Author: Kristy Johnson

  • Mushroom Swiss Burger with Jalapeño Aioli

    Mushroom Swiss Burger with Jalapeño Aioli

    • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association1 1/2 pounds ground beef
    • 2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 5 ounces portobello mushrooms
    • 4 Swiss cheese slices
    • 4 hamburger buns
    • 4 lettuce leaves
    • 4 tomatoes slices
    • Jalapeño Aioli:
    • 2 jalapeño peppers
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

    Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four patties; set aside. Heat sauté pan over medium until hot. Add olive oil and mushrooms and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Heat grill to medium. Add jalapeño peppers and grill 5-6 minutes. Remove and let cool. Once cool, remove stem and seeds and dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Place in a medium bowl and add mayo, salt and lime juice. Combine thoroughly; set aside.

    Place burgers on grill and cook, covered, over medium heat 7-10 or until thermometer registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. Do not press on burgers. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice. Remove to platter to rest, and place buns, cut sides down, on grill. Grill about 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Place burgers on bottom buns and top with mushrooms, tomato and lettuce. Spread top buns with aioli and add to burgers. Serve with extra aioli, if desired. Makes 4 burgers.

    Recipe courtesy of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

  • Southern Black-Eyed Pea Salad

    Southern Black-Eyed Pea Salad

    • Southern Salads2 cans (15.5 ounces each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
    • 1 cup sweet corn
    • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
    • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
    • 1/2 cup fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
    • 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano (or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano)
    • 3/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    • 1/4 cup olive oil

    In a large bowl, combine peas, corn, tomatoes, onion and parsley. For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk vinegar, mustard, oregano, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil until blended. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 3 hours before serving. Makes 6 servings.

  • Inaugural Paddle Race

    Inaugural Paddle Race

    Redford and Benny, aka the master guides of the Serene 18 Paddle TrailWhether you are a serious water warrior or a laid-back recreational paddler, bring your thirst for fun to the inaugural Serene 18 Paddle Race on Saturday, August 26.

    While called a race, it’s really all about community camaraderie, enjoying nature and raising finds to benefit the animals of Stallings Island.

    Inaugural Paddle RaceThe race will begin at Betty’s Branch at Riverside Park, and the route will follow the six-mile loop around Germany Island. It will be the first in a series of Serene 18 Paddle Races.

    The event also will include lunch, prizes and a meet-and-greet with intrepid “oar-acles,” Redford and Benny, aka the master guides of the Serene 18 Paddle Trail.

    For more information, check out visitcolumbiacountyga.com or the Serene 18 Facebook page.

  • Lofty Lodging

    Lofty Lodging

    Photos courtesy of Sanctuary Treehouse Resort, Amanda Jensen and Hope S. Philbrick
    Photos courtesy of Sanctuary Treehouse Resort, Amanda Jensen and Hope S. Philbrick

    A quirky treehouse resort climbs to new heights with its fun-filled forts and majestic mountain views.
    If your dream home has ever been a treehouse, the new Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee likely exceeds even your most fantastical plans.

    Here, fun is by design. Every treehouse at this innovative new resort incorporates interactive experiences including slides, bucket pulleys, escape hatches, secret ladders, swings, front doors with speakeasy windows, custom drink chutes to send unopened bottles and cans from the kitchen to the lower porch and several additional surprises.

    Even practical elements go beyond the usual. King beds are supported by ropes with queen trundles hidden underneath. Double bunks can be cranked up to reveal a dining area.

    treehouse motelPorches are simultaneously havens and playgrounds with swinging chairs, suspended outdoor daybeds, outdoor tubs, rope climbs, big-screen TVs and more. Decks encourage relaxation with wood-burning fireplaces, gas grills, Adirondack chairs and spectacular views.

    The vibe is playful, yet every treehouse is packed with thoughtful amenities and conveniences. Edison light fixtures stylishly illuminate the interior. HVAC systems ensure year-round comfort. Kitchenettes are equipped with mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves and even signature charcuterie boards.

