Business
Best of Peachtree Corners 2024: Readers’ Choice Awards
Peachtree Corners residents have spoken, and the results are in. Here are this year’s winners of “The Best of Peachtree Corners.” Over 1,400 of our readers and social media followers weighed in to help us compile this list of area favorites.
Thank you to all the participants, and congratulations to the winning businesses!
Best Mexican Food
1. Kiko’s Tacos & More is arelaxed strip mall eatery offering a menu of exciting Mexican fare, cocktails and lunch specials.
3435 Medlock Bridge Rd, Peachtree Corners
kikosmexican.com
facebook.com/KikosMexicanRestaurant
770-441-1818
2. La Parilla
5131 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 1005, Peachtree Corners
laparrilla.com
@laparrillamexicanrestaurant
770-242-0766
3. Taqueria del Mar
5075 Peachtree Parkway Northwest, Suite 105A, Peachtree Corners
taqueriadelmar.com
@taqueria_del_mar
770-696-4582
Best Place for a Business Lunch
1. Marlow’s Tavern features the “Best of the Best” in American tavern fare served in a modern atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse combination of classic dishes that are updated and elevated to a higher level.
5210 Town Center Blvd Suite 260, Peachtree Corners
marlowstavern.com
@marlowstavern
470-550-1197
2. J. Alexander’s Restaurant
5245 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
jalexanders.com/georgia/peachtree-corners/5245-peachtree-pkwy/
@jalexandersrestaurant
770-263-9755
3. (tied) Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
5215 Town Center Blvd, Peachtree Corners
firebirdsrestaurants.com/peachtree-corners
@firebirdsgrill
770-225-4662
3. (tied) Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
5224 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
lazydogrestaurants.com/locations/peachtree-corners-ga
@lazydogrestaurants
470-735-4501
Best Barbecue
1. Moe’s Original BBQ is a 2,000-square-foot fast-casual restaurant that is a great place for the community to enjoy a meal together, celebrate little league victories and birthdays and watch their favorite sports on TVs around the full premium bar or on the large outdoor patio.
5005 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 810, Peachtree Corners
moesoriginalbbq.com/peachtreecorners
@mobpeachtreecorners
770-696-2631
2. Cue Barbecue
5260 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners
cuebarbecue.com/peachtree-corners
@cuebarbecue
470-299-5117
3. JR’s Log House Restaurant
6601 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners
jrsloghouse.com
facebook.com/jrsloghouse
770-449-6426
Best Breakfast
1. Flying Biscuit Café has called Peachtree Corners home since 2008.Join them for breakfast, brunch and lunch in their dining room or patio.
5270 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 120, Peachtree Corners
flyingbiscuit.com/locations-2/peachtreecorners/
@flying.biscuit.cafe
770-407-5885
2. JR’s Log House Restaurant
6601 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners
jrsloghouse.com
facebook.com/jrsloghouse
770-449-6426
3. Manhattan NY Deli & Bagels
5275 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
manhattannydeli.com
facebook.com/p/Manhattan-NY-Deli-and-Bagel-100089604675378
678-879-0707
Best Steaks and Burgers
1. H&W Steakhouse strives to provide modern fine dining and an unforgettable steakhouse experience. H&W Steakhouse is the latest fine-dining concept from Norsan Restaurants, which has been in the restaurant business for over 35 years. The company also operates Pampas Steakhouse in Johns Creek and Frankie’s The Steakhouse in Duluth.
5242 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
hwsteakhouse.com
@hwsteakhouse
470-682-4600
2. Ted’s Montana Grill
5165 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
tedsmontanagrill.com
@tedsmontanagrill
678-405-0305
3. (tied) Uncle Jack’s Meat House
5222 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 920, Peachtree Corners
unclejacksmeathousepeachtree.com
@ujmeathouse
470-532-1010
3. (tied) Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
5224 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
lazydogrestaurants.com/locations/peachtree-corners-ga
@lazydogrestaurants
470-735-4501
Best Chinese Food
1. New Dragon serves the Peachtree Corners area with delicious Chinese cuisine, offering specialty dishes that have been well-crafted to create a delightful culinary experience.
5450 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 1B, Peachtree Corners
newdragonpeachtreecorners.com
770-558-4262
2. Panda Express
3200 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Norcross
pandaexpress.com
@officialpandaexpress
678-969-0028
3. Great Sichuan
10475 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite 116, John’s Creek
greatsichuanga.com
770-417-8862
Best Desserts and Sweets
1. Peterbrooke Chocolatier transforms the art of fine European chocolate making into a truly American experience by combining the very best ingredients and old-world techniques with a variety of all-American treats.
5135 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 930, Peachtree Corners
peterbrooke.com
@peterbrookechocolatier
770-817-8118
2. Tiff’s Treats Cookie
5230 Town Center Blvd Suite 130, Peachtree Corners
cookiedelivery.com/menu.aspx
@tiffstreats
470-387-1200
3. (tied) Beard Papa’s
5215 Town Center Blvd Suite 620, Peachtree Corners
beardpapas.com/peachtree-corners
@beardpapaspc
770-807-0564
3. (tied) Cookie Fix
5143 Peachtree Pkwy Suite A, Peachtree Corners
cookiefix.com
@cookie_fix
770-268-2080
Best Sushi
1. On the frontier of Japanese restaurants, Sushi Osawa is proud to present its unique and wonderful cuisine, created from the finest ingredients.
5270 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 119, Peachtree Corners
sushiosawa.online
@sushiosawa
678-691-3034
2. Sushi Mito
6470 Spalding Dr Suite P, Peachtree Corners
sushimito.com
@sushi_mito
770-734-0398
3. (tied) Happy Sumo Sushi and Steak House
6135 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 610, Peachtree Corners
happysumosushiandsteakhouse.com
@happysumosushisteak
770-248-0203
3. (tied) Aomi Japanese Restaurant
5145 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 470A, Peachtree Corners
aomijapanese.com
770-840-8710
Best Latin Food
1. Mojitos Cuban American Bistro is a family owned and operated restaurant, operating for over 15 years in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring the finest mojito cocktails as well as authentic family recipes passed down from generation to generation.
5161 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 630, Peachtree Corners
mojitosbistro.com
@mojitosatl
770-686-3254
2. Tortugas Cuban Grill
3466 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite AA, Peachtree Corners
tortugascubangrill.com
facebook.com/Tortugascubangrill
470-275-5599
Best Outdoor Dining
1. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar is a classic American casual dining chain with locations spread throughout eight states.
