Business

How Five Community-Owned Businesses Were Bolstered with Cares Act Money – Cricket Zone feature

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2021

Mark Woolsey

Photo courtesy of ATL Cricket Zone Facebook page.

Mohammed Rashid’s cricket practice, coaching and instructional facility seemed poised to capitalize nicely on the increased popularity of the game in Atlanta. Then came the pandemic.

COVID made its appearance at a tough time for Rashid’s venture — the fledgling enterprise had only been in business for about two years. Suddenly, nobody wanted to show up and take swings in the batting cages or learn more about the fine points of the game.

The federal grant through the city was significant, Rashid said, allowing them to keep current with the rent on their place and helping to cover utilities and the salary of one part-time employee.

On a less positive note, he said, they were invited to apply for an SBA Targeted Economic Injury Advance loan, then told that they didn’t qualify due to being in a high-income area.

“Our business dropped significantly, and we literally had to shut it down; then we opened back up, but nobody came,” he recalled of the dark months of 2020. “We tried to survive in a different way by selling some products, even delivering some products.”

Rashid explained that they delivered balls, bats and protective gear to some playgrounds to help them survive economically.

The cricketeer said the shutdown lasted a couple of months and that after reopening, they only allowed one person to be in the batting cages in their entire 10,000-square-foot building. That has since loosened up, he indicated.

From February on, after vaccinations picked up, some things looked brighter. “But still for a lot of customers, it’s not comfortable for them to come indoors,” Rashid said. “Still, we are in bad shape.”

He said the business has rebounded to about 30-40% of pre-pandemic levels and he’s hopeful that they’ll tack another 10-20% on to that by, say, July.

Like Fernandez, Rashid is impressed by the level of help that Peachtree Corners city officials have supplied. As Rashid put it, “From anybody, any time we went to the city, we got the highest level of service — and from their heart. At every single step, they always stood by us to help.”

He feels that a combination of limited occupancy and stringent cleanup measures are helping keep patrons confident and the threat of COVID at bay. Rashid said that, among other measures, they’re utilizing an anti-COVID fogging machine each hour to disinfect the entire facility.

Rashid noted that the landlord has offered some discounts and that, with a little bit more help on that score and from the city, “we will definitely be surviving. If we can survive 2021, this business will survive for a decade, I think,” he said.

He pointed to the growing popularity of the sport, saying he’s formed a cricket team himself and that his business supports others with marketing and other help. There is an active league in the Cumming area, he said, and the city of Johns Creek has offered batting cages and other practice facilities for cricketeers.

Asked about whether he thought government in general was doing enough to help smaller enterprises during the pandemic, he replied this way in an e-mail. “Small business is the heart of the U.S. economy. If this is true, government should identify real injured business proactively. Government is doing a lot, but it’s random.”

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Business

DW1 Unveils New Peachtree Corners Headquarters and Brand Identity

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2023

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

DW1, formerly known as Discount Waste, Inc., has now settled in its office in Technology Park. As Peachtree Corners sees a surge of development, DW1’s move and rebranding stand out.

Situated at 250 Scientific Drive NW, the 45,000-square-foot building has 150 private offices and seven conference rooms. It also has an advanced training room and a “Town Center” designed for company lunches.

Additionally, the space doubles as an art collection that adds character to the workspace.

This move brings together their previous locations at Engineering Drive and Triangle Parkway. It consolidates over 100 employees who have been dispersed since 2019.

The inauguration event took place on September 28, 2023, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Vice Mayor Weare Gratwick, City Councilwoman Lorri Christopher, Southwest Gwinnett Chamber (SWGC) Chairman Bill Diehl and Executive Director Beth Coffey attended the event.

Board members Margie Asef, Larry Benator and Patty Thumann were also present.

Since its start in 1999, Discount Waste, Inc., now transitioning to DW1, has been a provider of waste removal and job site solutions.

Serving a wide range of clients, from general contractors and retailers to commercial establishments, the company has always emphasized strong client relationships and service.

Outside of the business realm, CEO Ed Foye‘s commitment to societal change is evident with All Children, Inc. This initiative focuses on delivering essential resources, such as nutrition, education and shelter, to children with disabilities in developing countries.

To know more about this effort, visit AllChildren.org.

A representative from DW1 shared, “We were thrilled to welcome our employees and their families to the new location on September 28. To learn more about our company’s next chapter, please visit DW1.com.”

Business

New Retail Concepts Join Merchandise Collection at The Forum Peachtree Corners

Published

3 days ago

September 28, 2023

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

As North American Properties (NAP) and Nuveen Real Estate (Nuveen) transform The Forum Peachtree Corners into a mixed-use development, several new businesses are joining the merchandise mix.

