It hasn’t been an easy year for downtown Augusta businesses, but they are working to put the lost revenue from Hurricane Helene and a rare winter storm behind them and move forward. An upcoming event, Downtown Get Down, hopes to be the kickstart for a better 2025.
“It’s the 2nd year for this event and the start of fundraising for the new year to increase visibility for small businesses and bring more people downtown to support them,” explained Downtown Soul City Director, John Porter.
This year’s event features a casino night, live jazz, and prizes. It promises to be a fun night to benefit the continued growth of downtown Augusta. The sponsors are Savannah River Brewing Company, where the February 27 event will be held, and Mod Ink.
The organization’s mission is to create a strong business atmosphere. Downtown Soul City has grown with more reach, and more businesses have invested in their mutually beneficial success.
“Last year, we hosted seven events, this year, we are adding two more. One of the new events in April is a month-long scavenger hunt. Yes, we know Augusta is hosting the Masters, but this offers a different way for the CSRA to be involved in downtown activities.”
As ABD reported recently, not all small business ventures have a happy ending. After six years in business, FIELD Botanicals at 215A 12th Street announced their doors will close later this month or when the last fixture is sold. Owner Jennifer Tinsley said the decision came after careful consideration and reflects the challenges that small businesses face today.
“The retail landscape has evolved dramatically, making it increasingly difficult for small, independent businesses to compete with industry giants and shifting consumer trends,” said Tinsley.
She remains committed to supporting the local business community. “I plan to continue championing our fellow downtown businesses and supporting them through volunteer efforts.”
Porter said the location is great, but as of today, no one has come forward about leasing the space.
There is an update on the long-awaited opening of a new restaurant at the site of the iconic Sunshine Bakery on the 1200 block of Broad Street. The sale of the building was completed in late 2023 by Fatman’s Hospitality Group.
Havird Usry, VP and Partner with Fatman’s, says the delay is about money. “We were in line for State Small Business Credit Initiative funding (SSBCI) issued by the Georgia Cities Foundation. The fund ran out of money, but we are now first in line for the loan,” said Usry.
Usry says they are ready to get the renovations off the ground, go full steam ahead, and open Bradley’s BBQ in the fall.
In the meantime, Downtown Soul City invites you to join in supporting the downtown businesses that are owned and managed by your neighbors.
For more information on supporting Downtown Soul City or the upcoming Downtown Get Down Casino Night, click here. It’s worth a gamble.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