    Bathrooms boast custom tile showers, toilets with heated seats and whiskey-barrel sinks. Beds are dressed in luxury linens. A big-screen TV and LED fireplace are visible from nearly every inch inside the treehouse. High-speed internet is standard.

    Custom artwork give each unit its individual personality, often with a humorous edge that ranges from the wink-wink to brouhaha variety.

    Sanctuary Treehouse ResortBranching Out
    The brainchild of husband-and-wife team Amanda and Brian Jensen, the resort currently offers three different types of treehouses: Tree Fort (for up to six guests), Tree Fort Double (same as Tree Fort but with a drawbridge connecting two units to house up to 12 guests) and The Luxe (for couples yet able to accommodate up to four people).

    Forts offer a king bed, queen trundle and double bunk. Luxe units ramp up comfort with a king gel cooling mattress, bidet toilet system, copper clawfoot tub, bamboo jetted tile shower, outdoor tub with privacy curtains and other upscale additions.

    Located in the Smoky Mountains in Dolly Parton’s hometown, Sanctuary Treehouse Resort will be the world’s largest treehouse resort. The first seven forts opened in the spring of 2022; an additional seven units will open this fall.

    Sanctuary Treehouse Resort“Brian and his team built the first phase, but we’ll now hire a construction company to build them more quickly while we focus on amenities,” says Amanda.

    As soon as four additional units open in 2024 to reach a total of 18 units, Sanctuary Treehouse Resort will rank as the world’s largest. But its owners aren’t stopping there.

    When construction is complete in 2025, a total of 130 treehouses will spread across its 40 scenic acres overlooking two 18-hole golf courses and the Little Pigeon River against a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

    Rooted in Fun
    The couple first built a treehouse in 2013 for their children. “They played with it for years and we put fun features there,” says Amanda. “When they quit playing with it, we joked about renting it out. We didn’t do that, but we always kicked around the idea. Forty acres near us became available and once we saw how amazing it was, we thought, ‘We gotta buy this!’ This property has been a hidden gem for far too long if you ask us.”

    Sanctuary Treehouse Resort hanging bedThe scope of their treehouse resort idea quickly “took on a life of its own,” she says.

    The Jensens are working with architectural firm MossCreek to bring their vision to life. Double forts have proven popular with family and friends. To accommodate even larger groups, some triple forts are planned, and a new wagon wheel layout is in the works that connects six forts circling a common central gathering space via drawbridges.

    While the treehouses look as you might expect, they actually aren’t built in trees. “It’s all part of the fantasy to have the elements but remain practical,” says Amanda. “City building codes do not allow for commercial structures to be built in a tree – it’s not safe for the tree or the structure.”

    Construction works with the land’s topography to leave woodlands undisturbed, and SmartBark and cedar are among the environmentally-friendly building materials.

    Sanctuary Treehouse Resort“We want guests to have the best views, and at the same time, don’t want to litter the mountainside so it’s beautiful at night from below. The number one priority is to disturb the property as little as possible.”

    Since each fort is loaded with features, Amanda says, “I haven’t heard one complaint from anyone wishing there was more to do at the resort.”

    Nevertheless, property amenities beyond the fire pit are in the works. A check-in center will double as a supply store (for s’mores kits, steaks to grill and other treats) and offer parking since all guests will get a complimentary golf cart to reach their treehouse.

    Guests also will be able to enjoy more than 4 miles of walking trails, a scavenger hunt, rope bridges, a slide, an enchanted forest that will light up and incorporate waterfall features, and other elements like “a gathering area with in-ground community hot springs where people can congregate,” says Amanda. “It will be a place where food trucks can congregate, live music will be staged and other fun things.”