National retailers that signed long-term leases include Lovesac, Petfolk and Stretchlab. Temporary license agreements were reached with Auburn Candle Company, The Baby Nook and Girl Tribe Co.

Meet the retailers

Lovesac – This company designs, manufactures and sells unique furniture that’s guaranteed for life. It offers modular couches called Sactionals, foam beanbag chairs called Sacs and associated home décor accessories, including home audio systems.

Upon opening next to Chico’s in spring 2024, Lovesac at The Forum will be the ninth location in Georgia and fourth in NAP’s portfolio.

Petfolk – Founded by vets with decades of experience in clinical practice, Petfolk is an animal hospital and pet care center built with pets and their owners in mind.

Veterinary services include exams, vaccinations, urgent care, nutrition, diagnostic testing, digital radiology and more.

The Forum location opens this October by Chipotle, marking the brand’s second brick-and-mortar in metro Atlanta.

Stretchlab – Recognized for its customized, assisted-stretch sessions, Stretchlab is a wellness concept specializing in one-on-one routines led by nationally accredited flexologists.

Using a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) approach, paired with dynamic and static stretching, the team is able to identify tightness and imbalances in the body. They then build a custom routine for each client to develop a wider range of motion and flexibility.

Stretchlab opens next to Club Pilates at The Forum this winter.

Auburn Candle Company – Established in 2020 and based out of Auburn, Alabama, Auburn Candle Company hand-crafts signature candles and fragrances, free from additives and dyes.

In addition to shopping for pre-poured candles as well as other bath, body and home goods, candle lovers can develop their own creations at the in-store pour bar.

Its year-long pop-up at The Forum, opening in October, will be the company’s first venture in Georgia.

The Baby Nook – A haven for anyone seeking baby essentials and gifts, The Baby Nook will feature a select collection of baby items that combine functionality, safety and aesthetic appeal.

The year-long pop-up will open in October next to Soft Surroundings.

Girl Tribe Co. – NAP is expanding its existing relationship with Charlotte-based Girl Tribe Co. to bring a temporary store to The Forum from October 6 through December 31.

Created by childhood best friends and co-founders Sarah Baucom and Carrie Barker, the brand offers a collection of clothing, graphic tees, accessories and lifestyle products.

A combination of proprietary products and items made by local female entrepreneurs will be available for purchase in Suite 505, next to HomeGoods. Girl Tribe Co. also plans to host a series of events, workshops and networking sessions during its stay at The Forum.

The Forum’s merchandise mix continues to grow

These forthcoming brands join KeenaBela, Gifts We All Want and Go! Calendars, Toys, and Games as the latest additions to The Forum’s tenant collection.

KeenaBela, an Atlanta-based, eco-friendly sleep, lounge and resort-wear brand, officially opened its year-long pop-up at The Forum last month.

Additionally, specialty boutiques Gifts We All Want and Go! Calendars, Toys, and Games, have once again returned for the holiday season.

“We have seen a tremendous amount of interest from small, local business owners looking to grow their brands in a low-risk, incubator-style environment,” said Emily Narchus, director of ancillary revenue at NAP.

“As our leasing and development teams continue moving forward on The Forum’s renaissance, we are excited to play a part in upgrading the center’s retail makeup.”

NAP is nearing completion on the north end plaza and anticipates an early fall delivery of the 1,700-square-foot greenspace. This is the first, and smaller, of two community-driven spaces being adding to the property as part of its overall redevelopment.

Along with the ongoing retail improvements, renovations to the office lobby in building 5185, anchored by Trader Joe’s, are now complete.

The Forum has partnered with the Peachtree Corners Photography Club to display and sell winning pieces from its first juried exhibition in the revamped entrance.

To stay up to date on the latest property news and happenings, follow The Forum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit theforumpeachtree.com.

Business

Waramaug Hospitality Acquires Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners

Published

1 month ago

August 25, 2023

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Waramaug Hospitality, a privately held investment firm focused on select-service and full-service hotels, announced on Aug. 23, it acquired the Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners.

The 222-room Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners features a fitness center, indoor pool and outdoor fire pit seating area. All meeting and event spaces are equipped for various events, from industry conferences to happy hours and lifecycle events.

“As the second full-service Marriott Hotel and 16th Marriott-branded property in our portfolio, said Ferit Ferhangil, Principal of Waramaug Hospitality, “we see tremendous revenue growth opportunities for this asset in a thriving market.”

The property, which will now be managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, is located within Technology Park, a regional technology and innovation hub. The 500-acre campus is a destination for technology innovation in the Southeast and home to over 2,300 businesses ranging from tech startups to Fortune 500 companies.