Consumer Stories

B2B Stories

$3 million project building for the future

Construction on a project that will help young adults prepare for their future and contribute to the economy is underway on Merry Street in Augusta. Demolition has started on a building at a former Augusta park, clearing the way for a tiny homes community. It is for young people who are aging out of the foster care system with little or no ability to transition into society. Spearheading the project is Bridge Builders Communities, Inc. (BBC). Penny Wasden with First Citizens Bank is on BBC’s Board of Directors. She told

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B2B Stories

Local baker competing for national title

When ABD first introduced Joey Blackwell to our readers two years ago, he had just competed in a New York Bake Off against fellow macaron bakers. His concoction, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, won Best Color at the event. Now the owner of Mac Daddy Macarons is going for a national title in the Greatest Baker competition. “Someone on social media tagged me about the event and I signed up, not knowing where it might lead,” said Blackwell. It has led to the Aiken home baker being in the top 4 in

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B2B Stories

Near $25 Million “Artconomic” benefit in CSRA

An annual event sponsored by the Greater Augusta Arts Council (GAAC) highlighted the impact the arts community has on Augusta’s image and as a magnet for tourists. The Arts Day Luncheon featured guest speaker, Susan Irish, National Association of Women Artists, South Carolina Board. Joining Irish was Bennish Brown, President and CEO of Destination Augusta, who stressed the importance of public arts. The numbers tell the story. A 2022 study by Americans for the Arts, a Washington, D.D.-based nonprofit organization, reported a $24.6 million economic impact in Richmond County from

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Consumer Stories

Fulfilling a commitment to the community

More than 30 local service organizations and nonprofit agencies received a financial boost, thanks to a commitment made by then-University Hospital, now Piedmont Augusta. The groups will share in the $1.9 million total contribution announced on Nov. 21. It fulfills an agreement made by the University Health Care System (UHCS) to become an affiliate of Piedmont. UHCS committed to providing $2 million each year for 10 years to support nonprofit organizations that match the Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Strategy for Piedmont’s Augusta Hub. “In many ways, University Health

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Consumer Stories

Parker’s Kitchen opens newest store in Evans

Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Parker’s Kitchen opened its newest convenience store/restaurant in Evans on the corner of Washington Road and William Few Parkway. ABD checked and Parker’s sold unleaded gasoline for as little as $2.45 per gallon. Drivers heading towards the lake from Washington Road in Evans will find it easy to make a right-hand turn into the 2-acre lot. Those heading from the lake, Riverwood subdivision, or Windmill area subdivisions will find it easier to turn right into the TPS store that’s located across the street from Parker’s

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Consumer Stories

Charcuterie demand leads to “Graze Craze”

Nothing says, “I care about you” like one of those tasty, trendy charcuterie boards! New franchisees, Clint and Cheryl Hardy are hoping for many Valentine’s Day orders when they open “Graze Craze” in early February in the Shoppes of Blue Ridge on 4118 Evans to Locks Road. Graze Craze will be in the same center as the popular “Chicken Fingers” restaurant and near Lakeside schools. The center is managed by Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. At Graze Craze, highly trained charcuterie experts known as Grazologists™ design arrangements that feature fresh fruits and

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B2B Stories

$54,000 CSRA business gift supports veterans’ families

A major fundraising event for two local Fisher Houses was originally scheduled for September, then rescheduled to October before being canceled because of Hurricane Helene. It seems fitting as we approach Thanksgiving, sponsors told event organizers, “Keep the money.” The Augusta Chapter of the Association for the United States Army (AUSA) organized the event to support the area’s two Fisher Houses, one on post at Fort Eisenhower and the other at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center on Wrightsboro Road. “Fisher Houses provide free lodging for families whose loved ones

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Consumer Stories

Ray Ray’s opening second location in 2025

Ray Carnes, the founder of the Recteq grill is living proof that “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Carnes had a public spat in 2023 with former Columbia County commissioner/Sparkle car wash owner, Gary Richardson over his desire to build a competing car wash near Washington Road and the Riverwatch Parkway. Carnes got his plan approved after originally being denied. Carnes got an attorney involved and appeared on the Austin Rhodes program on WGAC and spoke to ABD. Carnes told us that construction is in full swing

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Consumer Stories

Future Augusta film producers have a Top 50 school option

Augusta is now a popular location for movie producers and now CSRA creatives have a top 50 film school within 90 minutes of Garden City. The Wrap, a leading publication in the media and entertainment industry, has added the UGA Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television, and Digital Media (UGA MFA) to its list of the Top 50 Film Schools in the U.S. UGA MFA debuts at number 43. It joins Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) at #37 and Morehouse College at #41. This is the first

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Consumer Stories

Countdown to Downtown Small Business Shopping Event

After families gather on Thursday for Thanksgiving and hit the stores for Black Friday shopping, next up on the calendar is Downtown Augusta’s Small Business Saturday Crawl. Look for the stars at participating shops on November 30, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. You can start the experience with Augusta & Co., 1010 Broad Street. They’re giving the first 150 shoppers complimentary locally designed canvas totes and Crawl maps. Each of the sponsoring businesses is also donating items and gift cards for gift baskets. Participants can enter to win a

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