    Sanctuary Treehouse ResortIf You Go

    What: Sanctuary Treehouse Resort

    Where: Sevierville, Tennessee

    How Much: From $290/night; two-night minimum stay

    More Info: treehouseresort.com; hello@treehouseresort.com or (423) 873-3386

    By Hope S. Philbrick

  • New AU Sports Training Center

    New AU Sports Training Center

    New AU Sports Training CenterA gift from Harlem business owner Alvin Harris and his wife, Yvette, will pave the way for a new sports training center for student-athletes at Augusta University.

    The Alvin and Yvette Harris Performance Center will be constructed in the upper mezzanine on the south side of Christenberry Fieldhouse.

    It will replace the current weight room and other training areas the university has outgrown and serve as a hub for all student-athletes – basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, golf, track and field, cross country, tennis and cheer.

  • Southern Charm Meets Chinoiserie

    Southern Charm Meets Chinoiserie

    home in Lamkin WoodsStatement pieces coupled with colorful accents personalize this Appling home.
    For Appling residents Jessica and Daniel Yonchak, there was no time like the present to build a custom home in Lamkin Woods for their growing family.

    “When you build, you either do it now or do it later,” says Daniel. “We wanted to do it now so we could enjoy it. I don’t think we’ll ever get tired of it.”

    After they bought their 2.5-acre lot in 2020, the Yonchaks started building in the spring of 2021 and moved into their home in September 2022 with their two sons, Bennett and Walker, now 5 and 3 years old. Five months later, their daughter, Anniston, was born.

    They customized a design from a Southern Living house plan to accommodate their lifestyle for years to come.

    “We picked out everything from the colors to the width of the stair treads,” Daniel says. “It allows you to enjoy your home a lot more.”

    However, they not only kept an eye on the future. From their fine china to keepsakes from their own childhoods, they included décor that honors their family history as well.

    interior designer Katy King BrosiousColor, Pattern and Texture
    The Yonchaks closely followed the progress of their house, visiting the site several times a week while it was under construction.

    “Once it was sheet-rocked, I turned everything over to Jessica,” says Daniel.

    Good plan. Jessica knew the look she wanted, and she enlisted interior designer and now friend, Katy King Brosious, to bring her vision to life. Together, they infused playful patterns, assorted textures and vibrant colors into the neutral décor to give the home its distinct personality.

    “We wanted a classic, timeless look for the house,” Jessica says. “Katy’s Instagram was a great source of inspiration.”

    The incorporation of color, patterns and texture into the décor begins on the front porch, where four black rockers are accented with an aqua and white striped pillow and a pillow with textured flowers and pink tassels. The brick floor of the porch is laid in a herringbone pattern.

    White satin ribbons accented with a bright blue “Y” are tied to the green wreaths on the double front doors.

    The eclectic mix of design elements continues into the interior, which features white oak flooring and six-paneled doors throughout the house.

    In the living room, where Southern charm meets chinoiserie (the European interpretation of Chinese artistic traditions), two Oriental calligraphy brushes and a ginger jar sit atop the wood coffee table.

    However, Jessica says, “We found the rug first and decorated the living room around it.”

    Patterned pillows, which feature green and white buffalo checks or a blue and white design, accent the off-white couches. The pillows pick up the colors in the rug as well.

    customized a design from a Southern Living house planA pair of oversized chairs, upholstered in spotted blue and white fabric, also adds color to the space.

    White walls, custom built-ins, a raised hearth brick fireplace with gas logs and a wood beam mantel, a ceiling fan and a coffered ceiling complete the living room.

    “We wanted a neutral background with pops of color,” says Jessica.

    The open floor plan connects the living room to the kitchen, where an island separates the two spaces.

    “We really wanted an open concept with a big island,” says Jessica. “We like to host and entertain. Storage also was important to us.”

    Champagne bronze light fixtures hang above the island, which includes a farmhouse sink.

    Wedgwood in London and sold by The Transylvania Club of SandersvilleThe kitchen also features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, glass-front cabinets on top of enclosed cabinetry, brushed bronze hardware, a pot filler and a picket fence backsplash. A French antique chandelier hangs in the adjoining breakfast area.

