who’s one phone call away from possibly closing herself. “We are devastated to hear that they are closing. It was a risk that we’ve all taken,

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Neil Gordon November 29, 2022 No Comments
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Income Inequality

Income inequality, whether measured before or after taxes has been rising over the last 40 years in the U.S. as shown below. The wealthiest 1 percent have seen their share of income increase to 21 percent pretax and 16 percent post-tax. Europe has also seen an increase in inequality however, the increase is less, and income inequality remains way below U.S. levels. Traditional explanations have suggested that Europe redistributes a greater share of income to the poorest citizens. However, a new paper by economists Blanchet, Chancel, and Gethin (https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/app.20200703) turns

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Economics Professor November 29, 2022 No Comments
Awards/Celebrations

Downtown restaurant gets honor and expands!

The building may be small and unassuming and a bit off the beaten path, but customers love The Brunch House in downtown Augusta. That love poured out so much that Yelp ranked The Brunch House as one of its 100 Top Restaurants in 2022, including restaurants from across the nation. The Brunch House came at No. 5 on the list. It was one of five Georgia restaurants to make the Top 100, but the only one outside the Atlanta area. Yelp created the list by asking “Yelpers” for their favorite

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Gary Kauffman November 29, 2022 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Downtown comes alive at businesses tomorrow/this weekend

What began as a railroad town in the mid-1800s after the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Companies’ line from Charleston to the Savannah River was built, would become a winter home for wealthy 19th-century equestrians from the north. More than 100 years later, another chapter is being added to Aiken’s history as a Christmas destination. According to Southern Living and an online site, Only in Your State, Aiken is THE place to visit this time of year. The publications describe Aiken as “a holiday extravaganza packed with festivities that are

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Mitzi Oxford November 29, 2022 1 Comment
B2B Stories

Local entrepreneurs plan to launch farm, event space in Columbia County

As an experienced business owner, Cricket Willis has learned that when something doesn’t work out, you pivot and try something different. Willis, owner of Artsy Me, which has locations in Evans and Grovetown, and her husband, Brad, plan to open event space on an 18.9-acre farm at 6297 Cobbham Road in Appling. In June, the couple bought the property, known as B.C. Kabat Farms, for $525,000. The Willises want to convert the barn into an event space for small celebrations with fewer than 50 guests, such as birthday parties and

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Story and photos by Josh Heath November 28, 2022 No Comments
Digital Marketing

Free Access: An AI-Generated Love Story

Last week, we talked about AI chatbots and this week, you will read an AI-generated tragic romance story. The story below was written by AI software. Warning: it does not have a Hallmark ending… Enjoy the read! A Tale of Two College Fans The boy had always been a Georgia Bulldog fan. It was in his blood. His father and grandfather had been season ticket holders for as long as he could remember. Then, he met the girl who would change his life, he was drawn to her immediately. She

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Richard Brashear November 28, 2022 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Sacred Heart seeks local artists for Iconic Augusta art show

Local artists will have an opportunity to showcase their talent and earn some money for their work at the Iconic Augusta art show at Sacred Heart Cultural Center, Jan. 6-20, 2023. Applications to take part in the show must be submitted by Dec. 9. “This is an opportunity for newer artists to show their work,” said Millie Huff, Executive Director of Sacred Heart. “The show will depict local scenes, anything that represents Augusta and the CSRA.” Artists may submit up to two items. The works must be two-dimensional and able

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Gary Kauffman November 28, 2022 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Local business owners to provide advice at first-time homebuyer event

Local business owners and real estate investors, Ashleigh Brooks, her mother Sandra Brooks, and Porsche Bennett, are financial literacy advocates that want to help people enjoy the benefits of home ownership. They joined with a publicist, Susan Dilworth (PICTURED ABOVE) to host this free community networking event, “Taste of Success,” focused on first-time homebuyers. This event will connect buyers with other professionals, such as real estate agents and loan officers, who can help guide them through the process. Space is limited; as of Wednesday afternoon, only five spots were available.

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Josh Heath November 28, 2022 No Comments
B2B Stories

Local entrepreneur adds flavor to traditional boiled peanuts

When it comes to snack foods, boiled peanuts have long been a Southern favorite. But Jacob Lyons recently launched a business that adds unique flavors to the traditional salty snack. Lyons, owner of The Peanut Palace, a local home-based business, creates and sells boiled peanuts in a variety of flavors, such as original, Cajun, salt ‘N’ vinegar, and buttery garlic, as well as peanut brittle. So far, salt ‘N’ vinegar has been the most popular flavor. He decided to start The Peanut Palace in September after some friends in his

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Josh Heath November 27, 2022 No Comments
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