5224 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
lazydogrestaurants.com/locations/peachtree-corners-ga
@lazydogrestaurants
470-735-4501
2. Fire & Stone Italian Pizza Kitchen
5215 Town Center Blvd Suite 610, Peachtree Corners
fireandstonekitchen.com
@fireandstonekitchen
470-219-5100
3. Pêche Modern Coastal
5155 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 320, Peachtree Corners
pecheforum.com
@pechemoderncoastal
770-674-1098
Best Pizza
1. Fire & Stone Italian Pizza Kitchen serves Neapolitan and NY-style pizzas, made with the freshest premium ingredients, prepared at 800° in wood-fired ovens.
5215 Town Center Blvd Suite 610, Peachtree Corners
fireandstonekitchen.com
@fireandstonekitchen
470-219-5100
2. Marco’s
5270 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
marcos.com
@marcospizza
770-840-9991
3. Cicis
6050 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross
cicis.com/locations/ga-norcross-6050-peachtree-pkwy
@cicisofficial
770-300-0535
Best Seafood
1. Pêche Modern Coastal. Inspired by traditional flavors yet prepared with modern techniques, Pêche Modern Coastal offers a fresh, creative, and respectful interpretation of the ocean and earth.
5155 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 320, Peachtree Corners
pecheforum.com
@pechemoderncoastal
770-674-1098
2. J. Alexander’s Restaurant
5245 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
jalexanders.com/georgia/peachtree-corners/5245-peachtree-pkwy/
@jalexandersrestaurant
770-263-9755
3. (tied) Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
5215 Town Center Blvd, Peachtree Corners
firebirdsrestaurants.com/peachtree-corners
@firebirdsgrill
770-225-4662
3. (tied) Marlow’s Tavern
5210 Town Center Blvd Suite 260, Peachtree Corners
marlowstavern.com
@marlowstavern
470-550-1197
Best Place for Salad
1. At Salata, every salad and wrap is crafted with the customer in mind, allowing diners to choose every topping that goes in it.
5210 Town Center Blvd Suite 210, Peachtree Corners
salata.com
@salatasalads
470-233-7586
2. Chopt Creative Salad Co.
4880 Peachtree Corners Cir, Peachtree Corners
choptsalad.com/location/peachtree-corners
@choptsalad
470-866-1720
3. Newk’s Eatery
5185 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 105, Norcross
order.newks.com/menu/newks-norcross-ga
@newkseatery
470-545-4572
Best Vegetarian Food
1. Loving Hut is a beacon of light for an alternative way of living to achieve “World Vegan, World Peace.”
6385 Spalding Dr Suite E, Peachtree Corners
lovinghut.us/norcross
678-421-9191
2. Royal Bistro Thai
6365 Spalding Dr Suite A, Peachtree Corners
royal-bistro.com
678-404-7733
3. Salata
5210 Town Center Blvd Suite 210, Peachtree Corners
salata.com
@salatasalads
470-233-7586
Best Place for Happy Hour
1. Marlow’s Tavern has earned another top spot on our list. The contemporary atmosphere and handcrafted cocktails complement a diverse menu of classic dishes with a modern flair.
5210 Town Center Blvd Suite 260, Peachtree Corners
marlowstavern.com
@marlowstavern
470-550-1197
2. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
5224 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
lazydogrestaurants.com/locations/peachtree-corners-ga
@lazydogrestaurants
470-735-4501
3. (tied) Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
5215 Town Center Blvd, Peachtree Corners
firebirdsrestaurants.com/peachtree-corners
@firebirdsgrill
770-225-4662
3. (tied) Tavern at Medlock
3230 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite 101, Peachtree Corners
tavernatmedlock.com
@tavernatmedlock
770-242-2757
Best Local Venue for Private Event
1. With free parking, prime access to I-85 and I-285, and just ten miles from the Ameris Bank Amphitheater, the Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners hotel is near the hustle of the city without the hassle.
475 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atlcp-atlanta-marriott-peachtree-corners/overview
@marriottbonvoy
770-263-8558
2. Hilton Atlanta Northeast
5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners
hilton.com/en/hotels/atlhphf-hilton-atlanta-northeast/
@hiltonhotels
770-447-4747
3. Atlanta Tech Park
107 Technology Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
atlantatechpark.com
@atlantatechpark
470-482-1800
Best Wings
1. Voted #1 Hot Wings and Best Sports Bar in Atlanta, Three Dollar Café, offers the best selection of beers, quality food and a family-friendly environment.
6050 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 100, Peachtree Corners
threedollarcafe.com
@threedollarcafeofficial
770-441-8520
2. Wings 101
6135 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
wings101norcross.com
678-691-5199
3. Jolene’s Wings & Beer
5224 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
jolenes.com
470-735-4501
Best Barbershop
1. Grab a cold one, have a seat and get comfortable. Boardroom Styling Lounge is a place where clients can make real connections and staff strive to positively impact the lives of anyone who walks through the doors.
5200 Town Center Dr Suite 230, Peachtree Corners
boardroomstylinglounge.com/locations/atlanta-peachtree-corners
@boardroomstylinglounge
470-319-9001
2. Traditional Shave Masters
5260 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 500, Peachtree Corners
traditionalshavemasters.com
@traditionalshavemasters
678-615-3480
3. Patrick’s Executive Grooming Salon For Men
5210 Town Center Blvd Suite 350, Peachtree Corners
pegsm.com
facebook.com/PatrickExecutiveGrooming/
240-350-8547
Best MedSpa
1. Treat yourself at Dermani MEDSPA. The company offers laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, Botox, Juvéderm, body contouring and skin tightening, microneedling and voluma services.
5165 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 230, Peachtree Corners
dermanimedspa.com/peachtree-corners-norcross
@dermanimedspa
404-946-3956
2. Suburban Med Spa
4989 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
suburbanmedspa.com
@suburban_medical_spa
678-282-0051
3. Massage Envy
5270 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 109B, Peachtree Corners
locations.massageenvy.com/georgia/peachtree-corners.html
@massageenvy
770-300-0033
Best Facial Spa
1. Whether you’re looking for smooth, hair-free skin, sagging skin solutions or a collagen boost, Suburban Med Spa has you covered.
