Business
Peachtree Corners Businesses Reopen with Health and Safety Precautions
Though the current pandemic situation has hit us all hard in innumerable ways, perhaps some of us the most affected them are local Peachtree Corner business owners. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going! Here’s how our favorite local places have made the most of unprecedented times, squeezing life’s lemons for all the juice they’re worth.
Beautiful Lea and My Salon Suite Peachtree Corners — Hairstylist, Beauty Salon Suites
If you’ve seen a loved one give themselves a quarantine haircut gone wrong, then you have a newfound appreciation for your hairstylist. Lea Harwell of Beautiful Lea reopened her salon suite for business on March 24, along with several other beauty professionals that rent space in My Salon Suite Peachtree Corners.
Twenty-one beauty professionals work in the building, though not all reopened right away. Appointment times are scattered for safety; visitors also answer a health questionnaire and usually submit to a temperature check.
The State Board of Cosmetology already has high sanitation standards, but in addition, extra time is allotted between appointments to clean and properly disinfect surfaces. Harwell rearranged her limited space to reduce close contact, but even so she has to work twice as hard to see about half the normal daily clientele. Despite these challenges, she serves with a radiant smile behind that surgical mask.
“I’m not sure about the phrase ‘new normal’ but I consider this time a transition back to a more normal life and business environment. Getting back in the salon and helping my clients feel cared for is the part that makes me feel more normal,” Harwell said.
One huge help to Harwell and other small business owners that share My Salon Suite Peachtree Corners was the honorable decision of owners Tim and Marty Commons to waive all rent fees. The waiver includes the four weeks of the stay at home order, as well as the first two weeks that suite renters were permitted to reopen. This grace period comes out the goodness of the Commons’ hearts and their own pockets. Acts of kindness like this are commendable and show the strength of character on display in Peachtree Corners.
Innovative Smiles at the Forum
It may not seem like we have a lot to smile about right now, but our local dentists are making sure we keep our smiles healthy anyway. As an essential business, Innovative Smiles at the Forum has been open for emergency patients and essential doctor treatment. They remained emergency only through the month of May, but are open for routine dental practice starting the first week of June.
To stay afloat, support team employees had to be furloughed in March until recent weeks. It took a while for Innovative Smiles to receive federal assistance from the Paycheck Protection Program, but once the application went through on May 20, it allowed team members to come back to work.
All dentistry professionals must wear disposable gowns, a minimum Level 3 mask, and face shields while assisting patients. “With dentistry, we have always dealt with infections, bacterial or viral infections. So we have always had to use PPE, but we just have to take it to another level now,” Dr. Phillip Talley said.
To avoid patient backup, patients must call in to inform of their arrival and await confirmation by call or text before they can enter their designated suite. All patients must complete a health questionnaire prior to their appointment and submit to a touchless thermometer reading before entry. Non-contact payment is available online as well.
To keep the community safe, the patient volume will naturally have to decrease. So, patients, please be patient as you book your next cleaning.
Spalding Animal Hospital
Veterinary medicine falls under the category of essential service, so Spalding Animal Hospital has remained open throughout this tumultuous time. Yet the manner our furry friends receive vital care has gone through some major changes.
Ideally, it works best to have families in the exam room for the comfort of owner and patient, but prolonged exposure to others in an enclosed space isn’t wise. To accommodate this issue, curbside carpool service allows veterinary assistants to meet owners outside and then escort pets into the building.
Spalding Animal Hospital has a very adaptable approach, doing whatever they can safely do to make all their customers (human and animal) comfortable. For an anxious pet, a special visit in the outdoor play yards with their families may be necessary. If families insist on seeing the examination, the service can be performed in full view through the floor-to-ceiling windows. And to make pet care even easier, Spalding Animal Hospital offers free home deliveries of patient medications and prescription diets to all Peachtree Corners families.
“Many families are enjoying more time at home with pets as they juggle working from home and supervising school activities for their children. Having enjoyed months at home with their entire family, pets should slowly become acclimated to spending some time without their family members,” Dr. Paola Steyling, DVM said.
Stay tuned to Spalding Animal Hospital’s Facebook and Instagram Pages for advice on how to prepare your pets for the transition to a more regular schedule.
Anderby Brewing —Craft Spirits
The lively, vivacious social scene that is Anderby Brewing is still on tap, but it has had to slow to a trickle in recent months. The taproom and patio seating had been closed to guests since March 17, but reopened on May 22.
