Friday, November 23, 2012
Just what is Small Business Saturday and why should you support it in Holly Springs and Hickory Flat?
Big name national retailers take the spotlight on Black Friday as their deep price cuts pull in shoppers in droves. What about those mom-and-pop businesses all over Woodstock and beyond that are the backbone of America’s economy? Just when do they get their day? That’s basically the question that was asked back in 2010 when the concept of Small Business Saturday was born. Small Business Saturday is “a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities,” the U.S. Small Business Administration explains on its website. American Express gets the credit for founding the shopping holiday, which got its official start on Nov. 27, 2010, according to the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. Celebrating its third …
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday rule the shopping roost after Thanksgiving.
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Sunday, November 18, 2012
If you have a black belt in Black Friday shopping, listen up: area big-box retailers are gearing up to dazzle bargain hunters even earlier this year—starting on Thanksgiving Day! Last week, Walmart announced that it would open its doors at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 22 and offer holiday doorbusters while supplies last. These include deals on TVs, iPads, an electric scooter for $79 and a steam mop for $39. Not to be outdone, Target and Best Buy are also planning all-out holiday shopping assaults. Target's deals begin at 9 p.m. According to an ad leaked online, the best deals will be for TVs, a Nook, a Nikon camera and an XBOX 360 Kinect bundle. At Best Buy, doors open at midnight. Doorbusters include deals on TVs, phones and Samsung laptop …
Monday, November 28, 2011
Small Business Saturday was a hit for some local stores and a bust for others.
It was so hyped-up that even Drew Brees was tweeting about Small Business Saturday. But did it live up to expectations? For some local stores, like Three Sisters Gifts and Home, it did. Margaret Misseri who works there said people were stopping by to use the American Express credit to pick up Christmas presents. Three Sisters offered special deals for Saturday shoppers. But it wasn’t so hot for all businesses. Autumn Hill Nursery workers noted that only a few customers came out to shop on Saturday. Did you shop small on Saturday? Tell us in the comments.
Monday, November 14, 2011
True Harmony Yoga is the state's only donation-based yoga studio, allowing people of all economic classes to participate.
Recently, True Harmony Yoga became the only yoga studio in the state to rely strictly on donations for income. Ashley Burton, owner of True Harmony, said there were other studios that take donations for some classes but not all. On average, a yoga class can run from $12 to $20, Burton said. “I have always felt called to open my own studio and make it accessible to everyone,” Burton said. “Yoga was meant to be accessible to all. The very nature of what yoga is is to be open to all people regardless of their financial situations. It's not meant to be about money, instead it should be about community.” Burton said her passion comes from wanting to help others on the path to good help. After she had her daughter, she lost the 88 pounds she …
On the menu: Baked Onion Soup, Bourbon Smoked Salmon Salad and Gyro Wrap.
Located in front of Harmony at the Lakes, Iron Horse Restaurant is owned and operated by Chef John Griffin and has one of the most interesting and creative menus in these parts. Consider the lunch menu. As I did, you might find it difficult to choose from a list of very tempting appetizers like Roasted Mussels or Broiled Crab Cake or Baked Oysters in Aromatics or the “southern must”—Fried Green Tomatoes layered with bleu cheese and spiced pecans. I love it when the appetizer menu is as exciting as the entrees. Chef John has compiled a delightful assortment that has wide appeal. The appetizers range in price from $5.95-11.95. Did I mention that this is a B.Y.O.B kind of restaurant? Want to host a few of your friends? Bring a bottle of your …
Friday, November 11, 2011
Co-owner Elizabeth Riordan of Union Hill Grill spoke with Holly Springs Patch about the pros and cons of working in Hickory Flat.
David and Elizabeth Riordan own five restaurants in the area. Their newest endeavor, Union Hill Grill, is their first restaurant in Hickory Flat and has been opened since January. What sets you apart from other small, local businesses? We’ve got a full bar, an extensive wine list, and casual fine dining that nobody else offers unless you drive into downtown Roswell. We have hand-cut steaks, seafood and a small, intimate, cozy environment. What are the challenges of running a small business in Hickory Flat? I don’t find it too challenging because it’s our fifth restaurant. When we opened the doors, we had a built-in clientele. We’re off the beaten path and getting the word out, introducing ourselves, is always a challenge. What are the …
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I missed the season last year, so I'm doubling up in 2011.
Quite frankly, I don’t care if you’re ready for Christmas or not. I am. Starbucks has the red cups, Macy’s is decorated and I tend to merge Thanksgiving and Christmas into one giant warm feeling of family, shopping and food. Last year during Christmas, I was still reeling with moving to Holly Springs and getting the site up and running. My interviews were hurried and my shopping was non-existant. My family will remember this as the year the all got gift cards. This year, however, I’m ready. Two freak snowstorms (and one term I never want to hear again: snowpocolypse) have taught me the importance of having one good coat and boots even if you live in the Deep South. No, this year will be different. Presents will be hand-picked, carefully …
Monday, November 7, 2011
On the menu: sweet potato fries, Spicy Chicken Peach Glazed Chicken, macaroni and cheese and grilled, corn on the cob and house salad.
Sammy’s is the new kid in town, and he brings the concept of “new southern” cuisine to Woodstock that utilizes traditional foodstuffs of the South in innovative ways. His menu is abounding with French twists and Cajun turns that melds and blends into something new and very interesting, indeed. Several examples of his innovative style are exhibited in the Fried Green Tomatoes Appetizer ($5.99) where he varies the French Remoulade by adding roasted red pepper and goat cheese. His use of one of Georgia’s icons—the pecan—is dotted generously throughout his menu. Other nice surprising uses of traditional southern pleasures appear as cornbread croutons, peach pepper jelly, pimiento cheese in the Croque Monsieur ($7.99)—a blend of French and …
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Have some creative fun and take care of a few items on your holiday gift list at the same time.
I spent close to 20 years working in downtown Atlanta, which means I traveled comatose on 1-75 along with thousands of other miserable commuters. Rain, sunshine and snow did not deter us from our required path. Oh, occasional road ice brought a reprieve, but not often enough. Now my math may be a bit off, but assuming I drove to my office at least 15 days each month, with an average commute time of three hours per day, I spent about 1.3 years in my car inhaling exhaust fumes and listening to really bad talk radio. By the time I arrived home each evening, I had very little energy left for enjoying the local scene. And activities I enjoyed in my youth, like Christmas shopping, became pure drudgery. Yes, as the years progressed, I was reduced…
Jessie Gable
10:52 am on Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Love the idea behind a donation-based studio! more ›