Best of Cobb 2024

Otis

Skyler Heath

Taylor Boysen, Skyler Heath, Jon Styf

Taylor Boysen, Skyler Heath LAYOUT

Beth Poirier

Cobb

ADVERTISING

V.P.

Tara Guest

COBB

Becky Opitz ACCOUNT

Ginny Hrushka, Paula Milton

GRAPHICS/LAYOUT

Beth Poirier

GRAPHIC

Windsor Armour, Erin Barkwell, Tona Deaton, Jennifer Hall

CIRCULATION

Best Cobb of

You voted. We tallied. After more than 285,000 votes, here’s a full list of the first, second and third place winners — and even a few tying winners — of our 2024 Best of Cobb contest.

Features

10 Spotlight

Cobb Life’s Best of Cobb contest is a testament to the incredible lineup of local businesses, people, places and things, and taking home first place is meant to be celebrated. Check out spotlights of five winners from popular sections in this year’s contest.

27 Hoboken Cafe

If you’ve been to Hoboken Cafe in Marietta, you know Johnny Pizza. From the daily, fresh-made mozzarella and specialty baked bread to the desserts flown in — because nothing beats the real thing — Pizza has brought the things he learned from working at a New Jersey deli counter to the beloved cafe on Whitlock Avenue.

29 gruvnYOGA

Nestled in the heart of east Cobb, gruvnYOGA is a place where anyone, regardless of age, can escape the chaos of everyday life and connect with their inner selves. The studio offers a diverse assortment of classes for students of all levels, showcasing how yoga can be healing for the mind, body and spirit.

51 Sterling Estates

Sterling Estates Senior Living Communities is likely a familiar name to those in Cobb County — and for good reason. From art classes, themed dinner nights and group fitness classes to roadtrips out of town and movie nights, Sterling Estates in east Cobb and west Cobb offers residents more than just a place to call home.

When Cobb native George Blackwell started making jewelry out of his basement in 1976, he had no idea he was cultivating a beloved jewelry business that stood the test of time. 48 years later, Blackwell’s Jewelers, known as “the Tiffany’s of Marietta,” continues its legacy as east Cobb’s neighborhood gem. 12 COVER STORY

111 Blackwell’s Jewelers

letter from the editor

Greetings, Cobb Lifers,

If April showers bring May flowers, have you ever wondered what March brings? Here are a few dead giveaways: It’s yellowish-green, is likely accumulating on your car and rhymes with Wallen — yes, like the country music star, Morgan Wallen.

As I wash down my daily dose of Claritin, dust pollen off my keyboard and reach for a Kleenex, I find it’s more than fitting to say spring has sprung in Georgia, which means blooming flowers, budding trees and, for the Cobb community, the Best of Cobb contest.

If you happened to read my letter from last year’s “Best of” issue, you’d know that, as a Roswell native and former travel soccer player, I spent a chunk of my childhood in Cobb County — and, naturally, when you spend a significant amount of time somewhere, you start to become familiar with it. That sense of familiarity progressed into comfort when I started at the MDJ in August 2022. It wasn’t until I started my career as Cobb Life Editor, though, and really connected with the vibrant web of small businesses and people that those sentiments blossomed. Now, as I head into my second “Best of” issue and continue my tenure as Cobb Life Editor, I’m honored to call Marietta my second

home. To all readers and locals, thank you for welcoming me into your community with open arms — I am thrilled to be here, and look forward to meeting more of y’all along the way, which I have to say is my favorite aspect of the job, other than the writing part, of course.

No. 1 in popular categories — curious to see who (or what) they are? Flip to our Winners Spotlight story on page 10 to find out.

We also chose a select few winners to highlight in feature stories: Sterling Estates, Blackwell’s Jewelers, gruvnYOGA and Hoboken Cafe — some have been staples in the community for years and others are new members of Cobb.

After browsing through our winners, don’t forget to check out April releases, familiar faces in Cobb scene, our Now & Then photo segment and Cobb Eats’ Dining Deets, a new noteworthy news section and spin-off of MDJ’s Cobb Eats page that rapid fires local restaurant news.

Best of Cobb is certainly unlike every contest I’ve ever seen. Winners aren’t selected based on advertisers — all nominations, votes and winners are selected by readers of Cobb Life and the Marietta Daily Journal. On behalf of the Cobb Life staff and MDJ team, I’m pleased to announce that this year’s contest garnered a whopping 286,000 votes!

I believe the competitive nature of this contest is a testament to the incredible lineup of local businesses, and winning Best of Cobb is a milestone worthy of celebration. In this year’s issue, we chose to highlight five winners who placed

Finally, I want to thank those who joined us March 21 for our celebratory Best of Cobb Showcase, presented by Superior Plumbing, at the Jim R Miller Event Center. We danced. We ate. We mingled. We laughed. And we celebrated our Best of Cobb winners. If you weren’t able to make it to this year’s celebration, don’t worry — with how time is flying by, next year will be here before we know it. Happy spring, friends.

Au revoir, Skyler Heath Cobb Life Editor

What do you want?

CONFIDENCE CONFIDENCE

Our clients want to ensure financial stability for themselves, their families, employees and businesses. For several decades, we have studied our clients and listened to them and our mission is, simply put, to help them reach their goals.

BEST OF COBB

Who’s the best of the best? That’s debatable, but numbers don’t lie. You voted, we counted and thanks to readers’ support, we had more than 285,000 votes cast in the 2024 Best of Cobb contest!

Cobb Life’s annual BOC contest is a testament to the incredible lineup of local businesses, people, places and things; therefore, taking home first place is meant to be celebrated! Here are spotlights of five winners from popular sections in alphabetical order. Congratulations to all.

ANSLEY REAL ESTATECHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARIETTA

www.ansleyre.com/offices/marietta

SECTION:

Real Estate & Finance

CATEGORIES:

Best Commercial Real Estate Company

Best Real Estate Company

Best Real Estate Agent, Kerry Minervini

Best Real Estate Broker, Jaydee Austin Smith

Best Real Estate Team, Amy Mollohan & Co.

Ansley Real Estate has six offices across Georgia — the Marietta office consists of 63 experienced agents who proudly serve their clients in Cobb County daily. They value the relationship with their client first and support that with innovation and technology. As an affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Ansley has access to the highest caliber of real estate professionals in over 70 countries and a powerful group of real estate brokers around the world on one site.

Based in the Historic Marietta office, Kerry Minervini has been working in the real estate industry since 2013. She has represented clients all over Cobb, Cherokee, Fulton and other counties across the state in various real estate

transactions. Active in the Marietta community, Minervini serves as the Ward 6 Representative on the Marietta City Schools Board of Education.

“Real Estate has been such a blessing for me,” she said. “It enables me not only to pursue my passion and help my clients, but gives me the flexibility to serve my community on the Board of Education and spend quality time with my family and friends.”

Jaydee Austin Smith, managing broker of Ansley Marietta, has excelled in offering superior client support to the real estate industry for more than 25 years. Smith joined Ansley Real Estate in 2019 as a founding member and managing broker of the Marietta office, where she has helped grow the office from 23 agents to over 63 agents.

Amy Mollohan & Co. of Ansley Real Estate specializes in comprehensive real estate services to clients in Atlanta and parts of Florida. The team aims to ensure that clients achieve their buying and selling goals through expert market knowledge, sophisticated technology, and comprehensive marketing strategies.

GLOVER PARK BREWERY

www.gloverparkbrewery.com

SECTION:

Arts & Entertainment

CATEGORIES:

Best Local Brewery/Distillery

Best Craft Beer Selection

For the fifth year in a row, Glover Park Brewery has placed No.1 for Best Local Brewery/Distillery. Located in a 1930s brick building just steps away from the Marietta Square, the brewery boasts two taprooms, a dog-friendly beer garden and multiple spaces for private events. The brewery’s lower tap room hosts weekly events, including trivia, live music, parties, food trucks and pop ups, and offers a wide array of on and off tap craft beer, seltzers, cocktails, wine, frozen drinks and mocktails. Beer lovers can enjoy bold brews like “Off The Tracks” (West Coast IPA), “Lights Out” (Stout), and a seasonal favorite “ VooDoo Pils.”

At the street level, customers will find a 5,000-square-foot industrial chic private event space, which has the capability of hosting 180 people for seated events and 250 people for cocktail-style, standing events, fitting for weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and holiday parties. The brewery’s upper taproom and lower taproom are also available for private event rentals.

Glover Park Brewery came to life when Marietta natives Sam Rambo and Hank DuPre wanted to create a community space where folks could kick back, relax and enjoy a great selection of locally-crafted beers. Then, when Rambo and DuPre brought Kevin McNerney, co-founder of Sweetwater Brewing Company, into the fold, they knew they had something truly special brewing.

H RESTAURANT GROUP: PISANO’S PIZZERIA & ITALIAN KITCHEN, WEST COBB DINER, WILLIE RAE’S SOCIAL HOUSE

www.wrsocialhouse.com

SECTION(S):

Dining & Nightlife, Arts & Entertainment

CATEGORIES:

Pisano’s: Best Happy Hour, Best Overall Bar, Best Chicken Wings, Best Italian Food, Best Outdoor Dining and Best Pizza

West Cobb Diner: Best Business Lunch, Best Fried Chicken, Best Southern Food

Willie Rae’s Social House: Best Date Night Restaurant, Best Appetizers/Light Fare, Best Trivia Host

TheH Restaurant Group owns and operates a collection of restaurants in the greater Atlanta area, including the three Best of Cobb winners: West Cobb Diner, Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen and Willie Rae’s Social House. They are also the owners of South Cobb Diner, the Flying Biscuit Café in Candler Park and Midtown and Hibachi Express & Wing House. The restaurant group is spearheaded by two brothers, Joseph and Matthew Hsaio, and their business partner, Michael Judvytis, acting as a triple threat in metro Atlanta’s bustling dining scene.

Pisano’s Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen, West Cobb Diner and Willie Rae’s Social House swept the Dining & Nightlife and Arts & Entertainment sections in this year’s contest, collectively garnering 12 first place awards.

Judvytis and the Hsaio brothers bought Pisano’s Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen in Kennesaw in 2018, transforming it into neighborhood pizza joint known for its home-like atmosphere and authentic Italian food that’s made fresh, in-house daily. Then, in 2019, the group took over ownership of West Cobb Diner, a popular Southern restaurant on Barrett Parkway in Marietta. Their most recent endeavor was purchasing Willie Rae’s Social House, a beloved Cajun joint on Marietta Square in September 2023.