In the interim, the brewery has kept up the to-go sales of crowlers (32-oz. cans filled on demand with Anderby’s propriety draft lines) and refilling growlers (32-oz. or 64-oz. containers made of glass, steel or ceramic), as well as a small bottling operation. About 7,500 bottles of beer flowed to keep Anderby Brewing afloat in the past six weeks, and now it’s time to get back to what they do best: serving delicious craft beer.
“Visiting a brewery is a very social experience. Patrons want to interact with each other, as well with our team, during their visit, so making the decision to reopen was not taken lightly,” Preston Smelt, President of Anderby Brewing, said.
Though the facility has always had high sanitation standards, extra precautions have been taken to protect employees and visitors.
“Staff will wear masks during their shift and gloves when filling crowlers. We have added hand sanitizers and have started laminating menus for easy cleaning. We reduced the seating capacity of both the taproom and patio to allow for proper social distancing,” Smelt said.
Noble Fin — Fine Dining
For a night out to remember, you can’t go wrong with Noble Fin. Noble Fin reopened on May 22 with a limited all-day menu consisting of delectable small plates and salads, as well as gourmet seafood and steak entrees.
Outdoor picnic and patio tables make up the bulk of the seating. A walk-up ordering system is in place, approaching the server to order instead of traditional service. Limited indoor seating is
also an option.
For those that prefer to take their food with them, To-Go and curbside ordering remain an option. Please allow 45 minutes after calling for your food to be ready, and call in to inform the hosts of your arrival. The number for to-go ordering is 770-599-7979
Taqueria Del Mar — Mexican Cuisine
This fast, casual Mexican restaurant has been super creative about how to serve their loyal customers during these crazy times. For to-go options, Take and Bakes have been a staple of the new menu, featuring family-size delights like the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole and Cheesy Sloppy Beefaroni.
The dining room reopened to limited dine-in service on May 22, with traditional tableside ordering as well as contactless ordering in their free app. Tips to download the app on Apple or Android phones are listed on front page of their website.
As an added way to help struggling families, Taqueria Del Mar created the “Pay What You Can” program. Owner Andrew Hoppen wanted to make sure that anyone who needed a full meal could come in and get one by “paying what they can.” According to a posting on their Facebook page, over 300 people have been fed through this program since the first week of March. Patrons who can afford to “Pay it Forward” to offset these costs are encouraged to do so through Taqueria Del Mar’s mobile app menu. Thanks, Taqueria Del Mar, for showing us that kindness is cool! ■
Links to Businesses Mentioned in the story:
Beautiful Lea facebook.com/LeaYourHairSalon
My Salon Suite mysalonsuite.com/peachtree-corners
Innovative Smiles gwinnettdentist.com/wp3/
Spalding Animal Hospital spaldinganimalhospital.com
Anderby Brewing anderbybrewing.com
Noble Fin noblefinrestaurant.com
Taqueria Del Mar taqueriadelmar.com
Most residents and business owners in Peachtree Corners probably think they know all about the economic development and strategic planning of Peachtree Corners, but do they really?
Peachtree Corners Business Association invited Peachtree Corners Economic Development Director Betrand Lapoire and Partnership Gwinnett Director of Economic Development Andrew Hickey to its After Hours Speaker Series on March 27 to discuss the city’s growth from a 1971 master plan to a bustling city with 42,000 inhabitants and 40,000 jobs.
Key points included the importance of business retention and expansion, with 24 projects last year creating 1,600 retained jobs, 1,600 new jobs and $250 million in new capital investment.
The Curiosity Lab, a world-class innovation center, was emphasized as a significant attraction. The city’s zoning and infrastructure plans were also discussed, focusing on balancing office and residential development to maintain a vibrant, sustainable community.
Matching jobs to residents
Although Peachtree Corners is just a teenager in terms of being an incorporated city, the foundation for this vibrant, fast-paced economic hub was laid more than 50 years ago by technology pioneer Paul Duke.
“Peachtree Corners was the first master-planned, business innovation technology park in metro Atlanta,” said Lapoire. “It was in response to the brain drain of technology with Georgia Tech graduates leaving the area.”
While the city may have a small-town feel, it’s the largest in Gwinnett County by population, but not land mass, he added.
“The city started from a commercial, industrial, R&D base and then was expanded around it,” said Lapoire.
Though home to more than 42,000 residents, most of the jobs in Peachtree Corners are filled by people who live outside the city, he added.
“So we have this interesting mismatch, in a way, although not unusual,” said LaPoire. That creates traffic and transit issues. So that means that one of the solutions is to create more jobs here to fit the profile of the community.”
