Consumer Stories

Consumer Stories

Big donation from Columbia County merchants supports children in need

The most vulnerable infants at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia (CHOG) in Augusta are benefitting from the 4th Annual Spring Fair in Columbia County, thanks to the fair’s sponsors. The Merchants Association of Columbia County (MACC), a non-profit organization made up of active and retired business owners, presented the hospital with a check for $180,000. “We just want the community to recognize there are needs in our community, and there are associations in the community that want to help. Especially children in need,” said Carol Garner, MACC Charity Committee Chairperson

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Consumer Stories

When a biz break calls for family fun

Fort Eisenhower MWR Phone:  706-791-6779 Website: MWR Website Summer is right around the corner, and you may be thinking about options to explore with your kids that will not cost you an arm and a leg. From one local to another, I never really thought that a civilian could have such an easy time getting on post, but there are great programs in place just waiting for you to take advantage of all the fun that happens on Fort Eisenhower. There are options for civilian day passes and an Automatic

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B2B Stories

Augusta University graduates nearly 1,600 students

During ceremonies spanning two days, Augusta University conferred degrees on 1,584 graduate and undergraduate students from its individual colleges. Graduate students were honored on Thurs., May 9, with undergraduate students receiving their degrees on Fri., May 10. The keynote address was delivered by Sonny Perdue, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia (USG). He told graduates he knew they had worked with world-class professors and researchers, putting them on a fulfilling career path. “From the time you threw a coin in the fountain of the Summerville campus to now, a

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B2B Stories

Donations boost students in pursuit of healthcare and general studies

Two nonprofit organizations have recently donated $12,000 for student scholarships, one for traditional medical fields and the other for a challenge you might not hear much about in higher learning. “The Hospital Auxiliary of Aiken County is pleased to continue funding seven nursing, medical assisting, and dental assisting scholarships at Aiken Tech this year with a $9,000 donation. Included are funds to help students in those majors meet unexpected financial needs during the school year,” said Allen Radcliffe, the auxiliary’s scholarship chair. “The auxiliary understands the important contributions of Aiken

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Consumer Stories

Former Mexican eatery becomes Japanese steakhouse

Cousins, Oscar and Frank Salsas have spent many years in the restaurant business. Oscar still owns one in New York, but Frank returned to Aiken a couple of years ago where he had lived for 20 years. Both have found success serving Mexican and Japanese cuisine. When Sombreros closed in the fall of last year, Frank said, “This is where we need to be.” A couple of weeks ago, the former Sombreros location at 1695 Richland Avenue East became Okinawa Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bowl, with Oscar as owner and

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B2B Stories

Another manufacturer heading to the CSRA

While Richmond and Columbia counties have been in the economic development spotlight recently, Aiken County is joining in the economic success. Columbia Vehicle Group, an electric vehicle manufacturer based in Reedsburg, Wis., is moving its manufacturing operations to University Parkway in Aiken. The $12.2 million plant will mark the company’s first location in the Palmetto State. It will create 180 new jobs. “We’ve been investing in great communities since 1947 with Aiken being a superb fit for our continued global expansion of the Tomberlin and Columbia brands. It has been

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Consumer Stories

Business Lunch Review: Kinki Sushi

Food Quality: 5 Service: 4 Business Meeting: 4 Value: 5 Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 I’ve never tried sushi and don’t plan to change that anytime soon, so when a good friend invited me to lunch at Kinki Sushi many years ago, I was less than enthusiastic. This time, I visited the restaurant in Le Pavilion Shopping Center in Augusta for dinner with my wife, Rebecca. I may be too picky to try sushi, but I love Japanese food. I especially enjoy hibachi restaurants, where a chef prepares your

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B2B Stories

Running out of space for new industry?

Friday’s announcement that GF Casting Solutions will build a plant in the Augusta Corporate Park off Mike Padgett Highway creates a problem for the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA). This is an example that not all problems are bad. GF Casting Solutions has contracted for 147 acres. This plant has pushed the park to near capacity. “We have a 40-acre site and a 65-acre site available. Otherwise, the park is completely full,” AEDA President, Cal Wray told ABD. Wray said they are actively looking for new industrial sites. He anticipates

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Consumer Stories

In Challengers, tennis is a relationship

The spring’s hottest new release is the sports drama Challengers, directed by Luca Guadanino and starring Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist, and Zendaya in a role that defines the current trajectory of her career. It is a film that drips with sweat, tears, and angst, and finds the poetry in the sport of tennis. The story whips back and forth between 2006 and 2019. At the beginning of this 13-year span of time, junior tournament players, Art Donaldson (Faist) and Patrick Zweig (O’Connor) are spirited pals with shared eyes for Tashi

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Consumer Stories

BBQ restaurant dispute causes temporary closure

Barbecue can be a bit messy—but not usually for those running the restaurant. Bobby Boggs, owner and founder of the Pot Smoker, took an unusual step recently to distance himself from the former franchisee of his concept. He temporarily closed his flagship restaurant on Highway 25 in North Augusta. Boggs tells ABD it may be three or four months before he finds the right person to run the day-to-day operations. Boggs took to Facebook and got about 300 engagements from his followers. He said the Aiken restaurant remains open and

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