Though the menus look slighty different at each award-winning restaurant, the group strives to deliver an exceptional dining experience for every guest. And, above all, community outreach is at the forefront of their mission.

“We believe in serving the best to ensure every guests leaves full and happy,” Judvytis said “We support our local community, and so do you, with every sip and bite you take!

MARIETTA PLASTIC SURGERY

www.mariettaplasticsurgery.com

SECTION:

Beauty & Self Care

CATEGORIES:

Best Cosmetic or Plastic Surgeon Group

Best Cosmetic or Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael McNeel

At Marietta Plastic Surgery, patients will find some of the most skilled plastic surgeons in the Atlanta area. Whether you‘d like to emphasize your natural beauty or find the need for reconstructive plastic surgery, Marietta Plastic surgeons will provide you with the right balance between technical training and artistic enhancement.

Plastic surgeons work with patients of all histories and backgrounds, including those who have overcome illness and injury and those who have achieved massive weight loss. Patients’ needs and desires will be addressed with artistic, surgical skills and deep compassion.

Atlanta Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Michael J. McNeel is proud to be one of the plastic surgeons who can help patients achieve their goals at Marietta Plastic Surgery. McNeel’s general knowledge of plastic surgery and dedication to patient health is evident after being voted Best Cosmetic or Plastic Surgeon in this year’s Best of Cobb contest.

“I love plastic surgery because I get to help people feel better about themselves,” McNeel said. “I love coming to work every day and really feel like it is a privilege.”

Dr. McNeel, who has been serving metro Atlanta since 1997, graduated with honors from the University of Florida before pursuing his medical degree from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. He then resumed his studies at the Emory University School of Medicine, where he completed five years of general surgery training and served as chief resident in general surgery.

PINNACLE ORTHOPAEDICSMARIETTA

www.pinnacle-ortho.com/marietta-office

SECTION:

Health & Wellness

CATEGORIES:

Best Orthopaedic Group

Best Orthopaedist, Dr. Brandon Burris

Best Physical Therapy Group

Best Occupational Therapy Group

Since Pinnacle Orthopaedics’ founding more than 50 years ago, its mission has been to provide the most advanced and comprehensive medical care in a professional and courteous manner, while also maintaining patients’ health as the primary focus. The orthopaedic group has five locations, including its Marietta office, and 16 physicians who have a wide range of orthopaedic specialties, such as sports medicine, spine surgeries, total joint replacement, surgery of the hand and foot and treatment of traumatic injuries. Pinnacle Orthopaedics also provides MRI, rehabilitation and outpatient surgery services at their facilities.

“Pinnacle uses an advanced approach with their specialties and services and are able to maximize results and minimize recovery time,” said Dr. Brandon Burris, who placed No. 1 as Best Orthopadist for a third year in a row. “This allows their patients to spend time enjoying what is really important — getting back to the life they love.”

Dr. Burris is Board Certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy, general orthopaedics and sees patients in the Marietta, Hiram and Woodstock offices. He is currently the head team physician for several local high school and college sports teams.

In addition to Pinnacle’s offered services, the company values its outreach in the community and sponsors a variety of youth sports programs, events and work-based learning programs. Pinnacle physicians also provide medical coverage for various sports teams, including local competitive clubs, high schools, college level and professional teams.

Arts & Entertainment

Adult Dance Studio

 The Georgia Ballet

2nd Place: Pole Waxers Pole Dance Studio

3rd Place: Georgia Dance Conservatory Art Gallery

 dk Gallery

2nd Place: The Loft, Marietta

3rd Place: Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

Artist (Performing) WINNER

 Barry Lancaster

2nd Place: Camilla Sanders

3rd Place: Strand Ole OpryEarl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

Artist (Visual) WINNER

 Sara FarmerThe Sassy Buck, Marietta

2nd Place: Miles Davis - Massive Burns Studio

3rd Place: Holly Irwin

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Bartender/Mixologist/ Sommelier WINNER

 Ki Gannon - The Third Door

2nd Place: Johnny Tam at House of Lu

3rd Place: Gaines Kerr at Johnnie MacCrackens

Bowling WINNER

 Bowlero - Marietta

2nd Place: Punch Bowl Social - Atlanta

3rd Place: Brunswick Zone

Cocktail Menu WINNER

 The Third Door

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta

3rd Place: Marietta Melt Yard

Concert Venue WINNER

 Earl and Rachel Smith

Strand Theatre

2nd Place: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

3rd Place: The Hunt House

Craft Beer Selection WINNER

 Glover Park Brewery

2nd Place: Horned Owl Brewing

3rd Place: Skint Chestnut Brewing Company

Event Venue WINNER

 Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center

2nd Place: Foxglove

3rd Place: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

Family Amusement WINNER

 North Georgia State Fair

2nd Place: Atlanta Braves at Truist Park

3rd Place: Chalktoberfest

Festival WINNER

 North Georgia State Fair

2nd Place: Chalktober Fest

3rd Place: Taste of Marietta

Gaming & Competition Venue WINNER

 The Escapery

2nd Place: Governors Gun Club - Kennesaw

3rd Place: Portal Pinball Arcade

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Golf Course WINNER

 Marietta Country Club

2nd Place: City Club Marietta

3rd Place: Pinetree Country Club

Happy Hour WINNER

 Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

2nd Place: Lil Bites

3rd Place: Horned Owl Brewing

Historic Site WINNER

 Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

2nd Place: Marietta Square

3rd Place: Marietta History Center

Karaoke WINNER

 Lil Bites

2nd Place: Johnnie MacCracken’s Celtic Firehouse Pub

3rd Place: 3 Amigos Mexican Bar & Grill

Live Theatre WINNER

 Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

 The Alley Stage (1st Place Tie)

3rd Place: Marietta Theatre Company

The Alley Stage

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Local Band/Musician WINNER

 Georgia Players Guild

2nd Place: Kennesaw Mountain High School Marching Band

3rd Place: NÜ Wave ATL

Local Blogger/Influencer WINNER

 Live Music 2023 West Cobb

2nd Place: Marietta Food Guy

3rd Place: Drew Xzavier

Local Brewery/Distillery WINNER

 Glover Park Brewery

2nd Place: Horned Owl Brewing

3rd Place: Skint Chestnut Brewing Company

Museum WINNER

 Marietta History Center

2nd Place: Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

3rd Place: Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

New Bar (as of March 2022) WINNER

 Marietta Melt Yard

2nd Place: Lil Bites

3rd Place: Walk-On’s Sports BistreauxWest Cobb

Glover Park Brewery

Overall Bar

 Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

2nd Place: Center Street Tavern

3rd Place: The Third Door

Park

 Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center

2nd Place: Glover Park - Marietta Square

3rd Place: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Place to Take a Tourist

 Atlanta Braves at Truist Park

2nd Place: Marietta Square

3rd Place: The Battery Atlanta

Place to Worship WINNER

 First Presbyterian Church

2nd Place: Faith Lutheran Church & School

3rd Place: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

3rd Place

(Tie): St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

Sports Bar

 Glover Park Brewery

2nd Place: Marietta Melt Yard

3rd Place: Taco Mac Marietta

 WR Social House

2nd Place: Or’Rin Stinson - Horned Owl Brewing

3rd Place: Josh Waters - Two Birds Taphouse

 The Whitlock Inn

2nd Place: Glover Park Brewery

3rd Place: The Gardens at Kennesaw Mountain

Wine List

 Piastra Restaurant

2nd Place: Marietta Wine Market

3rd Place: unWine’d & Tap

Piastra

Automotive & RecreationalVehicles

2nd

3rd

3rd

2nd

3rd

2nd

3rd

2nd

3rd

 Three Way Campers

2nd Place: Norman Campers

3rd Place: Campers Inn RV of Acworth Tire Center

 Weaver Brake & Tire Inc

2nd Place: Smyrna Tire Service

3rd Place: Discount Tire - Cobb Pkwy., Acworth

 CarMax - Kennesaw

2nd Place: Carl Black Chevrolet Buick GMC

3rd Place: Subaru of Kennesaw

“As the oldest RV dealership in Georgia, we have been able to see the advancements introduced in the camping industry and continue to expand our resources daily to ensure we are offering the best models and products on the market.”

THREE WAY CAMPERS

Beauty Self&Care

WWellness Redefined gruvnYOGA studio offers yoga for everyBODY

Written by Taylor Boysen

hen Heather Peace, of Marietta, opened a yoga studio in 2020, she aspired to cultivate a community that extended far beyond the yoga mat.

Nestled in the heart of east Cobb, gruvnYOGA is a place where anyone, regardless of age, can escape the chaos of everyday life and connect with their inner selves. The studio offers a diverse assortment of classes for students of all levels of experience, showcasing how yoga can be healing for the mind, body and spirit.

“We like to say here that we offer yoga for life because no matter what age or developmental stage you’re in, what injuries you may be going through, or what emotional things are happening in your life, yoga can be there, and there’s a yoga for you,” Peace said.

It was this unmatched support and devotion to promoting wellness that led to gruvnYOGA placing No. 1 as Best Yoga/Barre/Pilates Studio in this year’s Best of Cobb contest, voted on by readers and the community.

Along with providing a welcoming and embracing environment, the studio offers different resources and workshops that promote clean living and both physical and mental well-being.

The studio offers a free monthly “Grief Movement + Support” class that teaches students how to use yoga as a

means to help them through difficult times.

“Grief is such a common experience that we all have as humans, but we very little talk about it or have ways to cope with it,” Peace said. “There are ways to move the grief that we hold and energy out of the body in healthy ways.”

For Carrie Bellware, a regular at gruvnYOGA since it opened in 2020, she said the grief classes hold a very special place in her heart.

“When I first started coming to this studio, my mom was very ill. I lost her about a year later and having this practice and this place really helped me process the grief,” she said. “I felt like I could come here and be sad. I could remember her. I could cry. It helped me so much getting through the grief process.”

It was through these classes that Bellware was able to meet and connect with other women who have gone through similar loses of their loved ones.

“So many older adults have come (to the studio) and have found such joy and companionship,” Bellware said. “It can be hard as you get older to find your people — I’ve found my people here.”

The yoga studio also offers a free “Yoga of 12-Step Recovery” program on the first and third Wednesdays of each month that combines 12-step principles with yoga therapy. This is a donation-based support group that is open to anyone struggling with addiction.

After moving to the U.S. from England in 2018, Tina Eustace was looking for the perfect place to continue her

Heather Peace, gruvnYOGA’s owner, poses in front of the studio’s Heart Wall.

yoga practices —  after coming across gruvnYOGA, she’s been a regular ever since, and recently completed a yoga instructor certification in May 2023.

