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Suwanee Town Center

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Visions for Vacancies: What Should Go in Suwanee Town Center?

The recent closure of Olde Towne leaves not one, but two vacant restaurant properties. Share your thoughts.

When Olde Towne Tavern and Grille closed abruptly on December 20, it only added to the restaurant-type retail vacancies in Suwanee Town Center. For several months, landlord Madison Retail has been marketing another 4,200 square foot restaurant suite in a Town Center building near Golden Seven and Mellow Mushroom. And already, it has posted a "for lease" notice on the front door of Olde Towne, the same front entrance that contains a bankruptcy court notice. Town Center, of course, is a live-work-play development that includes City Hall and Town Center Park. Although City Hall and the park belong to taxpayers, the surrounding business and residential lofts are controlled by private developers. There are two factors at work in filling such …

Lila Adams

9:37 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013

We need some atmosphere like Pure in Duluth or Cinco's but not necessarily a mexican eatery... just better vibe and more exciting decor to create some fun and interest.   more ›

Thursday, July 5, 2012

TSPLOST Info Session in Suwanee on July 16

The public information session will be held at City Hall for the upcoming transportation referendum.

Updated 3:15 p.m. The public information session in Suwanee for the upcoming TSPLOST vote will be Monday, July 16, at 6 p.m., Suwanee and Gwinnett officials have confirmed. The session will be at City Hall. How do you feel about the TSPLOST? Will you attend the session in Suwanee? Tell us in the comments below. Suwanee and Gwinnett officials intend the in-person sessions to inform the public about the upcoming Regional Transportation Referendum, which will go before voters on July 31. Already, elected officials have held "wireside chats" via phone and Internet with the public. A similar session will be held later that week in Dacula. The July 31 vote, which is being held across metro Atlanta, would authorize a 1 percent sales tax increase…

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Entrepreneur Corner

Retired Marine Now Helps You Travel

Suwanee resident and retired Marine now helps others travel aboard cruise ships.

Jeff Covert joined the Marine Corps in December 1982 and served 22 years before retiring. To say he is well traveled is an understatement by any account. During his years of service, Covert spent time in 32 different countries.  Now he’s helping others to travel as a cruise consultant with Expedia  CruiseShipCenters. When Covert, a Suwanee resident, retired from the Marines, he wanted to continue traveling because it was something he enjoyed. He also went back to school and worked on a Bachelor of Information Technology and a Masters of Business Administration. While he was taking a marketing class, he went on a cruise that was booked by a home-based cruise consultant. As many entrepreneurs do, Covert thought he could start a business as …

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Suwanee Farmers Market Report

Suwanee Farmer's Market Back for Summer

It was a perfect start to the annual event Saturday.

Sunny weather with just a hint of breeze and the sound of children laughing and running through the fountains made for a perfect morning to start off the Saturday Farmer's Market in Suwanee. As always, the Farmer's Market offers an array of items. From BBQ sauce, vegetables and plants, there is sure to be something to catch your eye. What is your favorite vendor at the Suwanee Farmers Market? Tell us in the comments below. Many vendors have returned from last year. It Began With a Seed Farm is a co-op farm that had much success last year. While there is already a waiting list for the co-op, they bring vegetables each Saturday for individual purchase. David and Anita White offer more than 200 varieties of produce over the summer season. For…

Valerie Wheeler

7:03 am on Friday, May 11, 2012

I G Nursery will be at the Suwanee Farmers Market this Saturday also! This is the last weekend to get our heirloom tomato plants. Better hurry ! We'll also have Japanese maples, perennials, conifers, and much more. And we could not ask for more beautiful weather for gardening. We'll also have "Daruma" Hydrangeas just in time for Mother's Day :)   more ›

Monday, April 2, 2012

Suwanee Beer Fest Makes a 'Cooler' Appearance

Last year's event was in the uncomfortable heat of July.

For those that attended Beer Fest in Suwanee last year, the move to March was a welcome relief. In 2011, Beerfest was held in July, and while the event was still a big hit, the chief complaint was that is was too hot. Not even the cold beer samples could cut the heat. On Saturday, March 31, the annual Beerfest welcomed a sold-out crowd of 5,000 people. With spectacular weather and over 40 local breweries in attendance, Suwanee residents and those all throughout the metro Atlanta area enjoyed the day. Tripp and Shiba Gorman came out of the event with their 3-ounce tasting glasses and smiles on their faces. "It sounded like a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, " said Tripp. Along with over 120 beers to taste from, the stage at Suwanee …

Friday, November 4, 2011

Velo 'Excited To Be Coming Back' to Suwanee

North Gwinnett grad and country music rising star plays Saturday at Town Center Park.

