Restaurants/Food

Consumer Stories

Another coffee location jolts a Washington Road corridor

Gordon Highway used to be called “The Motor Mile,” due to a litany of car dealerships.  Soon, with the addition of Dutch Bros. Coffee, a strip of Washington Road may be called “The Coffee Mile.” Contractors are putting the finishing touches on their first location in Augusta. The Arizona-based franchise has nearly 1300 locations, including the closest one in the two-state area in Columbia, South Carolina. Dutch Bros. is located at 3064 Washington Road, on the land once occupied by Mi Rancho Restaurant and between Burger King and Chick-fil-A. They

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Consumer Stories

Restaurant Review: Brinkley’s Chop House Changes in the air and on the plate

Publisher’s Note: About once a year, Executive Chef Edward DeFelice invites my wife, daughter, and I to sample appetizers and entrees. I always feel special at Brinkley’s Chop House—like I’ve had a meal at the finest restaurant in New York City. An added bonus is that leftovers travel well home… and in my belly for a few days. The following are questions posed to Ed and thoughts on our experience. ABD Question: Is there a theme to the new menu for the Fall at BCH? BCH Answer: This season’s menu

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Consumer Stories

New restaurant opening in Martinez

An established caterer and food truck operator is hoping the 3rd time is the charm for a take-out restaurant at this strip center on Washington Road directly across from McDonald’s on Davis Road. Marie’s Creole & Catering is opening this fall in the center with limited parking. Entering and exiting the parking lot can also be a bit challenging on Washington Road.   Canales Deli and Angie’s Kitchen lasted less than a year in the same location, focusing on take-out lunches and casseroles. Marie’s Creole & Catering will use the space

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Consumer Stories

10 Questions with the Currys

ABD: What was the beginning like for Buona Caffe at your first location, and how have you grown over the years? Currys: We started the company out of our house when we were renting a little cottage right behind what became our Central Avenue café. It was originally just going to be a web-based business selling coffee online.  Then we started selling to local restaurants (the Polka Dot Pig in Surrey Center – now Oliviana’s – was our first restaurant customer). We were roasting in the back half of an

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Consumer Stories

Longtime vacant building finally sold

Perhaps the third time is the charm for a high-profile restaurant building in Aiken. Zaxby’s was the last server of food at this location on Whiskey Road. They vacated the 3600 square-foot property in the second half of 2022 to move nearby. In late 2025, a deal was in place for Freddie’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers to open its third restaurant in this building. Here was our story then on how that deal fell apart.  The building then went on sale for nearly $1.5 million. Now, the independently owned Ace

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Consumer Stories

Urban Asian Food in The Valley

The Black Lotus is known for urban Asian delicacies like its Surf N Turf and is also known for a food truck and a chef who brings an “hibachi-like” experience to the offices and homes of the CSRA. Next up, a brick-and-mortar restaurant opening within two weeks. “Let’s Talk Augusta” Facebook Group was the first to report that Black Lotus Urban Spice is opening its new take-out location at 515 Belvedere Clearwater Road off Highway 25 on September 12th with a special tasting from 1-8 P.M.  There may be a

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B2B Podcasting

Dave’s Hot Chicken in Augusta

Around Masters time, Dave’s Hot Chicken opened just off Wheeler Road in the Augusta Exchange area. The franchisor and key employee were in town for the Grand Opening. They shared the “secret sauce” of their chicken tenders and how they juggle a number of different brands in Augusta and around the country. Thanks to the M3 Agency for hosting the video podcast in their new state-of-the-art studio.

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Consumer Stories

Update on supermarket in CSRA

There’s been some confusion as to whether the popular “Trader Joe’s” will follow through on developing a store in Evans. An avid ABD reader in the commercial real estate space said he spotted this article, which did NOT have Trader Joe’s on the future list of stores. ABD reached out to Nakia Rohde, the communications lead for Trader Joe’s, headquartered in California. “We still have plans for a store in Evans. We do not yet have a location to share. There is no mention of an Evans store in that

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Consumer Stories

Grand Opening in CSRA

Thanks to ABD reader Sonya Roland from Heritage Academy for her story tip, as she attended a soft opening of a new restaurant and bar on the Southside. This weekend is the grand opening of Liddy’s Restaurant at 2601 Deans Bridge Road. As you enter, there is an “L” shaped bar and three narrow rows of seating. Liddy’s serves classic food like burgers, wings, pasta, and more. Liddy’s will be open in the afternoons and evenings from Wednesday through Sunday. Ms. Roland wins a $50 gift card from Augustino’s for

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Consumer Stories

Music, games, and how businesses benefit

USCA is preparing to kick off its new academic year with the return of a downtown party. The marketing arm of downtown Aiken businesses is providing an extra push, while students will soak up good times and good job opportunities. The second annual Downtown Takedown is set for August 22 from 5-9 p.m. Aug. 22 on Newberry Street in Downtown Aiken. The event is co-sponsored by USCA and the Aiken Downtown Development Association. “The hope was that our students, our faculty, our staff, along with our community, could come together

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