Eustace said she began practicing yoga in Europe after she had two major surgeries and had no luck regaining mobility from physical therapy. She said yoga not only helped her regain her physical strength, but it also improved her mental strength.

“ Yoga was my savior, literally,” she said. “I think that’s what I would like to pass on to my students. I’m just a normal, average woman with physical problems, and I can adapt my classes to appreciate that the people in my classes may have physical problems as well.”

GruvnYOGA extends a diverse selection of membership options, all of which are designed to cater to one’s unique

preferences. Newcomers can opt for an introduction pass, which offers an exclusive 30-day trial of unlimited yoga for $30. The yoga studio also offers different membership plans, ranging from flexible class packs to monthly or annual auto-renewed subscriptions.

The studio celebrated its four-year anniversary in February, and many expressed how immensely proud they are of the business’ growth over time. Opening a yoga studio only weeks before a global pandemic was no easy feat; however, Peace’s passion and devotion to her community led to the business’ ultimate success.

Peace has lived in east Cobb for almost 20 years and has raised her two daughters in the area. She said it is a wonderful experience to be able to serve her neighbors and offer them a place to practice mindfulness and to

GruvnYOGA instructor, Tina Eustace, meditates at the end of a class in Sukhasana, which, she says, helps give individuals a gift of time to reflect with no external distractions.

truly be themselves.

“It all started as a little idea,” Peace said. “I just wanted a safe place to bring people together, and that’s what’s happening, which is just my dream come true.”

GruvnYOGA is at 3000 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 101 in Marietta. For information on the local yoga studio, visit www.gruvnyoga.com.

GruvnYOGA instructors show off their signature yoga poses and styles in the studio.

Pictured Right: Yoga instructor, Robyn Renee, smiling big in Star Pose, which, she says, opens up one’s hips and shoulders.

BEAUTY & SELF CARE

Facials

 Stella Allure

2nd Place: Leslie CrowellThree-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

3rd Place: Marietta Plastic Surgery

WINNER

Fitness Center/Gym

 Burn Kennesaw

2nd Place: Wellstar Health Place

3rd Place: Burn Boot Camp - Whitlock/Marietta

Hair Extensions

 Nina JohnLUXE Color Bar Salon

2nd Place: élon Salon

3rd Place: Traci WilliamsThree-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

Hair Removal Services

 Stella Allure

2nd Place: Candace SnipesThree-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

3rd Place: élon Salon

WINNER

Hair Salon

 élon Salon

2nd Place: Precision Cutters Salon

3rd Place: LUXE Color Bar Salon

Hair Stylist

 Dee Dee Hightowerélon Salon

2nd Place: Nina John - Luxe Color Bar Salon

3rd Place: Traci WilliamsThree-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

Makeup Artist WINNER

 Nina JohnLuxe Color Bar Salon

2nd Place: Leslie CrowellThree-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

3rd Place: Brandee ShieldsThree-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

Massage Therapist

 Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

2nd Place: Aimee TownsendBradford Family Chiropractic

3rd Place: Kozue Cunningham, Wellstar Health Place

Nail Salon WINNER

 élon Salon

2nd Place: Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

3rd Place: Parisian Nail Salon - Marietta

Nail Technician

 Angelina Sutjiawanélon Salon

2nd Place: Leslie CrowellThree-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

3rd Place: Brandee ShieldsThree-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

Personal Trainer WINNER

 Samantha SaundersBurn Kennesaw

2nd Place: Amber DeveyWellstar Health Place

3rd Place: Body Design Personal Training Marietta

Spa WINNER

 Stella Allure

2nd Place: Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

3rd Place: Pearl’s Spa

Tanning Salon WINNER

 Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique

2nd Place: élon Salon

3rd Place: Rooted Toward Wellness, LLC

WINNER

Yoga/Barre/ Pilates Studio

 gruvnYOGA Soul Center

2nd Place: Wellstar Health Place

3rd Place: Be Yoga - Marietta

Dining Night&Life

Hoboken Cafe brings Jersey favorites,

quality to sandwich-making

Written by Jon Styf

If you’ve been to Hoboken Cafe on Whitlock Avenue, you know Johnny Pizza.

Since the cafe open 11 years ago on April 1, 2013, Pizza has made Hoboken his home by making it feel like his hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey.

The restaurant’s success isn’t an

Famous Meatball Sandwich

accident. It’s all been carefully crafted.

From the daily, freshmade mozzarella and the specialty baked bread to the desserts flown in — because nothing beats the real thing — Pizza has brought the things he learned and loved growing up working the New Jersey deli

For 11 years, Johnny Pizza has made fresh mozzarella every morning since Hoboken Café was founded in 2013.

counter to 688 Whitlock Ave.

And customers have noticed, voting Hoboken Best of Cobb’s No. 1 best business lunch and best sandwich shop for at least the fifth straight year.

The restaurant has more than 1,000 five-star Google reviews and a menu that’s 99% the same as the day it opened.

“I took from my little town of Hoboken, New Jersey, and brought all of the best of the best to one menu,” Pizza said. “That’s what I serve on my menu. Whether it be hot sandwiches or cold sandwiches, they’re all trusted and true practically 100-year-old recipes.”

If you haven’t figured out already, Pizza isn’t just the restauranteur, he’s also the show as business partner Roger Diaz explained — and Pizza has the background to back It up.

When Pizza was 18, he started a limousine business in the New York area and started driving around celebrities while working with the New York Friars Club. He met big names, including Frank Sinatra and his son Frank Sinatra Jr., who Pizza then worked with in Hollywood for eight years starting in 2000.

food they missed so much.

“John is honestly what makes Hoboken what it is,” Diaz said, noting how Pizza is the one who loves to chat and customers come back time and again to hear his stories.

Pizza didn’t think it would last. The top-line ingredients made the meals more expensive than some of his competitors. But he wouldn’t compromise.

“Hoboken Hero”

But when Pizza’s mother had a stroke, he came to Marietta to take care of her.

What started as a temporary move, however, became longer as his mother outlived what was estimated to be her final four months.

So, on a lark, Pizza and Diaz decided they would open a restaurant to bring people in Marietta the New Jersey

What started as an interim idea turned into a lifestyle.

To the point that, when his mother died in 2016, there was no chance he was going back.

The Hollywood he knew was already gone anyway.

“You can’t go back to once what was,” Pizza said.

Or, as Frank Sinatra would tell him, you can’t catch lightning in a bottle.

Things in life can’t be duplicated and that’s the reason why he hasn’t tried to franchise the restaurant or expand, he explained. Pizza has a controlled atmosphere with controlled quality ingredients and a fixed scale with loyal customers — down to the fact that the napkin holders on Hoboken’s tables have the names of regular customers. This is his home away from home and wants customers to feel that way, too.

So from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday, you know where to find Pizza and Diaz.

When they take vacation, the cafe closes. And when they return, so do their loyal customers.

Just like their employees who have all been at the restaurant for three to seven years. Pizza and Diaz continue to pay the employees when the restaurant is

Hoboken Cafe offers a wide array of cold sandwiches, including favorite “Hoboken Hero” with ham, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, online, salt & pepper and oil & vinegar served on a fresh Italian roll.

closed — even when it had to close for two months during the COVID-19 shutdowns because their bread supplier closed, too.

When they opened back up, there was a line out the door.

“It touched us how much people missed Hoboken,” Diaz said.

Because the customers know what it means to have Pizza there making fresh mozzarella every day, the one item Diaz says he still hasn’t mastered after 11 years.

It’s something Pizza learned to make as a youngster in Hoboken and it’s a reason Hoboken Cafe customers swear by their favorite lunch spot.

“When it’s made early in the morning it’s good for at least eight to 10 hours before it’s refrigerated,” Pizza said. “When you slice into this fresh mozzarella cheese, there’s a texture that you get like when you eat pizza right out of

the oven. It’s crisp and fresh.”

If the mozzarella has been in the fridge and came from a different day, Pizza said, it just isn’t the same.

Customers buy it by the pound, it’s on sandwiches, salads and pretty much anything you can imagine such as the cafe’s popular ham, salami and fresh mozzarella sub.

On the hot food side, the meatball sub and meatball entrée are the most popular, along with the sausage, pepper and onions and the chicken parmigiana. Hoboken caters and it also offers dinners to-go if you call ahead.

What sets Hoboken Cafe apart are the details. Pizza is a perfectionist. He knows the ingredients he needs, and he makes it happen daily with exactly that. From the tomatoes to the spices to the meats and cheeses and desserts, it’s all about ingredients and keeping the same great tastes that customers expect, Pizza said.

When Hoboken opened in 2013, one of the challenges

John Pizza, right, owner and founder of Hoboken Cafe cradles the restaurant’s “Famous Cheesecake” as his business partner, Roger Diaz, holds the Chocolate Mousse Cake, another fan favorite, both of which desserts are flown in directly from Texas.

was finding the right Italian bread to make his sandwiches. Pizza said that it took him three months, but he found a local bakery who can bake the bread to his specifications — but only for him.

He has a deal with the unnamed bakery to make sure no one else can duplicate the bread that Pizza jokingly has a sign that says, “For our Southern friends, our bread is not stale, it’s firm.”

“If you were to put that sandwich together on the local bread that you get here with the exact same meatballs, exact same ham/ salami hero and you bite into it, it would fall apart because the juices make the bread fall apart,” Pizza said.

Like Sinatra told him, you can’t catch lightning in a bottle.

Except, Pizza did.

Appetizers/Light Fare

 WR Social House

2nd Place: Governors Gun Club - Kennesaw

3rd Place: Piastra Restaurant

Bakery

 Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery

2nd Place: McEntyre’s Bakery

3rd Place: Twin Kookies and Sweets

BBQ

 Dave Poe’s BBQ

2nd Place: Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q

3rd Place: Heirloom Market BBQ

Breakfast

 Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery

2nd Place: Reveille Cafe - West Cobb

3rd Place: The Red Eyed Mule

Pictured Left: Johnny Pizza, owner of Hoboken Cafe, preparing his famous, fresh marinara sauce.