He presented charts that show professional services, consulting and engineering as the largest job categories. The next tier of businesses are wholesale and manufacturing.
“So we have a good mix of industry,” he said.
A five-year plan
The city has a five-year economic development plan (2023-2028) that outlines strategies for attracting and retaining businesses, with education and workforce development being key components.
Partnership Gwinnett has similar goals as Peachtree Corners, but on a larger scale.
“We are the county’s sales and marketing arm for all 17 cities now, and we receive funding from both municipal sources as well as existing businesses here — both in Gwinnett and outside of Gwinnett as well,” said Hickey.
He shared how Partnership Gwinnett is designed to drive a lot of major corporations toward doing business inside and with Gwinnett County.
“One of the biggest things that we talk about that I’m sure it seems like most of us here, if you live here, you work here, you understand it. It’s the diversity that exists here in Gwinnett,” he said. “With a diversity index of 85, that means if we walk out of the Hilton here and we say hello to somebody, there’s an 85% chance they’re from a different ethnic or cultural background than ourselves, which to you and I may seem normal because that’s the life that we live in.”
He added that for companies, there’s a tremendous value in that, whether they have stated values, or they’re just making hiring decisions to get a wide range of candidates to fill those roles. Additionally, because of the proximity to Atlanta, Gwinnett County has a great labor draw.
Partnership Gwinnett
Partnership Gwinnett plays a significant role in recruiting businesses, expanding existing companies and developing the workforce. Hickey showed how the organization was involved with more than 24 projects last year.
“A majority of those were expansions, and that is a common thread you’ll see in economic development,” he said. “In business retention, expansion is so vital to working with our existing companies to make sure that they have the resources they need.”
He added that’s what leads to new investment and job creation in the community.
The organization also focuses on redevelopment projects, working with cities and the county to improve infrastructure and community amenities — especially strong educational institutions such Georgia Gwinnett College, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and others.
Quality of life
In closing, both men stressed the importance of recruiting companies and developing the workforce, along with one aspect that means a lot but may not be as obvious — quality of life.
“It’s definitely evident that people like to work where they live — the whole live, work play experience,” said Hickey. “I joke that the part that people really have the most questions about, and are most excited to learn about, is new events at The Forum or Gwinnett Place Mall.”
Although they want to know what’s the next major company coming to Gwinnett, people REALLY want to know about how to spend their leisure time.
“That speaks to the importance of ensuring that we have a great community,” he said. “So at Partnership Gwinnett we work with all of our cities, and the county government as well, [on] a kind of a best-practices trip.”
He added that the peer tour allows everyone to know what the neighboring communities are doing and share the good news.
“We will take all of these elected officials, but also city staff, to different cities across the Southeast,” he said. “Last year, I believe they went to Huntsville, and have been to Greenville, Chattanooga — all cities that have done some really cool redevelopments that have taken their city to the next level. Our goal is to learn from them.”
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs who are shaping the future
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) recently announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southeast Award, and two local, Peachtree Corners business leaders — David Quirk, president and CEO of DLB Associates Consulting Engineers PC and Erin Hanson, founder and CEO of Guardian Sports — made the list.
Hanson’s Guardian Sports is a family-owned company dedicated to serving athletes through safety and performance improvements in sports equipment. Major products include the Guardian Cap, PEARL ball and Guardian Infill serving the sports industry.
DLB Associates is a U.S.-based consulting engineering firm specializing in mission-critical and complex built environments. With more than 40 years of expertise, DLB delivers innovative, technology-driven solutions in engineering, commissioning and operations worldwide.
Celebrating entrepreneurial leaders
Now in its 40th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors those entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow.
The Southeast program celebrates entrepreneurs from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
An independent panel of judges selected 36 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.
“This year’s finalists are leading examples of innovation, perseverance and resilience, illuminating paths to a brighter future for their industries and communities,” said Chevy Arnold, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program co-director.
“Their commitment to excellence transforms challenges into opportunities, inspiring us all,” added Kimberly Kicklighter, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program co-director.
Entrepreneur Of The Year honors many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit.
The program showcases original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.