4989 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
suburbanmedspa.com
@suburban_medical_spa
678-282-0051
2. Dermani MEDSPA
5165 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 230, Peachtree Corners
dermanimedspa.com/peachtree-corners-norcross
@dermanimedspa
404-946-3956
3. Massage Envy
5270 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 109B, Peachtree Corners
locations.massageenvy.com/georgia/peachtree-corners.html
@massageenvy
770-300-0033
Best Place for Fitness
1. Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA serves the Peachtree Corners and Norcross community with programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
5600 W Jones Bridge Rd, Peachtree Corners
ymca.org/locations/robert-d-fowler-family-ymca
@fowlerymca
770-246-9622
2. Burn Boot Camp
5450 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross
burnbootcamp.com/locations/peachtree-corners-ga
facebook.com/burnbootcamppeachtreecornersga
470-403-2876
3. (tied) Orangetheory Fitness
5270 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 105, Peachtree Corners
orangetheory.com
@otfnorcross
678-786-4100
3. (tied) LifeTime Fitness
6350 Courtside Dr NW, Peachtree Corners
lifetime.life/locations/ga/peachtree-corners.html
@lifetimepeachtree
770-449-6060
Best Nail Salon
1. Sugarcoat Forum is a modern nail and beauty destination that provides an honest, healthy and clean beauty experience.
5131 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 451, Peachtree Corners
sugarcoatbeauty.com
@sugarcoat.forum
470-545-1830
2. Tipsy Nail and Salon Bar
5230 Town Center Blvd Suite 120, Peachtree Corners
tipsynailspeachtreecorners.com
@tipsyptc
770-837-2130
3. (tied) Urban Nail Salon
5270 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 112, Peachtree Corners,
urbannailsalon.org
678-292-6307
3. (tied) Luxury Nails at Forum
4880 Peachtree Corners Cir Suite 1115, Peachtree Corners
theforumpeachtree.com/directory/luxury-nail-spa
facebook.com/luxurynailsattheforum
(770) 687-2258
Best Hair Salon
1. Frost Salon is committed to delivering outstanding, genuine customer service and an artistically inspired, technically sound approach to hair, all while continuously staying educated on new trends.
5075 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 103, Peachtree Corners
frost.salon
@frost.salon
770-680-4549
2. Van Michael Salon
5161 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 606, Peachtree Corners
vanmichael.com/locations/forum
@vanmichaelsalon
678-987-3600
3. (tied) Yany’s Hair Salon
5450 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 1C, Norcross
yanyshair.com
770-729-1767
3. (tied) Hair by Yare
5210 Town Center Blvd, Peachtree Corners
hairbyyare.square.site
@hairbyyare
404-476-1228
Best Yoga/Pilates Studio
1. Club Pilates believes that Pilates is for every type of body, upholding Joseph Pilates’ vision of helping all people feel great.
4880 Peachtree Corners Cir Suite 1130, Peachtree Corners
clubpilates.com/location/peachtreecorners
@clubpilates
404-902-2583
2. The Forum – Forum Fit
The North Plaza, 5155 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
theforumpeachtree.com/events/forum-fit-2
@theforumptc
770-368-8811
3. Sun Dragon Yoga
5600 Spalding Dr, Norcross
sundragonyoga.com
@sundragonyoga
313-303-0096
Best Animal Hospital/Veterinarian
1. Spalding Animal Hospital strives to provide the highest level of care, compassion, and commitment to the health and well-being of your furry family members, from juvenile to geriatric.
105 Technology Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
spaldinganimalhospital.com
770-558-4347
2. Peachtree Corners Animal Clinic
4020 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Norcross
animaldoctorofpeachtreecorners.com
facebook.com/p/Peachtree-Corners-Animal-Clinic-100063534251263/
770-448-0700
3. (tied) Peach Paws Animal Hospital
5075 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 101, Peachtree Corners
peachpawsvet.com
@peachpawsvet
770-726-8725
3. (tied) Medlock Bridge Animal Hospital
5155 S Old Peachtree Rd, Norcross
medlockbridgevet.com
facebook.com/p/Medlock-Bridge-Animal-Hospital-100063771210908/
770-242-9272
Best Pet Boarding
1. PetSuites Norcross is the premiere boarding, daycare, grooming, and training facility, committed to providing exceptional service to pet guests and pet owners.
6865 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross
norcross.petsuitesofamerica.com
@petsuitesatlantanorcross
678-293-8125
2. Spalding Animal Hospital
105 Technology Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
spaldinganimalhospital.com
770-558-4347
3. (tied) Zen Dog Pet Care
4468 Parkspring Terrace NW, Peachtree Corners
zendogpetcare.com/petcare
678-389-5679
3. (tied) Whiskers on Kittens Boarding and Dog Grooming
6579 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners
whiskersonkittensboarding.com
facebook.com/Whiskersonkittensboarding/
770-653-4038
Best Dental Practice
1. Innovative Smiles is a growing dental practice that delivers excellent customer service and an array of dental care offerings.
5185 Peachtree Pkwy NW Suite 201, Peachtree Corners
gwinnettdentist.com/wp3/
@innovativesmilesattheforum
770-763-7470
2. Linked Dental Care
6270 Smithpointe Dr, Norcross
linkdentalcare.com
@linkdentalcare
770-448-1977
3. (tied) Imagix Dental of Norcross
5270 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 101, Norcross
imagixdental.com/dentist-office/norcross-ga-30092
facebook.com/ImagixDentalNorcross
678-274-6981.
3. (tied) Agape Pediatric Dentistry
5185 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 325, Peachtree Corners
agapepediatricdentistry.com
@agapepediatricdentistry
678-730-8951
Best Physical Therapist
1. PT Solutions of Norcross is committed to delivering exceptional treatment to patients of all ages, including young middle school athletes and geriatric patients.
5270 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross
ptsolutions.com/clinics/ga/norcross
@pt_solutions
470-482-6926
2. Motion Stability Physical Therapy
5510 Spalding Dr Suite B, Peachtree Corners
motionstability.com
@motionstability
404-382-8702
3. Results Physiotherapy Peachtree Corners, Georgia
5450 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 1F, Peachtree Corners
resultspt.com/peachtree-corners-georgia
facebook.com/ResultsPhysiotherapy/
678-823-6100
Best Optometrist Practice
1. Ferdon Family Eye Care offers quality vision care, staffed by courteous professionals who have the professional tools and experience necessary to help with all optometry needs.