Brunch

 1885 Grill

2nd Place: Governors Gun Club - Kennesaw

3rd

Reveille Cafe - West Cobb

Burger

 Moxie Burger - Kennesaw

- Kennesaw

3rd Place: MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes

Business Lunch

 West Cobb Diner

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta Square

3rd Place: Governors Gun Club - Kennesaw

Candy & Snacks

 Hot Rod Popcorn

2nd Place: Penny’s Candies - Powder Springs

3rd Place: Rocket Fizz

West Cobb Diner

Carry Out WINNER

 1885 Grill - Acworth

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta Square

3rd Place: Paul’s Pot Pies

Caterer WINNER

 1885 Grill - Acworth

2nd Place: Adriane’s Delectables Catering

3rd Place: House of Lu - Marietta Square

Chicken Wings WINNER

 Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta

3rd Place: Otter’s Chicken - Dallas Hwy.

Chinese Restaurant WINNER

 House of Lu - Marietta

2nd Place: Wei Sichuan Authentic Chinese Cuisine

3rd Place: Orient Express - Vinings

Curbside Pickup

 House of Lu - Marietta

2nd Place: Otter’s Chicken - Cobb Pkwy/Kennesaw

3rd Place: Marietta Diner

Date Night Restaurant

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta

3rd Place:

Dessert

 Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery

2nd Place: Piastra Restaurant

3rd Place: Marietta Diner

 Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery

2nd Place: Krispy Kreme - Cobb Pkwy/Marietta

3rd Place: McEntyre’s Bakery

Fine Dining

 1885 Grill - Acworth

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta

3rd Place: Piastra Restaurant

2nd Place: Auggie’s Lucky Tacos Food Truck

3rd Place: Gaston Street Eats Food Truck

Fried Chicken



2nd Place: Otter’s Chicken - Avenues West Cobb

3rd Place: The Marietta Local

Ice Cream/ Frozen Dessert WINNER

 Bruster’s Real Ice CreamDue West Rd/Marietta

2nd Place: BurgerFi - Kennesaw

3rd Place: Sweetreats Marietta

Indian Food WINNER

 Taj Mahal Grill

2nd Place: Haveli Indian Cuisine - Marietta

3rd Place: Pinch Of Spice Indian Cuisine

Italian Food WINNER

 Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

2nd Place: Piastra Restaurant

3rd Place: Provino’s Italian Restaurant

Japanese Food WINNER

 Thaicoon & Sushi Bar

2nd Place: Volcano Steak & Sushi - Kennesaw

3rd Place: Okinawa Steak & Sushi - Marietta

Juice & Smoothie Bar WINNER

 UpDog Smoothies and JuicesMarietta

2nd Place: Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar and Gift Shop

3rd Place: FruiTea Bubbles Café - Smyrna

Kid-Friendly Restaurant WINNER

 Otter’s Chicken - Dallas Hwy.

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta

3rd Place: BurgerFi - Kennesaw

Otter’s Chicken

“Great food. Great prices. Great service. We’re a family-friendly, sports-themed restaurant that specializes in all things chicken. The casual atmosphere and fresh food keep our customers coming back for more.”

OTTER’S CHICKEN

Outdoor Dining WINNER

 Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta

3rd Place: BurgerFi - Kennesaw

Overall Local Restaurant WINNER

 1885 Grill - Acworth

2nd Place: House of Lu - Marietta

3rd Place: Piastra Restaurant

Pizza WINNER

 Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

2nd Place: Piastra Restaurant

3rd Place: Antico Pizza Battery Park

Sandwich Shop WINNER

 Hoboken Café on Whitlock

2nd Place: BurgerFi - Kennesaw

3rd Place: Chicken Salad ChickRoswell Rd/Marietta

Seafood WINNER

 1885 Grill - Acworth

2nd Place: Henry’s Louisiana Grill

3rd Place: Marietta Fish Market

Southern Food

 West Cobb Diner

2nd Place: Henry’s Louisiana Grill

3rd Place: The Marietta Local

Steakhouse

 1885 Grill - Acworth

2nd Place: Cherokee Chophouse

3rd Place: Mac’s Chop House

 Thaicoon & Sushi Bar

2nd Place: Sushiology

3rd Place: Volcano Steak & Sushi - Kennesaw

Thai Food

 Thaicoon & Sushi Bar

2nd Place: Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant

3rd Place: Thai Basil & Sushi Zen

 Piastra Restaurant

2nd Place: Good Kitchen + Market - Marietta

3rd Place: Bullgogi Korean & Poke

Health & Wellne

Sterling Estates East, West Cobb treats residents like

JWritten by Jon Styf

Building community family

oan and Harry Hargrove didn’t know where they were going to live, but they just knew they wanted to be closer to their daughter in Acworth.

The couple had lived on Lake Mitchell in Alabama – between Birmingham and Montgomery – for 13 years and was looking to find an independent living environment where they could still start their next phase.

Over a series of trips to the Atlanta suburbs, they visited five different communities and decided what was next. Ultimately, they chose

Sterling Estates off Dallas Highway in west Cobb, where they live in an independent living cottage.

“Sterling was just head and shoulders above the rest,” Harry said.

Sterling Estates is likely a familiar name to those in Cobb County, with two locations on 10 acres at 4220 Lower Roswell Road in east Cobb and nearly 30 acres at 3165 Dallas Highway in west Cobb.

For the sixth straight year, Sterling Estates took home first place in Cobb Life Magazine’s

Photos courtesy of Sterling Estates

Sterling Estates has two senior communities, one in east Cobb and the other in west Cobb, both of which placed No. 1 in multiple subcategories in this year’s Best of Cobb contest.

Best of Cobb contest — this time with west Cobb winning Best Retirement Community and Best Memory Care Facility and east Cobb winning Best Assisted Living Facility.

East Cobb opened first in 2012 and has 14 cottages –with six more coming in June – along with 90 assisted living rooms.

West Cobb opened in 2016 and has 61 independent living cottages, 50 apartments across two buildings – the Stratford and Hampton – and 90 assisted living spots.

“The whole design of the place initially caught our attention,” Harry Hargrove said. “As we looked closer, we saw more and more things that really appealed to us. Not only did it feel like a community, but it operates like a community, and, after we got here, we started feeling well.”

Sterling Estates is owned by a group of partners that include Nathan Madigan, president of Autumn Glen Management. Madigan said the inspiration to start Sterling Estates, continue to improve the communities and add a 43-room memory care facility at west Cobb all came from thinking of creating a place where they would be comfortable having their families living.

The partners visited other assisted living communities, saw the positives and pitfalls, and attempted to create a uniquely positive, sunny and wellresearched facility.

They worked with Dr. John Zeisel, author of “I’m Still Here,” in the creation of the West Cobb memory care facility in 2019.

Community Sales Director Sherry Cowan said that experience, like Hargrove’s, is common for those who move in. She often does tours where residents interject with positive recommends and she ensures those taking the tour that she didn’t plan or plant the people.

Cowan said that one positive people don’t think about often is that Sterling Estates is privately owned, meaning they have the freedom to individual put together plans that fit people rather than having to follow strict guidelines from a corporate owner. That

individualized approach has led to staff consistency, from the head nurse to West Cobb Executive Director Deana Harris.

“That’s something that you just don’t get with a lot of corporate offices or corporate communities,” Cowan said.

Harry and Joan Hargrove spend plenty of time involved in Sterling Estates’ variety of activities, from Joan teaching a crafting class to Harry joining the men’s breakfast group along with bocce tournaments, bridge, themed dinner nights, water aerobics and group fitness classes to movies or trips out of town.

The Sterling Estates West Cobb community even has a dinner club that goes to a top area restaurant once a month with two busloads of residents. They recently went to Elevation Chophouse in Kennesaw and Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs.

“We have been embraced by the people here and the number of things to do,” Harry Hargrove said of his first year in the community.

Groups also go on overnight trips to Helen or Kentucky, along with taking a bus to see “Hamilton” at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta or a trip to see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

“On the independent living side, you can have all of things you had and have currently in your home with just less worries and a more safe environment, more social environment, an environment where you’re not just waiting around, you are actually leaning into this next chapter and focusing on your wellness,” Madigan said.

Community Sales Director Lacey Firestine said the community’s wellness plan is a huge part of the community’s success. Sterling Estates has a team of exercise specialists and exercise physiologists who put together classes and individual wellness plans for residents on everything from individual training to group exercise classes and water aerobics.

“Most communities bring in physical therapy and third parties whereas everything we do is hands-on with our own team here at Sterling,” Firestine said.

1: Longtime Sterling Estates East Cobb resident.

2: Sterling Estates offers resident a wide array of activities, including arts and craft classes, themed dinner nights, group fitness classes, movie nights, among others.

3: Sterling Estates West Cobb resident works out in the senior living community’s fitness center.

4: Executive director of Sterling Estates West Cobb, shares laughs with a Sterling Estates resident.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Assisted Living Facility WINNER

 Sterling Estates of East Cobb Retirement CommunityIndependent Living and Assisted Living

2nd Place: Presbyterian Village

3rd Place: Woodland Ridge Assisted Living

Cardiac/Vascular Specialist WINNER

 Dr. William BrownWellstar Cardiovascular

2nd Place: Wellstar Cardiovascular Medicine

3rd Place: Bruce Edward Alayof - Wellstar/Austell

Chiropractic Group WINNER

 Lake City Chiropactic

2nd Place: Bradford Family Chiropractic

3rd Place: Blumsack Family ChiropracticUpper Cervical and Pediatric Care

Chiropractor WINNER

 Dr. Andrew PayneLake City Chiropractic

2nd Place: Dr. Paul BlumsackBlumsack Family ChiropracticUpper Cervical and Pediatric Care

3rd Place: Dr. Ray GaskeyBradford Famliy Chiropractic

Dental Group

2nd Place: West Cobb Dental Designs

3rd Place: Atlanta West Dentistry

Dental Hygenist

2nd Place:

LandersGilreath Family Dentistry

3rd Place: Abbie Kratowicz, RDHAtlanta West Dentistry

Dentist

Dr. Kirk KimmerlingVerde Pointe Dental Associates

2nd Place: Dr. Travis Watson DMD, FAGD, FICDAtlanta West Dentistry

3rd Place: Dr. Paul Gilreath IV, DMDGilreath Family Dentistry

HEALTH & WELLNESS

WINNER

Dermatologist

 Zachary DelConte, PA-C

2nd Place: Elizabeth E. Richwine, MD

3rd Place: Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center

WINNER

Dermatology Group

 Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center

2nd Place: Marietta Dermatalogy

3rd Place: Marietta Dermatology - Powder Springs

WINNER

Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist

 Alexis GonzalezE/N/T East Cobb

2nd Place: David Leonard Parks

3rd Place: Michael Vick - Wellstar

WINNER

Eye Care Group

 Cobb Eye Center

2nd Place: Marietta Eye Clinic

3rd Place: Eye Consultants of AtlantaCumberland

WINNER

Family Physician

 Amber Driskell

2nd Place: Carolyn Ruth Smallwood

3rd Place: Ryan Cantwell, MD

WINNER

Gastroenterologist

 Dr. Suku George, MD, MPH, FACP, FACG

2nd Place: C. Gregory Nesmith Jr., MD

3rd Place: Anna V. Longacre, MD

WINNER

General Practice Doctor

 Amber Driskell

2nd Place: Carolyn Ruth Smallwood

3rd Place: Ryan Cantwell, MD

Hearing Center WINNER

 Marietta Hearing Center

2nd Place: Wellstar ENT

3rd Place: Peachtree Hearing Hearing Professional WINNER

 Dr. Brittney Tardy - Marietta

2nd Place: Nicole Shields, AuD

3rd Place: Dr. Amanda Thomas - Marietta

WINNER

Home Care (non-medical)

 Skylark Adult Day Center

2nd Place: Home Instead

3rd Place: Blossom Home Care

835 Cogburn Ave NW, Marietta, GA 30060

“Thank you for voting Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center as ”The Best Dermatology Group“ and Zachary DelConte, PA-C as “Best Dermatologist.“ We are incredibly grateful to our patients for their unwavering support and are deeply honored by this recognition. We are committed to providing the highest level of care and services. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your skin health journey.”

