Consumer Stories

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 the 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”.

A few years back, two national fast food franchises failed near the corner of Washington Road and Bobby Jones Expressway in Martinez. In today’s video business minute, Publisher Neil Gordon says, perhaps the third time is the charm.

Editor’s Note: Late last week, ABD shared the story of Surcheros Fresh Mex coming to Washington Crossing in Augusta. Recently, we received updated opening and menu information from the company, and we’re passing that along today. Deborah Kirkland, the company’s Director of Marketing & Franchising Support, acknowledges Surcheros is similar to other Tex-Mex restaurants, but she says its menu options distinguish it from the rest. “We offer over 20 different toppings that are available to guests to enjoy on their entrees with no extra charge,” Kirkland states. These toppings include

What is a neon fig? Not what you think. It’s a new restaurant opening soon in Aiken. One of the owners was raised in Aiken, Cecelia Roust. The other, Marvin Sterling, is a chef and her boyfriend with some serious kitchen credentials. Cecelia managed restaurants in Savannah. Georgia. Marvin has been featured on Burger, Brews, and Que on the Food Network and Food Paradise for the Travel Channel. They have both opened several restaurants for various companies, but the Neon Fig is the first they’ve owned together. When COVID hit