5270 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 109A, Peachtree Corners
ferdonfamilyeyecare.com
facebook.com/FerdonFamilyEyeCare
678-271-3445
2. Peachtree Corners Eye Clinic
4005 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Peachtree Corners
peachtree-eye.com
facebook.com/peachtreecornerseyeclinic01/
770-441-1211
3. Dr. John S. Yu & Associates P.C.
5151 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 700, Peachtree Corners
local.lenscrafters.com/eyedoctors/ga/peachtree-corners/5151-peachtree-parkway.html
(770) 623-8564
Best Day Care
1. The Goddard School of Peachtree Corners is a warm and nurturing space where extraordinary awaits students each and every day.
5055 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
goddardschool.com/schools/ga/peachtree-corners/peachtree-corners
@goddard_school
770-446-7939
2. Sunshine House of Peachtree Corners
5470 Spalding Dr, Peachtree Corners
sunshinehouse.com/center/spalding
@sunshinehousecenters
770-840-7404
3. (tied) Primrose School of Peachtree Corners
6325 Primrose Hill Ct, Peachtree Corners
primroseschools.com/schools/peachtree-corners
@primroseschools
770-409-8732
3. (tied) Creme de la Crème
4785 Peachtree Corners Cir, Norcross
cremedelacreme.com
@cremeschools
770-409-0000
Best Real Estate Agent
1. With over 50 years of combined real estate experience, The Nancy Minor Team has the expertise to provide clients with the highest level of service in any market.
3930 E Jones Bridge Rd, Peachtree Corners
nancyminor.com
facebook.com/TopAtlantaAgent
404-955-7653
2. Alan Kaplan
1555 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 100, Atlanta
sothebysrealty.com
linkedin.com/in/alan-kaplan-7657196
770-442-7300
3. (tied) Kelly Kim
3035 Peachtree Rd Suite 202, Atlanta
ansleyre.com/teams/621/kelly-kim-team
facebook.com/kellykimrealestateteam
404-480-4663
3. (tied) Terri Hayes
4249 Allenhurst Drive, Peachtree Corners
georgiamls.com/real-estate-agents/HAYESTERRI
facebook.com/TerriHayesTeam
770 374-7900
Best Bank/Credit Union
1. The Piedmont Bank delivers the financial products, personal connections and professional expertise that has helped build businesses throughout the southeast.
5100 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
piedmont.bank
770-246-0011
2. Associated Credit Union
6251 Crooked Creek Rd NW, Norcross
acuonline.org
facebook.com/associatedcu
770-448-8200
3. Tandem Bank
2356 Main St, Tucker
tandem.bank
@tandem.bank
770-281-9880
Best Coworking Space
1. Second Story at Broadstone Peachtree Corners offers private offices for rent, perfect for professionals seeking a balance of privacy, community and inspiration. Fully furnished spaces, high-speed internet, and amenities let users work, relax and connect seamlessly.
5720 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
broadstonepeachtreecorners.com
404-446-0262
2. Atlanta Tech Park
107 Technology Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
atlantatechpark.com
@atlantatechpark
470-482-1800
3. Peachtree Corners Executive Suites
4015 Wetherburn Way NW Building A, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners
peachtreecornersexecutivesuites.com
470-375-2205
Best Senior Living Communities in and near Peachtree Corners
1. Village Park Peachtree Corners provides all of the comforts and services of premier senior living within minutes of The Forum and other local shopping, dining, and entertainment favorites.
5701 Spalding Dr, Peachtree Corners
villageparkpeachtreecorners.com
facebook.com/VillageParkSeniorLiving
770-416-0502
2. The Mansions at Sandy Springs
3175 River Exchange Dr, Peachtree Corners
mansionsseniorliving.com/mansions-sandy-springs
facebook.com/TheMansionsAtSandySprings
678-672-3654
3. Parc at Duluth
3315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth
parcatduluth.com
facebook.com/ParcatDuluth
770-622-6880
Best Apartment Complex
1. Unmatched in Peachtree Corners, Broadstone Peachtree Corners Apartments has built a world within a world—with captivating creature comforts and delightful details around every corner.
5672 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
broadstonepeachtreecorners.com
@broadstonepeachtreecorners
678-515-5726
2. The Spoke at Peachtree Corners
450 Technology Pkwy NW, Norcross
thespokepeachtree.com
facebook.com/TheSpokeatPeachtreeCorners
470-947-7965
3. Cortland Peachtree Corners
510 Guthridge Ct NW, Peachtree Corners
cortland.com/apartments/cortland-peachtree-corners
@cortlandpeachtreecorners
423-497-3033
Best Family Doctor/Practice
1. Dr. Sunit Singhal has been practicing medicine for decades. In February 2001, he proudly opened Suburban Medical Center to provide healthcare for his community.
4989 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
suburbanmedicalcentermd.com
770-582-1300
2. Atlanta Urgent Care
5246 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
atlantaurgentcare.com/atlanta-urgent-care-at-peachtree-corners
facebook.com/urgentcarepeachtreecorners
770-464-6400
3. Northside Peachtree Corners Primary Care
5277 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners
northside.com/ptc
678-312-8430
Best HVAC Service
1. With decades of collective HVAC experience on its team, Premier HVAC Mechanical Corporation strives to offer the latest in technology and efficiency in heating and cooling systems.
6669 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite N, Peachtree Corners
premierhvaccorp.com
facebook.com/SuperCoolGuys
770-696-4189
2. Spencer Heating & Air Conditioning
4708 S Old Peachtree Rd, Norcross
spencerair.com
facebook.com/Spencer-Heating-Air-Conditioning-Inc-135952766577571
770-447-5289
3. Bardi Heating, Cooling, Plumbing
2100 Norcross Pkwy Suite 100, Norcross
bardi.com
facebook.com/bardihvac
770-627-7600
Best home Services (Electrician, Plumber, Etc.)
1. For 35 years, Bardi Heating, Cooling and Plumbing has called Georgia home. They know what it’s like to deal with hot Atlanta summers, plumbing emergencies and heating or water issues in the home.
2100 Norcross Pkwy Suite 100, Norcross
bardi.com
facebook.com/bardihvac
770-627-7600
Best Home Contractor
1. EV Remodeling is here to translate your needs into a creative solution that remodels the space you already have into the one you’re perfectly dreaming of.
3906 Morris Ct. Peachtree Corners
evremodelinginc.com
facebook.com/evremodeling
678-822-7573
2. Victoria Renovations
5051 Peachtree Corners Cir Suite 200, Norcross
victoriarenovations.com
770-406-8909
Best Private School (K-8)
1. Cornerstone Christian Academy partners with parents to provide a quality academic education designed to develop students who will follow Christ, embrace biblical truth and live lives that glorify God.