Including Quirk and Hanson, the 2025 Southeast finalists are:
- Marc Hodulich | 29029 | Atlanta, Georgia
- Damon Stafford | Alpine Intel | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Lou Hensley | Aspida | Durham, North Carolina
- Matthew Dent | Buffalo Rock Company | Birmingham, Alabama
- Melanie Little | Colonial Pipeline Company | Alpharetta, Georgia
- Will Bartholomew | D1 Training | Franklin, Tennessee
- Rene Diaz | Diaz Foods | Atlanta, Georgia
- David Quirk | DLB Associates Consulting Engineers PC | Peachtree Corners, Georgia
- Markus Scott | EyeQ Monitoring | Atlanta, Georgia
- Jon Gosier | FilmHedge | Atlanta, Georgia
- John Fitzpatrick | Force Marketing | Atlanta, Georgia
- Dr. Barry Patel | Galt Companies | Atlanta, Georgia
- Dr. Wade Smith | Galt Companies | Atlanta, Georgia
- Charles Gillespie | Gambling.com Group | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Kevin McCrystle | Gambling.com Group | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Mike Griffin | Griffin Brothers Companies | Cornelius, North Carolina
- Erin Hanson | Guardian Sports | Peachtree Corners, Georgia
- Dan Beem | Hissho Sushi | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Aaron Siegel | Home Team BBQ | Charleston, South Carolina
- Marc Murphy | Ignite Digital Services | Charleston, South Carolina
- Miller Chalk | Inglett & Stubbs, LLC | Mableton, Georgia
- Liza Rodewald | Instant Teams | Southern Pines, North Carolina
- Stephen Andresen | McClancy Foods & Flavors | Fort Mill, South Carolina
- Travis LeFever | Mission Mobile Medical Group | Greensboro, North Carolina
- Cyrus Mojdehi | Northway Homes | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Connor Ryan | NutraSky | Alpharetta, Georgia
- Fritz Owens | OTR Solutions | Roswell, Georgia
- Christopher Chuang | Relay, Inc. | Raleigh, North Carolina
- Kurt Jacobus | restor3d, Inc. | Durham, North Carolina
- Tom Kendrot | Shearwater Health | Nashville, Tennessee
- Teak Shore | Southern Lighting Source | Cumberland, Georgia
- Cindy Eckert | Sprout Pharmaceuticals | Raleigh, North Carolina
- Bryan Moore | TalkShopLive Inc. | Nashville, Tennessee
- Tina Moore | TalkShopLive Inc. | Nashville, Tennessee
- Igor Marinelli | Tractian | Atlanta, Georgia
- Joan Butters | Xsolis | Franklin, Tennessee
You can learn more about the finalists at ey.com/en_us/entrepreneur-of-the-year-us/southeast/winners-finalists.
Regional award winners will be announced on June 25 during a special celebration. The winners will then be considered by the national independent panel of judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year
Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the U.S., and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.
The U.S. program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where national finalists and award winners are announced.
The overall national winner represents the U.S. at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition.
For more about the award, visit ey.com/us/eoy.
SCB Construction Group, freshly rebranded from SteelCo, secures construction project with CGA Reps for new office HQ in Peachtree Corners
SCB Construction Group has announced a strategic partnership with CGA Reps to build a new office headquarters in Peachtree Corners. The project, encompassing approximately 26,000 square feet of innovative workspace, marks a significant milestone in advancing CGA Reps’ corporate vision while showcasing SBA Construction Group’s commitment to delivering transformative construction solutions.
In collaboration with Oakley Real Estate Partners — serving as developers of the project on behalf of CGA Reps — this venture reflects a united effort to bring cutting-edge design (from Smallwood architecture firm) and operational excellence to the commercial kitchen equipment industry.
The announcement follows several high-profile projects for SCB Construction Group in 2024, including a 72,500-square-foot manufacturing center and headquarters for Process Equipment & Controls, an impressive interior build-out for Courtesy Ford Conyers’ commercial service center and the Phase 1 completion for StoreEase Loganville — recently honored as a 2024 Smart Facility of the Year by Modern Storage Media.
A bold new chapter for CGA Reps
The new 25,890-square-foot headquarters is designed to be more than just a workplace — it is envisioned as an inspiring environment that serves both client engagements and employee creativity. CGA Reps is recognized as an industry expert in commercial kitchen equipment, representing leading manufacturers, warehousing, distributing and installing everything from fryers to commercial walk-in freezers.
The facility’s design reflects this expertise, featuring a dedicated approximately 9,000-square-foot showroom kitchen that will host equipment demonstrations, tradeshows and webinars. This dynamic space will allow CGA Reps to showcase its comprehensive product range and provide clients with hands-on experiences of the latest commercial kitchen innovations.
A standout feature of the project is its innovative approach to stormwater management. With the site comprising only three acres, sufficient space for a traditional detention pond does not exist. To overcome this challenge, the design includes an underground detention system located beneath the truck court to efficiently handle all stormwater runoff.
