Openings

Consumer Stories

New CSRA restaurant serves up freshly made Mexican favorites

Rosy Ortiz came to Aiken from Veracruz, Mexico 23 years ago. During that time, she worked for several restaurants, but last week, she and her business partner, Juanita Brito, opened their own place, Taqueria El Charrito. Mexican food is second only to Chinese cuisine in popularity. While you can find popular dishes including carnitas, tamales, and burritos on their menu, Ortiz is very proud of the tacos they serve. “We have five or six different types of tacos available. Everything from the corn tortilla to the salsa, Pico de Gallo,

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Consumer Stories

Local politician launches upscale event space

Over the years, Steven Kendrick has heard from many people who wanted a nice, affordable space to hold upscale events in the CSRA, which prompted the former Richmond County Tax Commissioner and mayoral candidate to open his own event space. In Nov. 2022, Kendrick launched Central Station located at 1857 Central Ave., next door to Midtown Tavern in Augusta. The more than 3,000-square-foot space hosts a variety of events, including weddings, meetings, and retirement parties. He said the building, which was previously occupied by various businesses, including Totally Platinum Hair

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B2B Stories

New therapeutic massage and spa could take your stress away

Business owners are the ones who get in early and stay late, sometimes skipping lunch breaks, heading off to meetings, and never getting to the bottom of their inboxes. Sound familiar? The need for relaxation and stress relief is real. Maria Cardona understands that better than most. She worked in the medical field for 21 years, first as a CNA and then as a phlebotomist. During that time, she also had a side job as a massage therapist. “I finally decided to open my own business. My husband has been

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B2B Stories

Gourmet grocery and wine shop soon to open in CSRA

It’s been four years since Wine World closed in Aiken, but a store with something more is coming soon. Town Square Olive Oil & Wine is set to open in the next few weeks. The shop will offer olive oils, a variety of vinegar, wine, craft beers, and charcuterie boards. Owner, Tia Harville and her husband, Joey, are excited about the location, 509 Georgia Avenue in Aiken. “My husband’s family is from the area and the concept for the shop stems from his aunt’s Town Square Olive Oil business in

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B2B Stories

Young entrepreneur opens hair salon in the CSRA

How do you beat the summer heat? Let us count the ways, a dip in the pool, a relationship with A/C, or another way is opting for a shorter haircut. Summer cuts are cooler and fit the relaxed, carefree lifestyle of the season. At Summer Cuts in Aiken, Summer Engelberg is standing by with scissors in hand to give you a “new do.” “The seasons seem to run in my family. My sisters are named Autumn and Winter, but a customer gave me a sign that reads, ‘Summer cuts all

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B2B Stories

Hair today, gone tomorrow? A new wig boutique can help

Editor’s note: I’m a breast cancer survivor. The surgeries and chemotherapy were bad enough but, honestly, one of the worst parts of the experience was losing most of my hair. After all, a woman’s hair is her crowning glory. And yes, I sought out a wig. A full head of hair gives us confidence and makes us shine. Having a good hair day can boost our confidence, as well as our mood. But if you suffer hair loss, it can affect you physically and emotionally. “Your hair doesn’t define you,

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Consumer Stories

Local cookie dough franchisee, coffee shop open dual business

For nearly two years, Jen Harpley has wanted to open a dessert business across the street from Evans Towne Center Park, but as of last week, her wish has finally come true. Harpley, who serves as a COO for a CSRA business, owns the local Alumni Cookie Dough franchise at 7025 Evans Towne Center Blvd., Suite 213 in The Plaza at Evans Towne Center, which is owned by Meybohm. The space was previously occupied by Roll On In and Buzzed Bull Creamery. Alumni share its space with Rooted Coffeehouse’s second

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Consumer Stories

CSRA native launches casual restaurant, bar in familiar location

Maguire Welsh grew up in Augusta, graduated from the Academy of Richmond County, and worked as a server at local restaurants before moving away seven years ago. When Welsh moved back to town last year, he decided to open his own casual dining restaurant and bar. In late May, Welsh opened Midtown Tavern located at 1855 Central Ave. near Buona Caffe, which was most recently occupied by Soul City Pizza. The restaurant serves a variety of meals, including smash burgers, grilled salmon, and chicken tenders, as well as beer, wine,

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B2B Stories

Gas and convenience chain expands in the CSRA

Edgefield, SC — GasPro, a leading fuel and convenience store chain headquartered in Grovetown, has opened two new locations in Johnston and Trenton. Formerly known as Billy’s gas stations, these modern GasPro stores are now fully operational and ready to fill up your car or truck tank with fuel and your personal tank with an array of food choices. GasPro offers all grades of gasoline and diesel. In addition to fuel, the stores have a wide selection of snacks, beverages, and accessories tailored to the needs of truckers. For busy

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Consumer Stories

Cart Mart rolls into new CSRA location

What do hospitals, farms, military bases, and golf courses have in common? Golf carts. The uses depend on where you are and your needs. Outside of state roads or interstate highways, golf carts provide a handy way to get from point A to point B. Cart Mart moved in April from Augusta to 1044 E. Pine Log Road in Aiken, the former location of Aiken Saddlery. Since 2021, Zach Brown has served as the Sales Director for the GA/SC Cart Mart commercial team. “We’ve been incredibly busy in the past

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