-Skin Cancer Specialists

MEERA BRAHMBHATT, M.D. JORDAN THOMPSON, M.D.

MARK CHASTAIN, M.D. JENNIFER BUCKLEY, M.D. MATTHEW HUGHES, M.D.

JENNIFER JONES, M.D.

CAROLYN SIMS, PA C GARRETT FREEMAN, PA-C

RHEA DOUGLAS, PA-C LAUREN FISHER, PA-C

FAIR FRANKLIN, PA-C ARTHUR HUDSON, PA-C ASHLEY ADES, PA-C

SARAH RILEY, PA-C

ZACHARY DELCONTE, PA-C ERIN BARNETT, PA-C

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Memory Care Facility WINNER

 Sterling Estates of West Cobb Retirement CommunityThe Grande

2nd Place: Presbyterian Village

3rd Place: Woodland Ridge Assisted Living

Nursing Home WINNER

 A.G. Rhodes Cobb

2nd Place: Presbyterian Village

3rd Place: Roselane Health Center by Harborview

best ob/gyn - Dr. Angel Paas

best ob/gyn group - Kennesaw Gynecology

OB/GYN WINNER

 Angel Paas, MD

2nd Place: Mary Chappell, MD

3rd Place: Elizabeth Street, MD

OB/GYN Group WINNER

 Kennesaw Gynecology

2nd Place: Unified Premier Women’s Care

3rd Place: OB-GYN Associates of Marietta

Laurie

Doctor of

Amanda Thomas, Au.D. Doctor of

Occupational Therapist

 Rachael LopezPineapple Wellness

2nd Place: Jamey Abbott - Pinnacle Orthopaedics

3rd Place: Erin McDonagal - PT Solutions

3rd Place

(Tie): Michael S. Slutzky, MD OrthoAtlantaAustell

Occupational Therapy Group

 Pinnacle Orthopaedics

2nd Place: Resurgens Orthopaedics

3rd Place: Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlantaChurch St., Marietta

2nd Place: Gerardo Parada, M.D.

3rd Place: Dr. David Cook of CookVision Therapy Center

2nd Place: Depew Orthodontics

3rd Place: West Cobb Orthodontics

∗

∗

∗

∗

∗

Orthodontist WINNER

 Dr. Ashley SmithDue West Orthodontics

2nd Place: Brenna ChristensenWest Cobb Orthodontics

3rd Place: Dustin Tipton - Tipton Orthodontics

Orthopaedic Group WINNER

 Pinnacle Orthopaedics

2nd Place: Resurgens Orthopaedics

3rd Place: Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta

Orthopaedist

 R. Brandon Burris, MDPinnacle Orthopaedics

2nd Place: Andy F. Zhu, MDPinnacle Orthopaedics

3rd Place: William Dean Terrell, MDPinnacle Orthopaedics

Pharmacist

 Connor O’DanielShallowford Publix

2nd Place: Cameron Wood - Due West Pharmacy

3rd Place: Thomas Sherrer - Pooles Pharmacy

Pharmacy Drug Store

 Poole’s Pharmacy

2nd Place: Due West Pharmacy

3rd Place: Thomas Drugs

Physical Therapist

 Amy GrossAcworth Wellstar Health Park

2nd Place: Ashley Carpenter, OrthoAtlanta - Austell

3rd Place: William GentryPinnacle Orthopaedics Physical Therapy

 Pinnacle Orthopaedics

2nd Place: Venture Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy

3rd Place: Integral Physical Therapy

 Stephanie A. Michael, DPMVillage Podiatry

2nd Place: Dr. Matthew WardMarietta Podiatry Group

3rd Place: Pinnacle Orthopaedics

 Atlanta Wellness Collective

2nd Place: Elevate Counseling + Coaching

3rd Place: Lindsey Schriefer

Pulmonary Medicine



2nd Place:

3rd Place: Samuel Szumstein,

 Angella OcheltreeRight Path Hypnosis & Wellness

2nd Place: Atlanta Wellness Collective

3rd Place: Anna Kennedy

• Applicants preferred to have at least a high school diploma

• Applicants are preferred to have had at least 1 year’s

• Applicants preferred to hold a Regular driving license

• Applicants preferred to have a professional tone with

• A criminal background check will be required on applicants

• Salary range $15.50 - $19.00 Hourly (depending on exp.)

• Normal working days: weekdays and Saturday

• 40 hours per week

• Normal work shifts: Varies

• The hours for this role are Full-time, Permanent

• Hourly “Non-exempt” position

• Leave benefits include Vacation/paid time off

• Retirement benefits include 401K

• Insurance benefits include Dental, Health, Life and Vision

• Miscellaneous benefits include Employee Assistance Program

• Working knowledge of ServiceTitan a plus

• Promptly answer incoming phone calls

• Accurately schedule repair appointments

computer and data entry proficiency

• Requires some Sales/Call Center/Dispatch

• Dispatching calls to plumbers

• Call Center operating hours

 Atlanta Wellness Collective

2nd Place: Elevate Counseling + Coaching

3rd Place: Psychological Consultants of Marietta, PC

 Real Results Medical Weight Loss

2nd Place: Kennesaw Gynecology

3rd Place: A Healthier You - Wellstar Health Place

Every program is designed individually based on YOU!

Services available:

• New- Emsculpt Neo Technology- build muscle and burn fat in 30 minutes!

• Semaglutide- eliminate hunger and lose weight!

• Tirzepatide- crush cravings and lose weight!

• Lipo B12 Injections- boost your metabolism and burn fat fast!

• HCG- lose 20-40 pounds in 40 days!

• Strawberry LIPO Laser- targeted inch loss in 20-minute treatments!

• Hormone Replacement- feel like yourself again!

• Body Composition Testing- to monitor healthy weight loss!

• Sermorelin- weight loss meets anti-aging therapy!

• Appetite Suppressants- makes weight loss easier by reducing hunger!

• And MORE

Kids & Education

Birthday Party Venue

 Chuck E. CheeseBarrett Pkwy/Kennesaw

2nd Place: Impact Dance of Atlanta - Kennesaw

3rd Place: Jumping World - Kennesaw

College/University Local Professor

 Emily BerrethKennesaw State University

2nd Place: Jan Britt - KSU-CPE

3rd Place: Michael K. Shaffer

“The

Dance Studio

 Mount Paran Christian School

2nd Place: The Spirit of DanceWhitlock Ave/Marietta

3rd Place: Impact Dance of Atlanta - Kennesaw

Day Care

 Primrose School at Oregon Park

2nd Place: West Marietta Cooperative Preschool

3rd Place: Primrose School of Bells Ferry

“Walker

“Walker

WINNER

Educational Supply Store

 The School Box - Marietta

2nd Place: Lakeshore Learning StoreRoswell Rd/Marietta

WINNER

Karate/ Martial Arts School

 Iron Dragon Martial Arts

2nd Place: Yongsa Martial Arts - Smyrna

3rd Place: Tactical Martial Arts

WINNER

Music Instruction

 Murray Arts Academy at Mount Paran Christian School

2nd Place: The Walker School

3rd Place: The Music Studio - Atlanta

WINNER

Pediatric Dentist

 Rossitch Pediatric Dentistry

2nd Place: Dr. Aaaron SchwartzSchwartz Dentistry for Children

3rd Place: Dr. Mary DoornbosParkside Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Group WINNER

 Kennesaw Pediatrics

2nd Place: Wellstar KenMar Pediatrics

3rd Place: Wellstar Kennestone Pediatric Assoc Pediatrician WINNER

 Larry V. ClementsWellStar KenMar

2nd Place: Dr. Daniel Saade

3rd Place: Sandra Milagros Rodriguez-Sfeir

Performing Arts Program

 Mount Paran Christian School

2nd Place: The Walker School

3rd Place: Kennesaw Mountain High School Band

WINNER WINNER

Pre-School

 Mount Paran Christian School Preschool

2nd Place: The Walker School

3rd Place: Faith Lutheran Church - Marietta

Private School

 Mount Paran Christian School

2nd Place: The Walker School

3rd Place: Faith Lutheran School - Marietta

Public SchoolElementary

 A.L. Burruss Elementary School

2nd Place: West Side Elementary School

3rd Place: Smyrna Elementary School

“Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home ad church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.”

Public SchoolHigh School

 Marietta High School

2nd Place: Campbell High School

3rd Place: Hillgrove High School

Public SchoolMiddle School

 Floyd Middle School

2nd Place: Campbell Middle School

3rd Place: Marietta Middle School

Dr. Linda SkaggsMarietta Middle School

2nd Place: Maranda SpeaksMount Paran Christian School

3rd Place: Leigh Taylor TimmonsMount Paran Christian School

-

2nd Place: Georgia Trade School

3rd Place: Chattahoochee Tech North Metro Campus - Acworth

2nd Place: Mathnasium - Dallas Hwy., Marietta

3rd Place: MathnasiumJohnson Ferry Rd/Marietta

2nd Place: WAY2PLAY

3rd Place: Oregon Park Baseball

Chattahoochee

Pets

2nd

3rd

2nd

3rd

3rd

PETS

Pet Sitter/Kennel

 Bark n’ Bunk

2nd Place: Marietta Doggy Daycare

3rd Place: Peanut’s Pet Care

Pet Supply Store

 Bark Street Petopia

2nd Place: Dog City Bakery

3rd Place: Mom & Pups

 Dr. Julian PeckichMarietta Vet Clinic

2nd Place: Dr. Stuart KimmerlingBullard Animal Hospital

3rd Place: Dr. Diana OlsenGreater Atlanta Vet Medical Group

 Marietta Vet Clinic

2nd Place: The Veterinary ClinicRoswell St/Marietta

3rd Place: East Marietta Animal Hospital

Pet Training

 Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue and Adoption - Kennesaw

2nd Place: Peanut’s Pet Care

3rd Place: Dog School 101, Inc.