Things have changed since Andy Velo made his debut at Town Center Park in Suwanee in 2004. He was unplugged then because that was his norm. There was no sponsored touring bus, no videos. "That was before it took off to become a great venue," Velo recalled by telephone recently as he looked forward to his gig in his hometown Saturday, Nov. 5. Velo's career has taken off, too. Suwanee now is a stop on his tour, which included a large festival in southwest Alabama last weekend and a music-video shoot last week at a club in Buford. He also blocks out a week regularly to go to Nashville to write songs and have business meetings. But he stays grounded. His crew didn't take the bus from Atlanta to the Alabama festival until last Saturday morning…

Sunday, October 2, 2011

HOT Lanes Now Open on I-85

The new toll lanes opened at midnight Saturday. Here's what you need to know.

At the stroke of midnight Saturday, Oct. 1, the HOT lane on I-85 officially opened to traffic. The High Occupancy Toll, or HOT, lane goes from just south of I-285 at Chamblee Tucker Road to Old Peachtree Road. All drivers must now have a Peach Pass and most will pay a fee of 10 to 90 cents per mile. That number will be based upon congestion and distance if they have less than three people in their vehicle. There are a few exceptions, such as Alternative Fuel Vehicles with the proper plates, emergency vehicles and motorcycles. WSB-TV's Kerry Kavanaugh tells drivers what they can expect on the ride in the HOT Lane. CBS Atlanta's Renee Starsyk talked to commuters at Discover Mills who say their commute will now be longer because of the HOT …

Friday, September 30, 2011

Atlanta Rhythm Section Highlights Suwanee Event

Popular group with roots in '70s scheduled for Town Center Park stage Saturday.

Updated 2:20 p.m., Sept. 30, 2011 Just when you thought Town Center Park in Suwanee was about to become an oldies radio station, a new twist is added for Saturday. The Atlanta Rhythm Section, a revamped version of the group that gained fame in the 1970s, is headlining the Celebrate Service Music Festival. The band is scheduled to take the amphitheater stage at 7:30 p.m. However, that caps an entire day of music at the park. The North Gwinnett Drum Line and the 12Stone Band are among the other performers listed. Music is expected to start at 10 a.m. The event, sponsored by Amigos for Christ charity of Buford, also lists a 30-mile bike ride and a frisbee tournament as attractions. According to website information, the Atlanta Rhythm Section …

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Steve Burns

6:53 am on Saturday, October 1, 2011

Tim, another vigilant reader also alerted us to the current ARS lineup, and I've included this in the story. Thanks!   more ›

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Moms Council

Summer Festivals in Suwanee Area

Frugal Family has entertainment tips.

As the summer nears, many cities, including Suwanee, host festivals, fairs, and summer concerts. These are great weekend activities where you can watch top-notch entertainment, support local vendors, and get free prizes. This week's Frugal Family lists some of the happenings in and around Suwanee. Take a picnic lunch and visit every booth to see if they have giveaways for a truly frugal treat. 1. Suwanee Arts in the Park will be on May 21 in Suwanee Town Center. It starts at 11 am. Stroll through the exhibits of pottery, jewelry, and painting. Watch demonstrations of different types of artwork and try your hand at creating some yourself. 2. Celebrate Memorial Day with the Memorial Weekend Concert in Suwanee Town Center. It starts on May 27…

Friday, March 4, 2011

Bites Nearby

The New Olde Towne

While much of the Suwanee eatery remains the same, some subtle changes are coming.

Olde Towne Tavern and Grille in Suwanee is one of a long line of restaurants that the owner of Olde Towne's family had a hand in. Bill Leanos followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was a confectioner, and his father who owned several small cafes. The first Olde Towne opened in Kennesaw in 1996, followed by a Lawrenceville location in 2003, and the Suwanee location in 2007.  The Suwanee location recently changed owners, but many things remain the same. The signature dishes on the menu will remain, and new additions to the menu will start to be ready for ordering in the next several weeks. When first walking into Olde Towne, it feels more like an upscale restaurant that a grille and pub. We went on a Thursday night around 5:30, …

Jim Samuals

9:56 pm on Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Jim Samuals, Every time we have gone to this wonderful restaurant our dining experience has been better and better. My family enjoys a wide selection of menu items that are very tasty and enjoyable. the wild pies are to die for!!! We can't wait until they introduce their new steak menu.....   more ›

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