5295 Triangle Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
cornerstonecougars.org
facebook.com/p/Cornerstone-Christian-Academy-100055110837238
770-441-9222
2. International Charter Academy of Georgia
3705 Engineering Dr, Peachtree Corners
internationalcharteracademy.org
facebook.com/internationalcharteracademyofgeorgia
770-604-0007
Best Private School (K-12)
1. Wesleyan School is a private college-preparatory nondenominational Christian school located 20 miles north of Atlanta in the suburban city of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, United States. It was founded in 1963 and has existed on its current grounds since 1996.
5405 Spalding Dr, Peachtree Corners
wesleyanschool.org
facebook.com/wesleyanschool
770-448-7640
2. Greater Atlanta Christian School
1575 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW, Norcross
gac.org
facebook.com/GACSpartans
770-243-2000
Best Youth Summer Camp
1. For over 25 years, Wesleyan School Summer Camps have made summers fun for all children ages 5-14. Camps range from arts to athletics, STEM to life skills, and we offer morning, afternoon, and full-day programming.
5405 Spalding Dr, Peachtree Corners
wesleyanschool.org/programs/summer-camps
@wesleyaninsta
770-448-7640
2. Greater Atlanta Christian Summer Camps
1575 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW, Norcross, GA 30093
greateratlantachristian.org/campus-life/summer-camp/summer-camp
facebook.com/Greateratlantachristiansummercamp
770-243-2275
3. (tied) Fowler YMCA
5600 W Jones Bridge Rd, Peachtree Corners
ymcaatlanta.org
@fowlerymca
770-246-9622
3. (tied) Gwinnett Parks
75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville
gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/departments/communityservices/parksandrecreation
facebook.com/GwinnettGov/
770-822-8000
Best Summer Camp (Kids Under 10)
1. On our list again are Wesleyan School Summer Camps. This summer, the fun runs from June 10-28 and July 8-19. These camps have everything from sports like soccer and lacrosse to creative pursuits like chess and sewing.
5405 Spalding Dr, Peachtree Corners
wesleyanschool.org/programs/summer-camps
@wesleyaninsta
770-448-7640
2. Greater Atlanta Christian Summer Camps
1575 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW, Norcross, GA 30093
greateratlantachristian.org/campus-life/summer-camp/summer-camp
facebook.com/Greateratlantachristiansummercamp
770-243-2275
3. (tied) Club SciKidz
500 Kedron Dr. Peachtree City
atlanta.clubscikidz.com/camp-locations/#location-207
@clubscikidzatlanta
678-294-9504
3. (tied) Gwinnett Parks
75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville
gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/departments/communityservices/parksandrecreation
770-822-8000
Best Place for the Kids to Play
1. Peachtree Corners Town Center Playground is located on a two-acre event lawn home to concerts, movies and other community events as well as children’s play areas.
Town enter Blvd, Peachtree Corners
ptreecornerstowncenter.com/directories/town-green
facebook.com/peachtreecornerstowncenter
678-691-1200
2. Jones Bridge Park
4901 E Jones Bridge Rd, Peachtree Corners
gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/departments/communityservices/parksandrecreation
facebook.com/GwinnettGov
678-277-0920
3. Pinckneyville Park
4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Peachtree Corners
gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/departments/communityservices/parksandrecreation
770-978-5270
Best Museum to Visit in Metro Atlanta
1. Fernbank Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, is a museum that presents exhibitions and programming about natural history. Fernbank Museum has a number of permanent exhibitions and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta
fernbankmuseum.org
facebook.com/FernbankMuseum
404-929-6300
2. High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta
high.org
@highmuseumofart
404-733-4400
3. Fernbank Science Center
156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta
fernbank.edu
facebook.com/fernbankcenter
678-874-7102
4. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta
civilandhumanrights.org.facebook.com/ctr4chr
678-999-8990
5. Southeastern Railway Museum
3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth, GA 30096
train-museum.org
facebook.com/SoutheasternRailwayMuseum
770-476-2013
6. The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building #300, Duluth
thehudgens.org
facebook.com/hudgenscenter
770-623-6002
7. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center
2020 Clean Water Dr, Buford
gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/departments/communityservices/parksandrecreation
770-904-3500
Best Local Hotel for out of Town Guests
1. When looking for hotels in Peachtree corners, Hilton Atlanta Northeast, dubbed the “Castle on the Hill,” is not too far from Atlanta city limits.
5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners
hilton.com/en/hotels/atlhphf-hilton-atlanta-northeast
facebook.com/HiltonAtlantaNortheast/
770-447-4747
2. Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners
475 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atlcp-atlanta-marriott-peachtree-corners
facebook.com/ATLCP/
770-263-8558
3. Hyatt Place Atlanta/Norcross/Peachtree
5600 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross
hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/georgia/hyatt-place-atlanta-norcross-peachtree
facebook.com/hyatt
770-416-7655
Best Weekend Getaway (within a 2-hour drive of Peachtree Corners)
Château Élan Winery & Resort in Braselton, GA
100 Rue Charlemagne Dr, Braselton
chateauelan.com
facebook.com/chateauelan
678-425-0900
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge in Dawsonville, GA
418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville
amicalolafallslodge.com
@amicalolafalls
706-344-1500
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
1 Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro
ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ahnrz-the-ritz-carlton-reynolds-lake-oconee
facebook.com/ritzcarltonlakeoconee
706-467-0600
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
241 Depot St, Blue Ridge
brscenic.com
@blueridgescenicrailway
877-413-8724
Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, GA
7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford
lanierislands.com/lake_lanier_accommodations/legacy-lodge
facebook.com/lanierislands
800-768-5253
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris, GA
6321 US-76, Young Harris
brasstownvalley.com
facebook.com/brasstownvalleyresort
706-379-9900
Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA
17617 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain
callawaygardens.com
facebook.com/CallawayGardens
800-225-5292
Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, GA
597 Barnsley Gardens Rd NW, Adairsville
barnsleyresort.com
facebook.com/BarnsleyResort
770-773-7480
The Cloister at Sea Island on Sea Island, GA
100 Cloister Dr, Sea Island, GA 31561
seaisland.com/accommodations/the-cloister
facebook.com/thecloisteratseaisland/
866-966-5983
Best Places to Work (over 50 employees)
Cornerstone Christian Academy
5295 Triangle Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
cornerstonecougars.org
facebook.com/p/Cornerstone-Christian-Academy-100055110837238
770-441-9222
Wesleyan School
5405 Spalding Dr, Peachtree Corners
wesleyanschool.org
facebook.com/wesleyanschool
770-448-7640
Siemens Industry Inc.