Our bunkers can't believe the great news! Best of Cobb for Pet Sitter/ Kennel for the second year in a row! We are so appreciative of the support of our loyal clients and furry bunkers. There is no doubt we wouldn't be here without their kindness, love and support for what we do. We are excited to continue serving our community by providing the highest level of care and love to our pups! Come join us at th bunkhouse N' see what all the bark is about! Sniff us out on Facebook & Instagram, or bark at us for availability at 470-209-3577. See you soon!

Real&tate Finance



2nd Place: Cortland at the Battery Atlanta

3rd Place: Revival on Main Apartments

2nd Place: Hank Manning

2nd

Commercial Real Estate Company

 Ansley Real EstateChristie’s International Real Estate

2nd Place: Carey Cox - Johnny Walker Realty

3rd Place: Manning Properties



2nd Place: Credit Union of Georgia

3rd Place: Delta Community Credit UnionDallas Hwy., Marietta

 Traton Homes, LLC

2nd Place: Kerley Family Homes

3rd Place: Uppercut Homes - Benjamin E. Burney

 Craig Brown Agency

2nd Place: Shannon Perren - State Farm

3rd Place: The Bottoms Group

2nd

3rd

3rd

Mortgage Services WINNER

 Capital City Home Loans

2nd Place: Holly Walther Lending Team

3rd Place: Motto Mortgage Henssler

Neighborhood WINNER

 East Park Village

2nd Place: Entrenchment Hill by Kerley Family Homes

3rd Place: Lee’s Crossing - Marietta

Shannon Perren State Farm Insurance Agent

3rd

2nd

3rd

2nd

3rd

2024WINNER

REAL ESTATE &

Real Estate Team

 Amy Mollohan & Co.Ansley Real EstateChristie’s International Real Estate

2nd Place: Janice Overbeck Real Estate TeamKeller Williams

3rd Place: Z & Z Experts Real Estate

 Sterling Estates of West Cobb Retirement CommunityIndependent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care

2nd Place: Presbyterian Village

3rd Place: Winnwood Retirement Community

“A Sterling Life means an exceptional retirement with luxurious amenities and access to all the services and care you’d ever need. At Sterling Estates you retire from working, not living. More importantly, it’s about improving or at a minimum maintaining your quality of life, your current health and wellbeing. It’s a retirement experience unlike any other.”

STERLING ESTATES SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES

Services

WINNER

Adult Day Care

 Skylark Adult Daycare Center

2nd Place: Celebration Village Acworth

3rd Place: Dogwood Forest of Acworth

AttorneyIntellectual Assets

SERVICES

 Nick BoothO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard

2nd Place: Gregory Shenton - Shenton Law

3rd Place: Jenn McNeely

AttorneyCivil WINNER WINNER WINNER

 Curly Girl Law

2nd Place: Jeff Kuester - Kuester Law

3rd Place: Nick BoothO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard

AttorneyBankruptcy

 Falcone Law Firm, P.C.

AttorneyCorporate AttorneyCriminal WINNER WINNER

 Kim Keheley FryeFrye Law Group

2nd Place: Phyllis Collins

3rd Place: Carlos Rodriguez - Kilgore & Rodriguez

2nd Place: Soo Hong - Blevins & Hong

3rd Place: William C. Gentry

 Justin O’DellO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard

2nd Place: Nick Schnyder Law Firm, LLC - Marietta

3rd Place: Gregory Shenton - Shenton Law

“Helping Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Civically-Minded Individuals Protect Their Interest Through Legal Compliance.”

 Leslee HungerfordO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard

2nd Place: Shelley Elder - Crane Elder Law Firm

3rd Place: Ophelia Chan - Chan Law Firm LLC

 Gregory Shenton

2nd Place: Jeff Daxe - Moore, Ingram

3rd Place: Billy Miles - Gregory, Doyle, Calhoun & Rogers

 Alyssa BlanchardO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard

2nd Place: Michael Manely - The Manely Firm, P.C.

3rd Place: Bill Gentry - Gentry Law Firm

 Leslie O’NealO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard

2nd Place: John P. Farrell, Esq.The Farrell Law Firm, PC

3rd Place: Steve Crane-Crane Elder Law Firm, LLC

2nd Place: John P. Farrell, Esq.The Farrell Law Firm, PC

3rd Place: Michael Manely - The Manely Firm

 Justin O’DellO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard  O’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard

2nd Place: The Farrell Law Firm, PC

3rd Place: The Manely Firm, P.C.

AttorneyPersonal Injury AttorneyTax & Estate

AttorneyReal Estate WINNER

 Johnson & Alday, LLCPersonal Injury & Workers’ Compensation

2nd Place: Nick Schnyder Law Firm, LLC - Marietta

3rd Place: Jones & Swanson

 Crane Elder Law Firm, LLC

2nd Place: Ryan Patrick - Smith, Tumlin, McCurley & Patrick, P.C.

3rd Place: Amee Davis - Davis & Associates Attorneys At Law

 Leslee HungerfordO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard

2nd Place: John P. Farrell, Esq.

3rd Place: Bill King - The Manely Firm

AttorneyWorker’s Compensation WINNER

 Johnson & Alday, LLCPersonal Injury & Workers’ Compensation

2nd Place: Nick BoothO’Dell, O’Neal, Hungerford, & Blanchard

3rd Place: Bill Gentry - Marietta Injury Advocates

Business Association WINNER

 Kennesaw Business Association

2nd Place: Smyrna Business Association

3rd Place: Marietta Business Association

JRM Management Big Shanty Festival

 Best Auto DetailingWhitlock Ave/Marietta

2nd Place: Dirty Dog’s Car Wash

3rd Place: Tidal Wave - Roswell Rd/Marietta

Car Wash Carpet Cleaning

 Jonquil Carpet Cleaning

2nd Place: Rob DesotoCitruSolution Carpet Cleaning

3rd Place: Hughes Dry Professional Carpet Care

Direct Mail Marketing

 Money Pages of Cobb County

2nd Place: Atlanta Business Circulators

3rd Place: Mind of Creative Designer

Thank You for voting us:

1st Place: BEST Real Estate Attorney: Stephen Crane

2nd Place: BEST Elder Care Attorney: Shelley Elder

3rd Place: BEST Individual Attorney: Stephen Crane

 Grape Cleaners

2nd Place: Quality Cleaners

3rd Place: Whitlock Kleeners

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2nd

3rd

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2nd

3rd

Florist WINNER

 Faith Designs Florist

2nd Place: K. Mike Whittle Designs Inc.

3rd Place: Carithers Flowers

Funeral Home WINNER

 Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home & CrematoryHistoric Marietta Chapel

2nd Place: Heritage Funeral Home & Chapel

3rd Place: Carmichael Funeral HomesKing St., Smyrna

 Dayco Systems

2nd Place: Top Tech Mechanical Services, Inc

3rd Place: Casteel Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling

Home Contractor/Repair/ Remodeling WINNER

 Joe WoodyConcepts in Construction

2nd Place: Uppercut Homes - Benjamin E. Burney

3rd Place: David Gilreath Homes, Inc.

Home Security WINNER

 LOUD Security Systems

2nd Place: SafePath Security

3rd Place: Premier Security - Marietta

Housekeeping Service WINNER

 PCT Clean

2nd Place: Merry Maids

3rd Place: Jubilee Maids

Interior Design Firm WINNER

 HouseLift Design

2nd Place: Jan Britt Interiors

3rd Place: Cheryl Draa Interior Designs, LLC

“Jan Britt is an Award Winning Interior Designer, Redesign Specialist, Published Author, Window Treatment Specialist, Professional Stager and Senior Relocation Design Expert.”

SERVICES

Junk Removal WINNER

 Junk Fox

2nd Place: Stand Up Guys Junk Removal

3rd Place: The Junk Hunter

Lawn Care WINNER

 Oak Hill Landscape Group, Inc.

2nd Place: Old Marietta Landscaping

3rd Place: TurfPride, Inc.

Limo Service WINNER

 Marietta Limo Service

2nd Place: Empress Elite Limousine

3rd Place: A&C Limousine Service

 FiteBac SkinCare, LLC

2nd Place: GLOCK, Inc.

3rd Place: Win-Tech, Inc.

2nd

3rd

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3rd

2nd

Pest Control

 All Pro Pest Services, Inc.

2nd Place: Complete Pest Solutions

3rd Place: Northwest Exterminating Photographer WINNER

 Karli Ryan Photography

2nd Place: Liz by Design Photography, LLC

3rd Place: One Soul Boudoir

Plumber

 Superior Plumbing Services

2nd Place: Presto Plumbing, LLC

3rd Place: The Pink Plumber

Karli Ryan Photography

 JRM Management

2nd Place: Sandra Tanner - Governors Gun Club

3rd Place: Ricketts Rhodes Events

 Growth Promotions

2nd Place: Cornerstone Printing

3rd Place: Sew Dreams Come True, LLC Roofing

 Georgia Roof Advisors

2nd Place: Roofs by Don

3rd Place: New Image Roofs, LLC Rug

 Jonquil Rug Cleaning Company

2nd Place: Rob DesotoCitruSolution Carpet Cleaning

3rd Place: Benedict Fine Rug Cleaning Sewing/

 Sew Dreams Come True

2nd Place: The Monogram ShopCherokee St., Kennesaw,Ga

3rd Place: Tails Up, Pup

Swimming Pools

Design and Cleaning

 Precision Pool Builders & Renovations, IncBrock Kaufman

2nd Place: AquaRama Pools & Spas

3rd Place: Atlanta Premier Pools

3rd Place (Tie): Georgia Luxury Pools - Smyrna

Travel Agency

 Blue Pineapple Travel

2nd Place: Celtic Hearts Travel

3rd Place: Markwood Magic

Tree Removal

 Travis the Tree Trimmer

2nd Place: Quality Diversified Services

3rd Place: Restoration Tree Care Window/Door Company WINNER

 Sunshine Window Cleaning

2nd Place: Window World of Atlanta

3rd Place: Visionaire Windows

Travis the Tree Trimmer

2024WINNER

‘The Tiffany’s of MarieTTa’

Blackwell’s Jewelers is east Cobb’s neighborhood gem

WsTory and phoTography by skyler heaTh

hen Cobb native George Blackwell started making jewelry out of his basement in 1976, he had no idea he was cultivating a beloved local jewelry business that stood the test of time.

