Consumer Stories

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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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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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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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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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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Consumer Stories

Mental health treatment center opens in Evans

Many CSRA residents struggle with mental health problems, and it can take weeks or even months to see a psychiatrist. But waiting is no longer necessary, thanks to a new treatment center now open in Columbia County. High Focus Centers just opened a new location at 607 Ponder Place, near Tuscany Spa in Evans that currently offers adult mental health services, such as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, according to its Executive Director, Marlea Bodie. High Focus treats patients with a variety of diagnoses, including depression, bipolar disorder, and

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Consumer Stories

Successful holiday weekend for a two-in-one Aiken boutique

Maddie P Boutique and Kels & Faith Company got a jump start on Black Friday sales by opening at 7:00 pm on Thanksgiving. The strategy paid off. Way before the doors opened, a long line of shoppers was already waiting despite the chill and rain. The two boutiques share store space at 126 Pendleton Street. The partnership has worked well for both. They moved together from Warrenville to Aiken in March of this year. Jessica Gaskins, the owner of Maddie P’s, attracts customers from 17 to 70. Kelsey Cook’s Kels

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Awards/Celebrations

Local gourmet nut entrepreneurs celebrate 10 years in business

If you’re looking for corporate gifts for your clients this holiday season, Brian and Kam Kyzer probably have just the items you need. The Kyzers own Watanut, a gourmet nut business, located at 3309 Washington Road in Augusta, and a second store in Amelia Island, Fla. Brian Kyzer said the business, which sells nut mixes, Georgia pecans, and shortbread cookies, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an open house on Thursday, Dec. 1, 5-9 p.m., at the Augusta store. The Kyzers host a large open house every year, but they

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Consumer Stories

Local baker makes Greek desserts layered with love

Making baklava is a time-consuming process that involves buttering 60 layers of filo dough, but Thalia O’Gorman loves baking the Greek dessert. O’Gorman owns Thalia’s Baklava, which recently began leasing space in OPP Kitchen located at 359 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez. She sells seven flavors of the dessert, including traditional, chocolate, blueberry, and espresso. “It’s like apple pie; everybody who makes it has their own version of it,” said O’Gorman, a native of Connecticut. “And we all swear ours is the best.” She grew up in a Greek family

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