3617 Parkway Ln, Norcross
usa.siemens.com/usa
facebook.com/Siemens
770-326-2000
Crawford and Company
5335 Triangle Parkway NW, Peachtree Corners
crawco.com
facebook.com/crawfordandco
404-300-1000
Pond & Company
3500 Parkway Ln #500, Peachtree Corners
pondco.com
678-336-7740
Werfen (formerly Immucor)
3150 Gateway Dr, Peachtree Corners
immucor.com
facebook.com/WerfenNorthAmerica
770-441-2051
Gwinnett County Public Schools
437 Old Peachtree Rd. NW, Suwanee
gcpsk12.org.facebook.com/GwinnettSchools
678-301-6000
Soliant Health, LLC
5550 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
soliant.com
facebook.com/Soliant
800-849-5502
Capstone Logistics
30 Technology Pkwy South, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners
capstonelogistics.com
facebook.com/capstonelogisticssocial 770-414-1929
See the results of last year’s awards here.
Local small business owner has found a way to keep mosquitos at bay with natural remedies
Geoff Krstovic, a former firefighter, transitioned into the mosquito control business after a divorce, driven by the desire for flexible work.
“Nobody ever thinks they’re going to be into bugs and chemistry when they grow up,” he said. “It’s not like, ‘I want to be a firefighter. I want to be an astronaut.’ Nobody thinks that they want to go out there whacking bugs or says, ‘I want to be in pest control.’”
But as he progressed in his new career, Krstovic took an interest in how to get rid of pests without using harsh, man-made chemicals.
“The more certifications, the more promotions and everything that I got, [and] the more entomology classes I started taking, … I really started to realize what we were putting out into the environment,” he said.
“I spend 90% of my time outside, and I see so much wildlife. So, when I would see a deer eating a leaf or a rabbit run out of bushes that I just treated, it really made me start to think about the effects of what we were doing to them.”
Not to mention pollinators like bees and butterflies.
“When I [would finish a treatment], I’d look back at the yard and everything that I’d seen flying around was just gone,” he said.
As a parent and a pet owner, he knew there had to be a better way to get rid of pests but still safeguard ourselves and the animals around us.
With a growing concern for the environmental impact, he developed a natural mosquito treatment system. The company he was working for wasn’t interested in his new product, so he started his own business.
Road to pest control
Krstovic graduated from Georgia State with a major in English. He joked that many of his contemporaries in the field have similar backgrounds.
“There’s an ongoing joke in the pest community where it’s like … what do you go to college [for] to be a pest [control] owner? Well, you major in liberal arts, English or writers’ composition,” he said.
“A lot of the other owners I met had the same degrees. A big part of it is that creativity aspect, and in pest control, you’re allowed to think outside the box, and you’re allowed to adjust and adapt to what you’re seeing and use different methods.”
That desire to do things differently led him to find a way to help keep people safe from West Nile, Zika virus and Eastern equine encephalitis while they enjoyed time outdoors.
With a lot of research and a little help from relatives with backgrounds in chemistry and engineering, he came up with a formulation based on using essential oils.
The dangers of mosquitos
“After you meet your first client that tells you about their experience just walking to a mailbox and they get West Nile, it changes your perspective 100%,” Krstovic said, “because you’re not just out there killing bugs, you’re out there protecting people and their families.”
Mosquitos are often called the most dangerous animal on earth, with the diseases they spread killing over a million people annually according to statistics from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control.
While the more serious mosquito diseases don’t pose the greatest risk to most communities, there are common ailments that can show up in people and pets, including bites that get infected and heartworm in dogs.
Reaching out to the community
Though people were a little skeptical about Krstovic’s natural pest control methods at first, Erin Rhatigan decided to give it a try.
“Geoff cold-called our house in 2021 and revealed that he actually grew up in the house next door,” she said. “He really wanted to return to his roots and offer his services.”
Rhatigan has three young children, and with her home being situated on the Chattahoochee River, the outdoor areas are beautiful, but also plagued by a lot of mosquitos.
“We’re very focused on spending time outside, and our kids are very, very active, so they’re outside a lot,” she said.
But Rhatigan and her kids are also very sensitive to mosquito bites, and the spraying services she tried year after year weren’t satisfactory.
“I had gone through every franchise. I had used the large companies every season. I was switching because it seemed like it would be effective at the beginning, and then it would lose effectiveness,” she said.
She was also concerned about the toxicity of the chemicals being used.
“I felt like using toxic chemicals on our property was not only bad for our family, but because we are on the river, we’re kind of a steward to the environment as well, … so when he mentioned that the product that he uses to control the mosquitoes was eco-friendly, I was happy to try it,” she shared.
Local solution gets a local investor
The treatment was so effective that Rhatigan isn’t just a customer, she and her husband decided to invest in the business.
“It was better than anything I had used for the previous 10 years,” she said. “The amazing thing is that when he sprays the property, you have this effervescence of the essential oils in the air.”
She recommended Geo Mosquito to everyone who’d listen to her, and eventually Krstovic took over maintaining the facilities at Rhatigan’s community pool.
“[What he was doing] kind of piqued my husband’s and my interest because we were looking for a small business to invest in locally,” she said. “I’m now home with the kids, but I have a long career in sales, and my husband is in sales as well.”
Within a year, the couple became active investors.
“We love the origin story of this relationship because it’s reflective of how friendly and supportive the local business community is in Peachtree Corners,” she said.
Caring about the work
Krstovic attributes his success to caring about the work, attention to detail and understanding client needs. He doesn’t just spray the yard and leave; he has a system of mapping out problem areas and educating clients about prevention.
“We’re looking at anything that could hold a water source and eliminating that, asking our clients what time of the day they’re getting eaten up, what part of their body and what part of their yard,” he said.
“That helps us figure out the species of mosquito that’s attacking them, so we know where to target, because different species have different nesting sites.”
Growing the business
Geo Mosquito has begun working with Vox-pop-uli to upgrade their logo, website and promotional materials.
“Geoff is a typical entrepreneur — protective of what he’s doing,” Rhatigan said. “So going through the steps of changing the logo, coming up with a new tagline, starting to do some marketing, is both exciting and a little scary.”
But the team at Vox-pop-uli has been a tremendous resource — helping them go at their own pace.