Amid the bustling streets of Marietta, situated in an unassuming former bank space on Roswell Road, resides Blackwell’s Jewelers, a neighborhood gem of east Cobb that’s been serving metro Atlanta and beyond for 48 years.

For a sixth year in a row, Blackwell’s Jewelers, touted by customers as “the Tiffany’s of Marietta,” has won Best Jewelry Store in the Best of Cobb contest, voted on by readers and the community.

At the helm of the jewelry store is husband-wife duo George and Theresa Blackwell who manage Blackwell’s with two guiding principles — providing optimum craftsmanship and running their business like it’s an extension of their own home.

Blackwell’s Jewelers specializes in custom-designed jewelry, and all pieces are made in-house —from the first sketch to the final fitting. Pictured here is a custom-made diamond halo engagement ring from Blackwell’s Jewelers.

“We’re a niche jeweler and we please our customers first,” Teresa explained.

“And, we value our customers over profit,” George added.

The family-owned business specializes in custom-made jewelry, antique jewelry restoration, jewelry and watch repairs, appraisals, engravings, restringing, among other services. Step into the jewelry store and customers are greeted by Jolie and Bijou, two poodles whose names, together, translate to “pretty jewel” in French, along with thousands of unique jewelry pieces that stretch to every corner of the store.

Unlike other jewelers, the Blackwells said they manufacture all their custom jewelry pieces in-house — from the first sketch and design rendering to the final fitting.

“We have the ability to do everything from start to finish,” Theresa said. “A lot of jeweler’s now send their work to New York or California, so nobody actually does (their custom jewelry) on premise.”

The Blackwells view their jewelry not as materialistic pieces, but as family heirlooms that encapsulate memories, are “made to be loved” and meant to last multiple lifetimes. From delicate necklaces adorned with family gemstones to elaborate engagement rings, George said their custom design services create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect individual style and sentiment.

“We’ve done everything from eight-carat ovals all the

way down to little small stones,” George explained. “We’ve made some pretty elaborate, intricate things.”

“When you custom-make a piece (of jewelry), it’s not like just going into a store and buying something in the showroom, it can’t be replicated,” Theresa added. “Our pieces are unique and special to every customer.”

And these custom pieces, George said, aren’t made overnight, but are well-worth the wait.

“We literally have hundreds of custom orders right now,” he said. “Some customers have been waiting a year and a half, sometimes two years to get it, but they’re happy and willing to wait because we make these pieces to last a lifetime.”

For George, jewelry has been a fundamental pillar of his life since childhood — his uncle and mentor, Vergil Horton, was a diamond broker out of New York and owned several stores in North Georgia.

“My uncle always tried to get me into the business growing up, and in college, I decided to start working for him,” George said.

At first, the aspiring jeweler learned the art of watch repairs from his uncle, but quickly discovered a newfound passion for jewelry making and design.

“Three days after I moved over to jewelry, my uncle told me I had a real gift and, after that, I never looked back,” George reminisced.

Blackwell’s Jewelers began in George’s basement, where

George and Theresa’s granddaughter Tressa Irick, center, works at the jewelry store as a sales and design consultant while attending school at Kennesaw State University.

he did trade work for other local jewelry stores. Then, in 1985, he opened the first Blackwell’s store on Roswell Road, with help from his high school sweetheart, Theresa, whom he met in 1971.

And today, nearly half a century later, Theresa and George are mentoring their grandchildren and third generation Blackwells with a dream that, when they retire, their jewelry business remains in the family.

“My granddaughter works here, my grandson works here, my niece is the shop manager and my two daughters worked here growing up,” George said proudly. “Everyone who works here is family, except for our watch repairman and a couple jewelers who are like family.”

And, through the years, George and Theresa have not only watched their family grow up, but they’ve also had the pleasure of witnessing customers’ biggest life steps.

“We are now seeing the kids and grandchildren of our customers for their engagements and special occasions,” Theresa said. “And that is the best part of being in this industry.”

Blackwell’s Jewelers is at 2265 Roswell Road Suite 500-B in Marietta. For more information on the local jewelry business, visit www.blackwellsjewelers.com.

Longtime Cobb resident and jeweler George Blackwell describes the process of making custom-made jewelry pieces using advanced technology, including CAD/ CAM machines —a two-part process of designing threedimensional jewelry on a computer — and jewelry mills.

Keeping it in the family: George and Theresa Blackwell pose for a group photo with their niece Jessica Knight, shop manager and jewelers assistant of Blackwell’s (second from left), daughter Shannon Gowland (center) and grandson Colin Gowland (far right) at their jewelry store in east Cobb.

Husband and wife duo George and Theresa Blackwell are the co-owners of Blackwell’s Jewelers, east Cobb’s family-owned jewelry store that’s served metro Atlanta and beyond for nearly half a century.

 Big Shanty Antiques & Auctions  Pineapple Porch Boutique

2nd Place: Marina Marina

3rd Place: Marietta Antique Mall

2nd Place: Amaryllis and Main Boutique

3rd Place: Big Shanty Antiques & Auctions

 Big Shanty Antiques & Auctions  Encore Formals and Bridal

2nd Place: Casual Image Furniture

3rd Place: Marietta Antique Mall

2nd Place: Serendipity

3rd Place: Bel Fiore

SHOPPING

Floor Covering Store Furniture

 Fleming Flooring & Design Centers

2nd Place: Floor & Decor - Kennesaw

3rd Place: Enhance Floors

Frame Shop Garden Center WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER

 Smyrna Frame & Art Gallery

2nd Place: Big Shanty Antiques & Auctions

3rd Place: Red Cockerill Gallery

 Big Shanty Antiques & Auctions

2nd Place: Re-Zoned Boutique Thrift Store

3rd Place: White Rabbit Cottage

 Pike Nurseries - Johnson Ferry

2nd Place: Busy B Plant Supply

3rd Place: Kelli Green

2nd Place: The Jewelsmith

3rd Place: Prospector’s Pouch

“We strive to only create and produce lasting pieces like the master craftsmen before us. Our pieces are unique and most are custom made in our workshop.”

BLACKWELL’S JEWELERS

2nd Place:

3rd Place: The Home Depot - West Cobb

2nd Place:

3rd Place:

2nd Place:

3rd Place: Baseballism Atlanta

2nd Place: Foot Solutions Acworth

3rd Place: Urban Renewal Consignment

2nd Place: Academy Sports + OutdoorsKennesaw

3rd Place: DICK’S Sporting GoodsRoswell Rd., Marietta

2nd Place: Urban Renewal Consignment

3rd Place: Big Shanty Antiques & Auctions

April RELEASES

Germany as World War II started is one of the most remarkable but little-known events in LDS history.

Housekeeping for Beginners

Rated: R

In theaters April 5

Housekeeping for Beginners explores the universal truths of family, encompassing both the bonds we inherit and those we create. The narrative revolves around Dita, who, despite never aspiring to be a mother, finds herself compelled to raise her girlfriend’s two daughters—Mia, a tiny troublemaker, and Vanesa, a rebellious teenager. As their individual wills clash, a heartwarming story unfolds about an unlikely family’s struggle to stay together.

Escape from Germany

Rated: PG

In theaters April 12

Hitler’s army was rapidly closing borders in August of 1939 while eightyfive American missionaries were serving their church inside Germany. As the German military preparations escalated, word came to speedily move those LDS missionaries to safety in adjacent countries. Taken from the personal diaries of those missionaries, this riveting story is a testimony that God truly leads and protects His servants, opens doors, and provides timely inspiration. The harrowing escape of these missionaries from Nazi

Challengers

Rated: R

In theaters April 26

Tennis player turned coach Tashi (Zendaya) has taken her husband, Art (Mike Faist), and transformed him into a world-famous grand slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she makes him play a “Challenger” event — close to the lowest level of pro tournament — where he finds himself standing across the net from his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend (Josh O’Connor).

Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver

Rated: N/A

Streaming on Netflix April 19

Continues the epic saga of Kora and the surviving warriors as they prepare to sacrifice everything, fighting alongside the brave people of Veldt, to defend a once peaceful village, a newfound homeland for those who have lost their own in the fight against the Motherworld. On the eve of their battle the warriors must face the truths of their own pasts, each revealing why they fight. As the full force of the Realm bears down on the burgeoning rebellion, unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge, and legends are made.

Sugar

Rated: N/A

Streaming on Apple TV April 5

Private detective John Sugar investigates the disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar tries to determine what happened to Olivia, he unearths Siegel family secrets, old and new.

Knuckles

Rated: N/A

Streaming on Paramount+

April 26

The new live-action series will follow Knuckles (Idris Elba) on a hilarious and action-packed journey of self-discovery as he agrees to train Wade (Adam Pally) as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior.

Funny Story

By Emily Henry

Releases April 23

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story…until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra. Stranded in Michigan without friends or family, Daphne proposes to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Slowly, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan—a plan that involves them posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together. But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods

By Molly X. Chang

Releases April 16

In a world where invaders wield advanced technology, Ruying, born with the power to command death, fears for her family’s safety. When an enemy prince discovers her abilities, he proposes a perilous pact: become his assassin to secure her family’s wellbeing. Unsure of his intentions, Ruying faces a moral dilemma—will she sacrifice her principles for the greater good, or risk betraying her nation by protecting her loved ones?

The Familiar

By Leigh Bardugo

Releases April 9

In the capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers her abilities, she demands Luzia to help better the family’s social position.

Luzia soon garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain’s king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England’s queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king’s favor.

As Luzia’s notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition’s wrath. She will do anything to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santangel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.

Cobb Eats’ Dining Deets

From gamer bars and Belgian waffle joints to Southern-style pizza parlors and wine bars, Cobb bustling dining scene is constantly evolving and the first half of 2024 is no exception. Check out the latest restaurant news below and get to eatin’!