    Legacy Pieces
    The butler’s pantry borrows design elements from the kitchen such as brushed bronze hardware and glass-front cabinets, where white bowls and blue and white Georgia historical plates are on display.

    The plates, originally produced by Wedgwood in London and sold by The Transylvania Club of Sandersville, were conceived and executed as part of the 1933 Georgia bicentennial celebration. The plates are issued in blue and pink, and the Yonchaks have a set of 12 plates in each color.

    “My family had those plates when I was growing up,” Daniel says.

    They hung more blue and white Georgia plates around a mirror on a wall in the dining room, which also features a coffered ceiling and a gray chandelier with gold accents.

    An oak pedestal table, which is surrounded by skirted, upholstered chairs, sits in the center of the room, while a white sideboard and white china cabinet line opposite walls.

    home in Lamkin Woods“I wanted the dining room to be classic with a little twist,” says Jessica.

    She keeps her grandmother’s china in the china cabinet, along with a plate with gray flowers that has special significance to Jessica’s family.

    “My great-grandmother hosted a president for dinner, so a president ate off of the plate,” she says. (No, she doesn’t know which president dined with her great-grandmother.)

    Her grandmother gave each of her three granddaughters four place settings of her china, and Jessica’s mother found the rest of the china to complete the set.

    “The dining room is my favorite room in the house even though it gets the least use,” Jessica says.

    A grandfather clock that belonged to Daniel’s grandparents accents the office.

    The master bedroom features a four-poster California king bed, a windowpane mirror on either side of a TV cabinet, an upholstered chair and an upholstered bench at the foot of the bed.

    “This furniture was a wedding gift to us from my parents,” says Jessica.

    The adjoining master bath features a soaking rub with a freestanding telephone faucet fixture, two vanities with quartz countertops and a walk-in shower. A rainfall showerhead, subway tile and marble floor accent the shower.

    The children’s bedrooms reflect their personalities and interests. Bennett’s room has a sports theme (He loves baseball and insists on keeping his Christmas sheets on his bed year-round). In Walker’s room, antique trucks that belonged to Daniel when he was a boy are part of the “anything-with-wheels décor.

    On the wall in Anniston’s nursery, two white frames hold a pink baby bubble outfit that belonged to Jessica when she was a toddler. When Anniston first came home from the hospital, she also wore the same gown that her mom had worn when she arrived home as a newborn.

    Columbia County HomePorch Life
    When the Yonchaks spend time together, they’re likely to gather on their covered back porch.

    The space includes a concrete floor, tongue-and-groove ceiling, wicker furniture, two ceiling fans and a raised-hearth, wood-burning fireplace. Special features of the brick fireplace include two Augusta pavers that came from an old homeplace on family-owned land in Harlem and the custom-built, live-edged, 450-pound wood mantel that Daniel’s college roommate made from a pecan tree.

    “He has a lumber company in Sylvania,” says Daniel. “He had several trees on the grounds that were not cut up, so we got to pick out the tree.”

    A dining table, which is set with colorful melamine plates on chargers edged with pink beads, rests on an area rug.

    the Yonchak Family Home“I think we’ve eaten more meals on the porch than we have in the kitchen,” says Jessica.

    With its fireplace and view of the woods behind the house, the back porch is Daniel’s go-to spot. They also plan to add a pool to the backyard one day.

    “We built the house to last,” says Daniel. “Our whole goal is to maximize the space. We’re not going to outgrow it.”

    By Betsy Gilliland

  • Consign Design

    Consign Design

    Consign Design is the original Upscale Home Consignment shop in the Martinez/Evans area!

