Consumer Stories

Consumer Stories

Local baker, caterer to launch south Augusta storefront in early January

Tawanda Higgs-Harris wants to bring a new type of business to south Augusta, which is why she’s launching her own bakery and catering company in that part of town. Higgs-Harris plans to celebrate the grand opening of Infinite Delights Baking, Catering & Event Space at 2906 Peach Orchard Road, the former home of The Philly Cheesesteak Factory, in early January. She will serve not only desserts, such as cakes, pies, cupcakes, and cookies but also breakfast and lunch items, including omelets, bacon, hamburgers, and chicken wings. Higgs-Harris, who gives up

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Consumer Stories

Lily Henson takes leadership at Piedmont Augusta Hospital

Piedmont Augusta Hospital (formerly University Health Care System) will be under new leadership when the new year begins. Piedmont announced that Dr. Lily Henson will become the new President and CEO of Piedmont Augusta on Jan. 9, 2023, replacing retiring CEO, James Davis. Henson is currently CEO of Piedmont Henry Hospital. “I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to meeting and working with the outstanding physicians and staff members in Augusta,” Henson said. “I believe we will be able to achieve great things together as we continue the

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Consumer Stories

Local light display serves as holiday tradition for many CSRA families

Every November and December, Mark Jackson loves to see families spending time together and enjoying a festive holiday experience. Jackson, the managing partner of Lights of the South located at 633 Louisville Road in Grovetown, said that’s his favorite part of running the seasonal business, which opened for the 2022 season on Friday, Nov. 18 and will close on Friday, Dec. 30. He has co-owned the business for six or seven years, but he said it’s been around for nearly 20 years. “I like seeing people in the holiday spirit,”

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Consumer Stories

Local foundation awards nonprofit grants, calls on business community for help

The Community Foundation for the CSRA has announced that more than $616,000 will be awarded to local non-profit organizations, thanks to help from individual donors and community partners, such as the Masters Tournament. But there are numerous opportunities for businesses to provide funding for nonprofits, according to Shell Berry. Berry, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, said she would love to find businesses willing to fund organizations that didn’t receive money from the Community Grants Fund this year. “We’d love for more to participate; all the organizations have been

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Consumer Stories

Columbia County farm owner to offer goat yoga class this weekend

Jeanette Norris loves kids, whether they have two legs or four. Norris, a pediatrician and owner of a 10-acre farm off Columbia Road in Grovetown, will offer her first goat yoga class on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Peaceful Warrior Apothecary, 324 South Belair Road, Martinez. The one-hour outdoor class, which will include six to eight of her friendliest goats, is called Pet-A-Goat Yoga. “It’s a regular yoga class with goats jumping around,” she said. “Our goats are very friendly, and people love to pet them.” Norris bought the farm

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Consumer Stories

Local antique shop begins first week in new spot

After being closed for three months, a local antique shop re-opened in its new location on Friday. Mema Had One has relocated from 2328 Washington Road to 135 Davis Road across the street from Good Earth Produce & Garden Center. The former location closed on Aug. 31. While the new location is much smaller, it will only be filled with items people want to buy, such as toys, artwork, collectibles, and gifts, according to the business’s co-owner, Pam Hayes. “We’re excited about the more curated items,” Hayes said. “We pride

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B2B Stories

Local assisted living community sold to Arizona-based real estate firm

A local assisted living and memory care community has been sold for an undisclosed amount. Last month, Inspired Healthcare Capital, an Arizona-based private equity real estate firm, purchased Thrive at Augusta from Drake Real Estate Partners, a New York-based investment firm, according to an article from Seniors Housing Business. CBRE Senior Housing, a commercial real estate investment firm, arranged the sale of the 85-unit property located at 313 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez. “Thrive Senior Living will continue to manage the community,” the article said. Thrive at Augusta President, Melita

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Consumer Stories

Aiken’s Nutcracker is a tale of childhood stories and the economy

The Aiken Civic Ballet recently celebrated its 50th year, making it South Carolina’s longest-operating dance company. During the Christmas season, they host the Nutcracker Tea at the Aiken Historical Museum and present the beloved Nutcracker ballet held at USCA’s Etherredge Center. Both are wildly popular. Tara Reeder, ACBC President and Chair of the Nutcracker Tea said, “You’d think we were selling tickets to a Taylor Swift concert for this weekend’s tea. We added a sitting for a total of four with 88 guests at each and the tea still sold

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Consumer Stories

Business Lunch Review: Surchero’s Fresh Mex

Editor’s Note: Wes Hennings never met a meal he walked away from and is an opinionated eater! Each Thursday he shares the results of a business lunch he’s had with a colleague as a way to advise our business community on the good, bad, and tasty across the CSRA. He doesn’t let ABD or the restaurant know where he is going and his opinions are his own. He grades the restaurants he visits on a 1-5 scale with “5” being outstanding. We call this our “Real Business Lunch Review”. Food

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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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