After seven years in business, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, a popular seafood restaurant at the Avenue East Cobb, closed for good Dec. 30. Sister restaurants Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar will continue to serve the east Cobb community.

Marietta Proper, a new wine bar on Marietta Square, officially opened its doors Jan. 2 at the former Hamilton Jewelers site, featuring a wide array of specialty cocktails, wine, whiskey and small plates.

Brothers Michael and David Cohen opened Peach State Pizza, a Southern-style pizza joint, Jan. 9 at the Avenue East Cobb. Diners can expect plethora of Southern-inspired pizzas, sandwiches and starters, all of which are made with fresh, locallysourced ingredients. On the beverage side, restaurantgoers can choose beers on tap from more than 16 local

breweries, including Gate City, Wild Leap, Creature Comforts, Terrapin, among others.

As seen on ABC’s show “Shark Tank,” Press Waffle Co., a Belgian waffle restaurant, opened its doors at Avenue East Cobb Jan. 20. Diners can build their own waffle from a selection of toppings or can order one of the favorite combinations like “The House” with fresh strawberries, Nutella, cookie butter and whipped cream or the bestselling Chicken and Waffles with crispy deep fried tenders, bacon crumble and maple syrup.

The Tin Pin Game Bar opened next to sister restaurant Tin Lizzy’s at the Avenue East Cobb Jan. 26 The local gaming destination allows

gamers to play with more than 10 pinball machines and a collection of arcade games while eating Tin Lizzy’s tacos, quesadillas, margaritas and specialty cocktails.

Battle & Brew, a Sandy Springsbased gamer bar and restaurant concept, opened its second location Jan. 26 at The Battery Atlanta, boasting 40 gaming stations, 55 TVs, a PC battle arena and several immersive gaming lounges for large groups and private parties. The menu features an extensive list of starters, sandwiches, wings and specialty entrees, including teriyaki stir fry, fried chicken tenders. Drinks include video game-themed cocktails such as the “Princess Peach” with spiced rum, ginger liqueur and fresh peach puree.

Two Chicago natives opened Harold’s Chicken, a Chicagobased fried chicken franchise, in Kennesaw Feb. 3. The 1,581-squarefoot fried chicken joint is connected to Bixby, an off-campus student apartment complex on George Busbee Parkway.  Foodies can expect a wide array of chicken wings and tenders, sides, including fries, coleslaw and bread, and the brand’s famous mild and hot sauce.

the Marietta Square Market Feb. 10. The fast-casual eatery has menu of giant egg rolls with 20 flavors, including barbecue, chicken Philly, gumbo, lobster and taco, and a wide

EggRoll Boyz, a food concept dedicated to egg rolls, opened its second brick-and-mortar location at

Marietta Proper, the new wine bar on the Marietta Square, opened to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Michael Cohen, left, who co-owns Peach State Pizza with his brother, David, stands with head chef Joe Costa.

The House from Press Waffle Co. features fresh strawberries, Nutella, cookie butter and whipped cream.

The Tin Pin Game Bar opened Jan. 26 on Roswell Road, next to sister restaurant Tin Lizzy’s Cantina.

EggRoll Boyz offers a “LunchyBoyz” special, where diners can enjoy a half eggroll, two wings, fries, fried rice and a drink starting at $14.99.

variety of wings, french fries, desserts and more.

TRG Vino Market, an Italian market-meets-wine bar, opened on Main Street in downtown Acworth Feb. 16. Occupying the former Picnic Market and Mercantile space, the wine bar offers a wide array of handselected wines, artisan cheeses and local ingredients, as well as flight tastings, charcuterie services and a monthly wine club.

Cobb Eats’ Dining Deets

Savor Authentic Flavors of New Orleans at D’Juan’s Bistro in Vinings

By Malika Bowling, MDJ

Dining Contributor

If you’re craving authentic New Orleans cuisine, D’Juan’s Bistro in Vinings is one spot you shouldn’t overlook.

Sideline Grille opened this March on Lower Roswell Road, taking over the former Ritter’s restaurant space. The family-friendly eatery is equipped with multiple sports viewing screens, a full bar and an extensive menu full of Southern comfort-classics, including fried chicken and waffles, fried pickles and a sliced pork tenderloin sandwich.

Bōm, a casual Korean eatery, is slated to open in June on Church Street in Marietta. It will operate under the helm of Chef Brian So, the Kennesaw native who also runs the kitchen at Spring, a New American style restaurant on Marietta Square.

Nestled in an unassuming strip mall on Cobb Parkway, D’Juan’s isn’t huge, but with two NOLA murals greeting customers at the entrance, it’s certainly welcoming.

The Cajun joint gets busy on weekends, so if you don’t want to wait, plan your visit ahead of time and make a reservation.

If you find yourself on the waitlist, use that as an opportunity to enjoy a signature cocktail. Tequila lovers should try the sparkly Royal Punch or the Saint of Saints, made with butterfly pea flower for a splash of color. For something stronger, the Smoked Old Fashioned is the way to go.

Donald Williams, owner of D’Juan’s, has been in the restaurant industry for 20 years, starting off as a busboy and slowly working his way up to management, all while honing his culinary skills.

Williams opened several restaurants for other aspiring restauranteurs, but his dream was always to open his own — that dream came to fruition with the opening of D’Juan’s in March 2023.

Chef Williams is incredibly involved in the restaurant, stopping by each table to introduce himself to guests and recommend his favorite dishes. During my visit, he suggested I try the signature crab egg rolls, stuffed shrimp and chargrilled oysters — you can’t go wrong with any of them.

For traditionalists, there’s a crab

cake on the menu, but the crab egg rolls, sliced into four pieces and served with a light remoulade sauce, are perfect for sharing.

Another highlight is the chargrilled oysters. Contrary to many oyster spots that offer tiny, one-bite pieces, D’Juan’s oysters are huge and complemented with bacon and cheese. The seafood extravaganza continues with stuffed shrimp.

The appetizers are quite filling, so if your goal is to sample several dishes then bring a group. You’ll definitely want to save room for the catfish — it’s thin sliced and isn’t tough or overdried (as sometimes catfish can be).

I asked Donald his secret to preparing the catfish — although he was a bit tight-lipped, he said “the secret is in the seasoning.”

Whatever he’s doing, it’s working.

For lunch, there are plenty of po’boys to choose from. The brunch menu has plenty of delicious options, too, but the catfish and waffles are a solid choice.

D’Juan’s is at 3300 Cobb Parkway Suite 104 in Vinings. It’s open everyday, except for Monday, and its hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

For more information or to view the full menu, visit djuans.com.

The new Sidelines East Cobb location is at 4719 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.

Brian So, right, is the chef and owner of Spring in Marietta. Beside him is sous-chef Kyung Kim, who So is entrusting to run the kitchen at incoming sister restaurant Bōm.

Seafood lovers will be in heaven with the stuffed shrimp, crab egg rolls and grilled oysters at D’Juan’s.

COBB SCENE

Cobb Chamber’s 82nd Annual Dinner

More than 1,000 community members attended the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner Jan. 27 at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

1. From left, Cobb school board members Nichelle Davis, Leroy Tre’ Hutchins, Becky Sayler, David Chastain and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.

Photography by JON GILLOOLY

COBB SCENE

Cobb Chamber’s 82nd Annual Dinner

2. Mike Plant, CEO of the Braves Development Company and this year’s chairman of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, and Deane Bonner, president emerita of the Cobb County NAACP, at Saturday’s annual chamber dinner at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

3. From left, Sharon Mason, CEO of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Deane Bonner, and Commissioner Jerica Richardson.

4. Rep. Teri Anulewicz, D-Smyrna, chair of the Cobb Legislative Delegation, left, and Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris.

5. Marietta Daily Journal Publisher Otis Brumby III presents Deane Bonner with the MDJ Citizen of the Year Award Saturday evening.

6. From left, Cobb Superior Court Judge Sonja Brown, former Cobb DA Joyette Holmes and Commissioner Keli Gambrill.

7. From left, Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden Jr., Congressman Barry Loudermilk, Sharon Mason and Lockheed’s Marietta chief Rod McLean.

COBB SCENE

City of Kennesaw’s annual Valentine’s Dance Party

Kings and queens, princes and princesses, fairies, dragons and many other whimsical characters visited the Ben Robertson Community Center in Kennesaw Feb. 10 for the city’s Storybook Soiree Valentine’s dance party.

1. Marc Simmons and daughters Olivia, 10 and Juniper, 5, traveled from Marietta to take to the dance floor at the Ben Robertson Community Center.

2. Zachary Linscott, wife Kerri and children Archer, 6, and Evelyn, 3, went all out with their costumes for the Storybook Soiree in Kennesaw.

3. Zoe Checkwood and her daughter, Hannah, 3, dressed up as fairies for the city of Kennesaw’s Storybook Soiree.

Photography by JOE ADGIE

4.

5.

Then: Goldstein’s was a beloved, family-owned clothing store that operated in Marietta for 88 years, and was one of the few stores that carried school uniforms, starting in the 1950s. Pictured is a photograph from December 1989, showing the exterior of Goldstein’s at the 70 South Park Square location, and next door is Eddie’s Trick Shop, a popular magic and costume store. In 1999, Herbert Goldstein, father of former Marietta Councilman Philip Goldstein, sold the school uniform portion of the business to Gloria Allen and then closed the retail store front part of the business at that location in March 2000.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FORMER MARIETTA COUNCILMAN PHILIP GOLDSTEIN

Now: Occupying the former Goldstein’s space at 70 South Park Square is Taqueria Tsunami and the newest Eddie’s Trick Shop location with office space above. In February, Eddie’s Trick Shop announced in a Facebook post that, after 46 years of business, it is closing its doors for good.

PHOTO BY SKYLER HEATH

DIAMOND LEVEL Invisalign

by Dr. Paul Gilreath

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• Close spaces and gaps between teeth

• Address Airway issues- can help with sleep apnea and snoring

• Help alleviate TMJ issues

• Correct and even the bite to prevent wear

• Arch development in children (pre-ortho treatment)

• Prevent chipping of front teeth

• Grow the lower jaw in adolescents and preteens to prevent weak chins with NO METAL HARDWARE!

Our Diamond Level Invisalign Service includes:

• $3400 for Comprehensive Invisalign!

• Retainers and Bleaching

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June 3-7, 2024

May 29-31, 2024

June 3-7, 2024

THEATRE

June 3-7, 2024

SCAN to REGISTER!

Priority Deadline: April 1

(Registration through May 1 or until filled)