This solution not only maximizes the use of the available land but also reinforces CGA Reps’ commitment to sustainable practices.
“We are excited to embark on this project with CGA Reps,” said Jay Bailey, CEO of SCB Construction Group. “This partnership underscores our commitment to customer excellence in design and construction, and it is a testament to the trust our clients place in our ability to deliver projects that not only meet but exceed expectations.”
Delivering excellence through proven expertise
SCB Construction Group’s track record in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier in the year, the company completed a 72,500 square foot manufacturing center for Process Equipment & Controls, integrating office space within a dynamic production facility.
This project was celebrated for its innovative design that balanced operational efficiency with a modern aesthetic, utilizing IMP panels to mimic tilt-up concrete, setting new standards for manufacturing environments.
Similarly, the interior build-out for Courtesy Ford Conyers’ commercial service center demonstrated SCB Construction Group’s ability to transform conventional spaces into functional and attractive environments that cater to both customer and staff needs.
The company’s commitment to quality and precision was again evident in the successful Phase 1 completion for StoreEase Loganville. This project, which recently earned the distinction of a 2024 Smart Facility of the Year by Modern Storage Media, highlights SCB Construction Group’s forward-thinking approach to construction and design, incorporating smart technologies and design that enhance sustainability and operational efficiency.
A rebranding that reflects a vision for the future
In a move that signals its evolution and growth, SCB Construction Group has recently rebranded from its former identity, SteelCo Buildings, as it spins off its construction division. This strategic rebranding is not merely cosmetic — it represents a renewed commitment to capabilities, credibility and client-focused service.
The refreshed brand is anchored by a new tagline “Deep Expertise, High Expectations” and a clear brand promise that communicates the company’s mission: to craft exceptional construction experiences based on precision, innovation and trust.
“Our rebranding is about more than just a new name or logo; it’s a renewed promise to our clients and communities,” explained Robert Lee, marketing director at SCB Construction Group. “We believe that our updated brand identity, including our invigorated tagline and mission statement, encapsulates our dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and construction. It reflects our commitment to creating spaces that are as inspiring as they are functional.”
Transforming spaces to inspire and connect
The new headquarters for CGA Reps is expected to become a landmark facility in Peachtree Corners. Beyond its impressive architectural design and advanced construction techniques, the building is planned as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
The interior build-out will include dynamic client reception areas, interactive meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork among employees. The layout is crafted to ensure that every area of the facility contributes to a productive and inspiring work environment.
“By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, CGA Reps is making a strong statement about the future of work,” said Bryan Young, VP of construction at SCB Construction Group. “Our team is dedicated to designing and building spaces that not only serve the immediate needs of our clients but also create environments that motivate and inspire. The new headquarters will be a testament to that vision.”
Looking ahead
The partnership between SCB Construction Group and CGA Reps marks a significant step forward for both companies. As SCB Construction Group continues to build on its legacy of excellence and innovation, this project is poised to set a new benchmark for modern office headquarters design in the region.
With a strategic focus on creating spaces that inspire, connect and drive success, the future looks promising for both SCB Construction Group and its esteemed partner, CGA Reps.
For more information on the new headquarters project or to learn more about SCB Construction Group’s portfolio, visit scbcg.com.
GA Tech Launches First-of-its-Kind GT Atrium in Peachtree Corners
Katherine Lafourcade — A Journey of Passion, Resilience and Giving Back
PCBA Announces 2025 Scholarship Winner
Digital Edition
Paul Duke STEM High School Student Earns CGO Scholarship
World Blood Donor Day Starts Here: Theo’s Miracle, Katherine’s Mission [Podcast]
Peachtree Corners Grows Business Opportunities Through Economic Development
Executive Function: A Tribute to Working Moms
Simpson Elementary Marks Exceptional Children’s Week
Executive Function: A Tribute to Working Moms
Official City Merchandise Line Debuts This Saturday at Town Green
Peachtree Corners Grows Business Opportunities Through Economic Development
Digital Edition
World Blood Donor Day Starts Here: Theo’s Miracle, Katherine’s Mission [Podcast]
Paul Duke STEM High School Student Earns CGO Scholarship
PCBA Announces 2025 Scholarship Winner
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
-
Digital Edition3 days agoDigital Edition
-
Podcast3 days ago
World Blood Donor Day Starts Here: Theo’s Miracle, Katherine’s Mission [Podcast]
-
Business2 days ago
Peachtree Corners Grows Business Opportunities Through Economic Development
-
Community1 day ago
Executive Function: A Tribute to Working Moms
