Gloria and Marvin Smith are the proud owners of Cafe’ Social House, a warm and inviting restaurant located in the Walk at the Legacy Plaza at 1400 Veterans Memorial Highway. Several months ago, MIC’s Economic Development Committee held a “Green” Ribbon cutting ceremony in support of the restaurant’s opening. This is the second business in Mableton for which the Committee has cut a Green Ribbon.

Gloria has been in the restaurant business for over 12 years. She and her husband decided to open Cafe’ Social House because they saw the need for a quality family dining restaurant in their new community becasue…yes, they also live in Mableton, “We want to give back to the community because we live here” she said.

In addition to quickly becoming a community staple, Cafe’ Social House has also made a splash in the film and music industry. They have hosted multiple film and music events including being featured in TV’s Love and Hip Hop ATL, hosting a private listening and CD pre-release party for Grammy Award winning artist India Arie, hosting Praise 102.5’s Valentine’s Day “Love and Reset” with radio personality Krystal Lee and hosting Congresswoman Lucy McBath’s Ladies Luncheon. One of Gloria’s favorite events has been a Vision Board party hosted by Hot 107.9 radio personality Ms. Shyneka. There were about 130 attendees. “That was a really amazing experience” Gloria said.

“In the end this is a family restaurant”, said Gloria, “this is for the community”.

Green Ribbon Cuttings are available to MIC Sponsors and designed to highlight new and growing businesses in our community. For more information, contact Twila Hawthorne, Chair of MIC’s Economic Development Committee.

In May, MIC’s Economic Development Committee partnered with District Four Commissioner Lisa Cupid, Cobb County’s Economic Development group, the Cobb Chamber and others to visit twenty-four businesses in South Cobb. The purpose of the business walks program is to develop a strong foundation to build relationships and networks with the businesses of Cobb County.

The top three items businesses like about Cobb County are: location, government stability (County and City), and the surrounding community. Business owners attribute success to their distance to I-20, Metro Atlanta, and transport services via air and railroad. The South Cobb community is business-friendly and encourages growth, as depicted by small business owners. The majority of business owners also commented on City and County simple business license and permitting processes.

Interviewees were asked to rate their overall opinion of Cobb County as a place to conduct business. Over three quarters of the responses were ‘good’ with the remaining responses as ‘excellent.” The top challenges of these businesses include: traffic, workforce, and lack of transit in South Cobb.

During these open discussions with business owners, participants were asked to provide the County constructive criticism. Our interests are in favor of businesses and helping them succeed. The following were suggestions from business owners:
» Vo-tech programs in the School System
» Raise standards for property upkeep
» Infrastructure improvements (via SPLOST)
» Additional incentives for existing businesses

Want to know more? Read the full executive summary of the event.

Commissioner Lisa Cupid and Planning Commissioner Galt Porter will hold their monthly community Zoning Meeting in Mableton on Wednesday, June 26 at 6pm at the South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive. Two applications for townhome developments have drawn a lot of public attention. Z-43 is a proposal by Embry Development for townhouses on Cooper Lake Road. Z-44 is an application by Kerley Family Homes for townhouses behind the Kroger on Nickajack and Floyd Roads.

Several weeks ago, over 50 people attended a meeting held at The Retreat at Old Vinings Lake to discuss Z-43, Embry Development. The applicant’s attorney presented information, answered questions and listened to the opinions of those in attendance. A new plan is expected, but has not been provided. If you are interested in this application, please plan to attend this important meeting with Commissioner Cupid on June 26.

The following week another community meeting was held by the same attorney about Z-44, Kerley Family Homes. Over 50 people attended this meeting too, most from neighborhoods along Nickajack Road. As with Z-43, a new plan was promised but has not yet been provided. If you are interested in this application, you should also attend this meeting with Commissioner Cupid and Planning Commissioner Porter.

Other applications that will be discussed include: Z-82, IGBO Union Atlanta; Z-33, DeVille; and Z-49, Vance Jones.

Questions? Contact MIC’s Zoning Committee.