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B2B Podcasting

Huge grand opening for one restaurant; another one planned soon

One of the largest CSRA ribbon cuttings in recent memory kicked off a big weekend for a new West Augusta restaurant, while its neighbor to the far left expects to open within a few weeks. Dave’s Hot Chicken leaders told Augusta Business Daily its soft opening did very well the day before, on Thursday, March 28th. With a nod to the upcoming Masters tournament, DHC provided a golf simulator (far right) and a mystery envelope giveaway for the first 500 guests on Friday. During the weekend, several schools, first responders,

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Neil Gordon March 30, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Fat Man’s Hospitality Grows Again

ABD’s learned that the Fat Man’s Hospitality Group is trying to open Bradley’s BBQ around May 1st and then begin plans to open a new event center. These are just a few nuggets learned while putting together THIS video on Brad Usry, that played at the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame ceremony last week.  If you used to go to Fat  Man’s Forest, you HAVE to watch this for some old-time video and photos.

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Neil Gordon March 27, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

All I know about the Trader Joe’s Deal in Evans

The worst-kept secret in the CSRA is that Trader Joe’s is expected to build a standalone store directly behind the Columbia County Performing Arts Center, with the building facing North Belair Road. Cal Wray, the leader of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, says Trader Joe’s even looked in Richmond County a while back and decided against it. He says that Columbia County officials not being specific on active projects is not unusual. He doesn’t comment until there is a signed agreement. A Columbia County spokesperson said, not only is the

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Neil Gordon February 19, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Wingstop adds another location

Super Bowl Sunday was a huge day for Wingstop in the CSRA. The chicken franchise is growing again and adding a new location in the same plaza as Jimmy John’s and Fresh Market. They are building out a store at a shopping center at 1408 Whiskey Road in Aiken. Hungry folks will have a choice of classic and boneless wings with signature flavors like Lemon Pepper, Cajun, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. Wingstop is closing in on 10 locations in Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken counties. Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate represented Wingstop.

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Neil Gordon February 9, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Miami connection to new Augusta restaurant

The owners of the new El Tejano Latin Cuisine Express have a connection to Miami, Florida, and are bringing bold flavors and a mashup of Latin culture. The restaurant is expected to open soon in the former I Heart Mac N Cheese at 826 Cabela Drive. The shuttered restaurant closed in the fall of 2025. Thanks to the Village at Riverwatch commercial realtor Jordan Trotter for the photo/art above and the heads up.  El Tejano fancies itself as a fast casual restaurant, and according to the JT newsletter, “promises crave-worthy

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Neil Gordon February 5, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Company expands to 3rd location in time for Masters

A successful grad from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts is adding onto her Evans brick-and-mortar bakery and her longtime location at the Augusta Market. Arie’s Artisan Cheesecake shop is moving into the former Dirty Dough cookie spot off Walton Way Extension near Wheeler Road in West Augusta. A big part of Arielle Page’s business is event catering, corporate gifts, and selling wholesale to restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops. Page worked with Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate, the plaza management company, and shared this statement with them.

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Neil Gordon February 2, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

New restaurant aims to melt your heart

After a false start in North Augusta, the Melty’s franchise just moved into the CSRA with a focus on different cheeses on all of their sandwiches. Melty’s is now open each day at 10:30 in the Aiken Towne Park near Whiskey Road. Sandwiches start at $7 (4 cheese Grilled Cheese) to $11, and selections include Chicken, Pulled Pork, Cuban, Cheeseburger, Turkey Avocado, French Dip, BBQ Brisket, Club Sandwich, Caprese, and a patty melt. For another $5 to $8, customers receive a drink and a premium side order. S.D. Clifton Construction

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Neil Gordon January 30, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Brinks Tavern launches catering and business lunch delivery after 4 months

It is a New Year with new initiatives for Ed and Mickie DeFelice and the rest of the team at Brinkley’s Restaurant Group in North Augusta. Now that the upscale sports bar is established in the new Beacon Bluff Center at 200 Georgia Avenue, the operators are setting their sights on outreach to the community with the launch of business lunch deliveries and catering. This reporter and his photographer wife, Melissa, enjoyed a New Year’s lunch sampling a number of small plates, entrees, and desserts. The ambience had something for

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Neil Gordon January 8, 2026 No Comments
Closings

Augusta Food Retailer Closes Store; Relocates HQ to Florida

It’s been a “nutty 13-year run” for the Kyzers in the CSRA. A few years ago, they moved their family to Florida’s coast just south of Savannah. Now, they’ve moved their headquarters and bakery to the beach. Watanut will still have a big presence in the CSRA. The store at 3309 Washington Road in Martinez closed on December 31, 2025. The Kyzers began their roasted nut and baked shortbread gift business on Jones Street in Augusta, moved to Walton’s Corner, and then to Washington Road.  Handmade daily to order, all

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Neil Gordon January 8, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Fat Man’s Wins Awards & Prepares for Expansion

Monday night in Atlanta, the Usry’s came home to Augusta with the Hero Award as they plan for another restaurant and event space in the CSRA. Brad Usry and his son Hav won the prestigious Hero Restaurant community service award at the Georgia Restaurant Association annual event at the Aquarium in Atlanta. The Fat Man’s Hospitality Group is made up of (2) current restaurants and an event center connected to Fat Man’s. The Usry’s competed against much larger food service operations in Georgia, like Parker’s Kitchen. Construction is underway at

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Neil Gordon December 10, 2025 No Comments
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