“This first year of investment was about seeing what the market interest is and expanding brand awareness,” said Rhatigan. “Vox-pop-uli offers so many services, it’s daunting for an emerging company to manage so many different contractors: creative, graphic design, printing, mailing. But they have a great, responsive organization that has been very helpful.”
Next steps
With a proprietary formulation for the mosquito abatement, Geo Mosquito wants to bottle the solution and sell it nationally.
Additionally, in 2025, the company plans to expand into ecofriendly pest control services for inside the home. They are also interested in working with local municipalities, churches and schools to expand their mosquito control services.
The Local Thread: This business profile series is proudly supported by Vox-pop-uli, championing local stories and the communities we serve.
This article is also available in the print and digital edition of the Jan/Feb issue of Southwest Gwinnett magazine.
Photos courtesy of Geo Mosquito.
As we look back at 2024, there were a number of acquisitions, new businesses opening, major renovations and milestones celebrated. I’ll attempt to highlight some of them, knowing that I can’t possibly cover them all. There were some new events this year too.
This past year was a big one for Guardian Sports, a Peachtree Corners company that designs and manufactures helmet covers. The NFL now requires Guardian Caps be worn during NFL during practice, and players may choose to wear them during games. The caps disperse energy during hits with the goal of reducing head injuries.
Insight Sourcing of Peachtree Corners was acquired by Accenture, a leading global professional services company. Insight Sourcing helps clients optimize costs when sourcing and negotiating contracts for materials, services related to capital expenditures and energy procurement management. Accenture is a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 743,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries.
Axon, the global leader in connected public safety technologies, acquired Fusus, a leader in real-time crime center technology located in Peachtree Corners. Fusus excels in aggregating live video, data and sensor feeds from virtually any source, enhancing situational awareness and investigative capabilities for public safety, education and commercial customers.
Milestone celebrations
Authentic Hardwood Flooring on Amwiler Road celebrated 25 years in business in 2024. Michael Keroack has been steadily growing the operation for roughly eight years in Peachtree Corners with the help of Buddy Wofford, general sales manager, and Michael Blocker, director of operations.
Also celebrating a milestone in 2024 was Diversified Resource Group (DRG). For nearly 25 years, Darrell Creedon has been running DRG in Peachtree Corners, outfitting workspaces for companies and governments, and more recently, hotels and convention centers. Mr. Creedon, who resides in Peachtree Corners, started the furniture business with a college friend in 1999 in a home basement.
City events
The City of Peachtree Corners organized the 2nd Annual Curiosity Lab Criterium in April. This year’s event featured a running race, kids races, food trucks, vendors and other activities for the family. There was also a fun run in Technology Park. Werfen, a global diagnostics company, and the City of Peachtree Corners, partnered on a 5K Walk/Run in Technology Park in November. The event benefitted the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In May, the city organized a food truck event at Curiosity Lab, which drew about 210 people working in and around Technology Park.
The PCBA organized the first Taste of Peachtree Corners in June. It was a great time of networking and community fellowship among business owners and other involved citizens. Approximately 100 people experienced an evening of delicious bites and drinks, sampling foods from local businesses.
New to the city
Blue River Development moved its corporate office from Forsyth County to Peachtree Corners to expand its operations. The company is a leader in real estate development and investment.
A new pediatric dentistry, Agape Pediatric Dentistry, opened at 5185 Peachtree Parkway #325 at The Forum. Two law firms opened on Wetherburn Way: Brooks Injury Law Offices and Tadeo & Silva immigration law firm.
A former steel pipe fabrication site at 6420 Corley Road that was converted to a logistics center is now fully leased. The 27-acre property, which sold for $10.5 million in 2018 was sold for $77.4 million three years later, after it was cleaned up and redeveloped into the Peachtree Corners Logistics Center.
The Central Business District
Also in May, the city adopted a 6-month moratorium on projects in the Central Business District. Due to the increasing number of applications and evolving market trends, the moratorium came into effect on May 3 and ended on November 3. The moratorium gave the city six months to pause rezoning applications, special use permits and variances applications for residential or mixed-use development.
In August, members of the Peachtree Corners City Council took part in a ribbon cutting at The Forum. We celebrated the opening of the new plaza and activity areas. Jamestown is modernizing the 20-year-old Forum shopping center and transforming it into a true mixed-use destination through the addition of a 125-room boutique hotel, approximately 381 multifamily units, new experiential retail and dining offerings, structured parking and an expanded public area.
Construction began in May 2023, and the first of two new greenspace additions were constructed. Phases II and III will see the multifamily and boutique hotel constructed, both slated to start in 2025. Also this year, it was announced that Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management firm, acquired the Cincinnati-based North American Properties, which owned The Forum.
Members of the Peachtree Corners Redevelopment Authority and Downtown Development Authority engaged in a focus group discussion in August at City Hall. The discussion was led by representatives from Kimley-Horn, engineering, planning and design consultants. There was discussion about under-utilized spaces, needed amenities and potential uses for vacant properties. City officials also met with members of the commercial real estate community in September to specifically discuss Technology Park.
International visitors, co-working and new townhome project
An 18-member delegation of Finnish business people visited Curiosity Lab in Peachtree Corners in September. The visit marks the second time a Finnish delegation has visited Peachtree Corners. Seven innovative Finnish companies traveled to the Atlanta area in search of U.S. partners to promote transatlantic trade between Finland and the United States. Japanese delegates involved in sectors such as automotive, technology, energy and corporate development also visited Peachtree Corners in December as part of a regional tour.
Construction of a co-working space, Roam, is well underway at the Town Center and will open in summer 2025. The 35,000-square-foot building is located at 3847 Medlock Bridge Road and will feature a rooftop event space, coffeeshop and cafe, in addition to workspaces.
An office building at 3585 Engineering Drive was demolished earlier this month to make way for a townhome community. The new 75-unit townhome project is under construction by D.R. Horton, which received rezoning approval from the city last February. The 102,000 SF office building sat vacant for many years.
Collaboration, renovation and more
Curiosity Lab announced a collaboration with Gama Sonic, a global leader in upscale, bright and durable solar lighting for homes, businesses and outdoor spaces. The company’s deployment of solar lighting in the City of Peachtree Corners marks its first deployment implementing customized, intelligent lighting programming timers that enhance safety for residents and visitors.
Brady Anderson Bennett recently opened a State Farm office at 3000 Northwoods Parkway. The 27-year-old has been working with State Farm since he was 18 years old.
