Consumer Stories

Consumer Stories

New Starbucks location to open on Walton Way

A coffee giant will open another store between Augusta University’s Summerville Campus and Augusta’s medical district, according to a news release from Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. Starbucks, which already has 16 locations throughout the CSRA, plans to build a new one at the corner of Walton Way and Chafee Avenue (see photo above story). Other locations include Wrightsboro Road in Augusta, William Few Parkway in Evans, and Knox Avenue in North Augusta. Starbucks competes with small local shops, such as Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee in Augusta, Rooted Coffeehouse

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Consumer Stories

Local company wants to save your roof

A local home improvement company wants to help you avoid the cost of a roof replacement. Roof Savers Georgia LLC, which is owned by Russell Beckum, Allen Childs, and Larry Hogue, officially opened for business on Nov. 13, 2021. Roof Savers specializes in rejuvenating residential and commercial roofs (see photo above story) by applying a plant-based oil created by a company called Greener Shingles. The oil is designed to improve an older roof’s condition by restoring its flexibility and waterproofing protection. Beckum says it also greatly enhances its appearance and

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Consumer Stories

Nationally known chef opens new Aiken restaurant

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

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Consumer Stories

Real Talk Real Estate: It’s Going To Be a Long WINTER

It is official, Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow and we are looking down the scope of what is expected to be a long winter in the CSRA. Unfortunately for us, this rings true for real estate as well. I know we all hoped for a reprieve from the crazy market, but today’s statistics continue to be heavy-handed against buyers. The first big hit was an interest rate hike for the VA and FHA loan products. We are seeing these rates starting to hit over 4%. I have compiled a

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Consumer Stories

Evans shopping center almost fully leased

Two large retailers are opening new locations in the Mullins Colony Shopping Center, near Belk in Evans. Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia (see photo above story) offers a variety of services, including waxing, facials, and Botox treatments. Founded in Charleston in 2007 by Claudia Rissardi, Brazilian Wax and Spa has more than 20 locations in four states: Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania. According to the company’s website, the company will soon add more locations, including one in Charlotte. Augusta already has one location at 2907 Washington Road in

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Consumer Stories

FAITH FRIDAY: The Proof (and Faith) is in the Cheesecake

Arielle Page puts the “small” in small business. Her homemade cheesecake pastries are primarily online/pick-up only right now. However, that is slowly changing. Since August of 2020, when Arie’s Confectionaries officially began operating as a business, the pastry chef’s sweets have been making their presence–and taste–known. While she’s the sole baker, her mom helps when it’s time to do a pop-up shop or a farmers’ market. “We offer a variety of cheesecake flavors!” she exclaims. “What makes this company unique is that we provide mini, assorted cheesecakes. Customers are able

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Consumer Stories

New restaurant to open at site of old problem

The intersection of Washington Road near the Bobby Jones Expressway can be bumper-to-bumper, especially around lunch or dinnertime. Publisher Neil Gordon says a new restaurant is going to take a chance that traffic won’t keep customers away.

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Consumer Stories

Wild Wing to return to Augusta/Grovetown

ABD’s learned that a deal is in place for a developer and franchisee to build a two-story Wild Wing near restaurant row on Washington Road—not far from the Masters and another one in fast-growing Grovetown. “There will be a rooftop bar along with a music patio upstairs and downstairs along with an airstream bar and a sunken fire pit,” said Wild Wing CEO, Steve Weigle via phone from headquarters in Charlotte. He said the restaurants will be ready sometime after the Masters in late 2022, but he expects to do

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Consumer Stories

New Tex-Mex restaurant to take on competitors in Augusta

You’re probably familiar with Moe’s, Chipotle, and Diablo’s, but a new Tex-Mex restaurant is coming to Augusta. Surcheros Fresh Mex will be located at 2907 Washington Road in Washington Crossing, a shopping center that already includes Bonefish Grill, Half-Moon Outfitters, and The Joint Chiropractic. Surcheros serves a variety of dishes, such as tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads (see photo above story). The restaurant’s menu even includes a dessert called s’mores quesadilla, which is made with a tortilla, s’mores filling, Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, and powdered sugar. Like other Tex-Mex chains, Surcheros

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Consumer Stories

Business Lunch Review: McAlister’s Deli via DoorDash

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”.

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