Consumer Stories

B2B Stories

Papa’s got a brand new arena in the bag. What’s next?

Approving the Construction Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (C-SPLOST) was just the first step to building a state-of-the-art James Brown Arena complex. Attorney Jim Plunkett, who serves as bond counsel for the city, joined members of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority during a Nov. 9 meeting to lay out the path forward. He said it will begin with a meeting with the city finance department, city financial advisor, and legal counsel to work out the structure of the bond issue. “What that means is basically, whether this will be

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B2B Stories

Who are you wearing? New women’s clothing shop answers the question

It’s the epitome of creating a small business. Find a need and fill it. Last spring, Angie Richards and Terri Rourk were shopping for new ensembles to wear during the polo season. They couldn’t find what they were looking for and that’s when the idea to create their own shop was born. Curated Clothiers opened on Nov. 1 at 108A Laurens Street in Aiken. Even though the polo season is over for the year, the holidays lie ahead. If you are shopping for yourself or gifts for others, they have

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Consumer Stories

Have We Given Up on Superheroes?

Lately, there have been quite a few headlines in major entertainment publications signaling a phenomenon that, just a few years ago, would’ve seemed unimaginable. The gist of those headlines is that superhero movies are losing money. It’s true. Marvel Studios’ newest release, the Brie Larson-led Marvels, (a sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel) is expected to gross $60 Million on its opening weekend. Its predecessor earned a whopping $154 Million after its premiere. This comes after another box office flop for the studio, Ant Man & The Wasp: Quantumania. D.C. Studios

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Consumer Stories

New take on a grocery option downtown

On Broad Street, that great street, lies the heart of downtown, with restaurants, shops, recreational opportunities, businesses, and hotels. Now comes a grocery store, The Earth Pantry, to complete the picture of a place to benefit living, working, and playing downtown. The new shop, at 1026 Broad Street, is a step in the right direction for food goods. They not only offer bulk foods, but also home and body care items and a refrigerated section and will continue to expand food, beverage, wellness, and cleaning supply offerings. “Partnering with local

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Consumer Stories

If it’s smokin’, could it be a new BBQ restaurant?

ABD received word from Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate about the sale of the Sunshine Bakery location at 1209 Broad Street in Augusta. Sunshine Bakery is an Augusta icon, opened in 1946. Through several ownerships, most recently Gene Gurley until it closed in 2020, the restaurant was known for its savory soups and pastries. The release of a statement from Fat Man’s Hospitality Group through Jordan Trotter indicates the classic soups might be replaced by some BBQ staples. “The Fat Man’s Hospitality Group is proud to have the privilege and

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Consumer Stories

New menu item for popular chicken chain

Chicken Salad Chick just made a sweet acquisition. Chicken Salad Chick bought Atlanta-based dessert bakery Piece of Cake for an undisclosed price. All 245 Chicken Salad Chick restaurants will be serving Piece of Cake baked goods including the three Augusta locations. One is in the Washington Walk Shopping Center near Augusta National, at 2817 Washington Road, the other locations are in Grovetown, 4990 Steiner Way, and in Evans at 4429 Washington Road. However, when ABD contacted the location at Washington Walk, we were told they aren’t yet offering the Piece

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B2B Stories

Child Enrichment to receive grant support and leadership training from Bank of America

Bank of America has announced Child Enrichment as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion awardee for their work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods in Augusta. Through this multi-year grant funding and leadership training for the nonprofit’s leadership, programs, and services addressing child abuse and neglect will be able to help more children and families. The program will provide leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability, and storytelling and a $50,000 grant over two years. Child Enrichment provides a

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B2B Stories

Repurposing of shopping center to include hardware and pickleball

Demolition and clearing continue this week inside the 50,000-square-foot former home of Bi-Lo and Final Cut in the shopping center at 500 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez. Once the remodeling is complete, the right side of the vacant building will feature Furys Ferry Hardware, a deal we reported a few months back. Co-owners of the tool and gardening center will be a local alternative to Lowe’s and Home Depot. The plan is for them to open their nearly 20,000-square-foot facility in early spring, in advance of the 2024 Masters Golf

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B2B Stories

Festival brings food, fun, and an economic boost to the CSRA

The Foodees Food & Cultural Festival kicks off this afternoon at 1 p.m., making it the first event to take place at the Freedom Bridge in downtown Augusta. The bridge and part of Reynolds Street will be filled with more than 50 food trucks and tents showcasing the best of local and international cuisine including foods from Germany, Honduras, Japan, and Africa. “November is a good time of the year to generate new business like the addition of the Foodees Food & Cultural Festival,” said VP of Destination Development &

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