Renovation is underway at 7050 Jimmy Carter Blvd. for the creation of a Planet Fitness. The gym is under development by Alder Partners/the Flynn Group. This location marks the 32nd location in metro Atlanta. It is expected to open in January.
There is also a relatively new Southern-inspired eatery you may want to try. Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch, located inside the Hilton Atlanta Northeast hotel, opened this year. Dahlia’s offers Southern-style plates that leverage regionally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients.
Happy Holidays!
Mayor Mike Mason
Leroy Hite, founder of Cutting Edge Firewood — a luxury brand specializing in wood for fireplaces, grills, pizza ovens and firepits — shared his journey from starting a company to gaining national recognition during the PCBA Business After Hours Speaker Series in December.
Hite highlighted the industry’s disorganization and his innovative approach to firewood, including using ovens to dry the wood and improving on delivery methods. And he emphasized the importance of customer experience, branding and counter-cultural thinking.
Despite initial challenges and financial constraints at the beginning, his company grew significantly (even during the early days of COVID-19), achieving a 400% increase in sales.
Entrepreneurial spirit
The disorganization and lack of focus within the firewood industry is what initially prompted Hite to question its methods.
He thought he’d found the answer when he started a firewood company with friends while in college, winning a Kroger account for the entire Southeast. But the limited experience of Hite and his co-owners became evident quickly.
“We discovered how backwards the industry was for three college students to get that account with a username and password,” he said. “On the day of the bid, whoever put in the lowest number won the account.”
With the contract in hand, the guys were able to get loans and bought hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment that they didn’t know how to use.
“It would break every single day, so I had to teach myself how to fix it,” he said. “We hired 30 to 35 people off of Craigslist; I don’t advise you to do that.”
In the end, the guys realized they were in way over their heads. They couldn’t keep up with Kroger’s demand. But the experience gave Hite insight into a better way to deliver firewood.
“At the time, industry-wide, you would put the firewood in the back of a pickup truck, get a wheelbarrow, put it where they wanted it,” he said. “… to do a second delivery, you have to drive back and get more wood. So maybe you can do two deliveries a day.”
Hite devised a plan to have the wood palletized and use a mini skid steer, which allows you to get it closer to where it should be. What had taken 16 to 18 hours for two deliveries would now allow seven or eight deliveries in the same time frame.
After the first firewood business shut down, Hite worked with Chick-fil-A and then Enterprise Rent-A-Car for several years.
“It was great experience,” he said, though he couldn’t get firewood out of his mind.
Taking another chance
Hite considered getting back into the firewood business as a side gig, but eventually decided to leave his corporate job and pursue the business full time.
“A fire is like a beautiful sunset,” he said. “No one on earth dislikes it. A fire can be the center of a wedding party and can also add great taste to food — whether it’s steak, pizza or barbecue.”
When he started Cutting Edge, Hite wanted to fix the poor quality of wood and lack of branding and customer service.
He had an opportunity to purchase an existing business, but lacked the funding. So, he took a leap of faith.
“I had an outdated website. I had a truck, and I had a customer list. I realized I was going to be a supplier and that I needed to reinvent how to deliver firewood,” he said. “I [tried] to get a second loan on my house, [but] no banks would talk to me at the time.”
Hite convinced his wife, pregnant with their third daughter, to sell the house.
“We moved into a rental home, and I completely redid the branding. I reinvented how to do deliveries. I invented a rack that could be moved with a hand truck. And I found a hand truck that will go up and down stairs and one that will go across rough terrain,” he said. “So, the delivery went from two hours to about 15 minutes per delivery. And it was also a lot safer.”
Though COVID caused many businesses to go under, his thrived. It seemed that people stuck at home got a taste for food cooked over “fancy wood,” as he put it.
Goals and standards
Cutting Edge Firewood has two goals, Hite said: To provide unparalleled customer service and deliveries. And to provide the best firewood available. Period.
According to company literature, the Cutting Edge team “works with the best suppliers to ensure they consistently meet our high standards. All of our firewood undergoes the most rigorous drying process in the industry: each piece is conditioned for 48 hours in 250-degree heat. And our trained specialists hand-select each piece of firewood … ensuring that you only receive the very best — photoshoot-ready firewood that lights easily and burns brightly.”
Future plans
Although Hite didn’t go into detail, he sold Cutting Edge Firewood in August 2024, having built a strong brand and customer base in Atlanta and throughout the country.
“[Entrepreneurship] definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s both demanding, disheartening and rewarding all at the same time,” he said. “I love it. I went in with a not-too-thin skin, but I definitely exited with very thick skin.”
Now that he’s been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, Hite indicated that he wants to venture out again. He reflected on the challenges and rewards of running the business, including the importance of customer experience and branding.
“The brand is very, very well-known in Atlanta. We were named a couple of times in Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the fastest growing companies,” he said. “It’s rewarding. I’ve had Coca-Cola executives say that [they] know the branding and the customer service … [and] I’m pretty sure that Cutting Edge Firewood is being used in the White House.”
Hinting of a desire to move on to new ventures, possibly focusing on disrupting existing markets rather than creating new ones, Hite again emphasized the importance of counter-cultural thinking, pushing through discomfort and being driven by a passion for customer experience and innovation.
For more information about Cutting Edge Firewood, visit cuttingedgefirewood.com.
McBath Slams Proposed Tax on HOPE Scholarship
Tales From the Farm: Q&A with Local Indie Children’s Author, Katie Morgan Lester
Simpsonwood Park Development Update
BRACK: How one city operates without property tax
Cornerstone B-Ball Teams Win Metro Championships, Remain Undefeated
City of Peachtree Corners Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Local State Legislators Outline Priorities for this General Assembly Session
Read the Feb/March Issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine
Read the Feb/March Issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine
Japanese Traditions Celebrated at ICAGeorgia
Local State Legislators Outline Priorities for this General Assembly Session
Simpsonwood Park Development Update
City of Peachtree Corners Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
BRACK: How one city operates without property tax
Cornerstone B-Ball Teams Win Metro Championships, Remain Undefeated
McBath Slams Proposed Tax on HOPE Scholarship
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
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Education1 week agoMcBath Slams Proposed Tax on HOPE Scholarship
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Arts & Literature1 week ago
Tales From the Farm: Q&A with Local Indie Children’s Author, Katie Morgan Lester
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Parks & Recreation4 days ago
Simpsonwood Park Development Update
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City Government6 days ago
BRACK: How one city operates without property tax