    318 Baston Rd, Ste 102, Martinez, GA, United States, Georgia
     
    (706) 945-0176
     
     
     
    VOTED BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP!
    BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP
  • Enon Hopkins Roofing Company, LLC

    Enon Hopkins Roofing Company, LLC

    Roofing & Gutter Contractors in Augusta, Georgia

    Enon Hopkins Roofing Company offers roofing, roofing repairs and seamless gutter installations to homeowners throughout the greater Augusta, Georgia area. Family-owned and operated, we have over 40 years of experience and take pride in the work we do. Call today for a free estimate if you own a home or business in Augusta, Evans, Hephzibah, Grovetown, Martinez, North Augusta, Waynesboro and the entire CSRA.

     

    (706) 868-1234

    Best Price Guarantee and Free Estimates!

    Roofing in Augusta and surrounding area

     

  • FireSide

    FireSide

    Appliances, Grills, Gas Logs, Outdoor Cabinets

    Your one-stop shop for the appliances that make your house a home, indoors and outdoors.

    VOTED BEST OUTDOOR KITCHENS!

    1246 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-3939

    www.FiresideKitchens.com

    Best Outdoor Kitchens Augusta

  • Take a Hike

    Take a Hike

    The BombasinOutdoor fun is afoot on a collection of Columbia County trails.

    Columbia County has always been a great place to enjoy outdoor recreation, but now it’s even better with the launch of the Bombasin Land Trail.

    The Bombasin is a collection of eight land trails on the sub-basins of the Savannah River, and the scenic routes are ideal for biking, hiking, walking or running. They include:

    Bartram Trail
    Level: All
    Length: 22.5 miles
    Activities: Backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, running, walking, camping

    Lake Springs Loop
    Level: Beginner
    Length: 3 miles
    Activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, running, walking

    Keg Creek Loop
    Level: Advanced
    Length: 9 miles
    Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, running, walking

    Rock Dam Trail
    Level: Advanced
    Length: 6.25 miles
    Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, running, walking

    Blanchard Woods Cross Country Trail
    Level: All
    Length: 2.8 miles
    Activities: Biking, hiking, mountain biking, running, walking

    Augusta Canal Tow Path
    Level: All
    Length: 7.85 miles
    Activities: Biking, fishing, mountain biking, walking

    Euchee Creek Greenway
    Level: All
    Length: 8 miles
    Activities: Biking, hiking, running, walking

    Evans To Locks Multi-Use Trail
    Level: All
    Length: 6 miles
    Activities: Biking, walking, wheelchair accessible

    Like the Serene18 Paddle Trail, this land trail system, which offers views ranging from scenic forests to urban landscapes, was developed to attract visitors to Columbia County. Of course, the trails are great for residents, too, whether they’re looking for solitude or family time.

    For more information or a free guide, visit BombasinTrail.com.

  • Racquet Center Open

    Racquet Center Open

    Tennis Pickle Ball AugustaThe Columbia County Racquet Center, formerly Petersburg Racquet Club, has opened for play in Martinez.

    No reservations are required to use the hard tennis courts, but reservations are required for clay courts. To make a reservation, call (706) 860-9288 or visit the office. Hours are 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily.

    Construction of new pickleball courts on the former site of the swimming pool will begin this year, and they should be completed by early 2024. The Board of Commissioners also will set a fee schedule for the facility.

  • Street Eats

    Street Eats

    Food Truck Friday
    Photos courtesy of Wallace Dickerson, Funnel Cake Lounge, The Crazy Empanada, Big T’s Seafood and Columbia County

    The food truck and popup scene is cookin’ up fun all around town.

    Some people might think food trucks are all about bringing creative dining options to customers. That’s not wrong, but we’ll let you in on a secret. Food truck culture really is about bringing people together and making them happy. And few things make people happier than sharing good food among friends.

    “Everyone meets and greets each other when a food truck comes out,” says Andre Walker, owner and creator of Funnel Cake Lounge. “They can enjoy their meal or sweet treat and have a good time before they go back to reality.”

    Mobile Food Culture
    Reality for Andre is that his food truck has been good for business. He opened Funnel Cake Lounge in Martinez in 2021 and added the food truck in August 2022.

    “A lot of my customers were coming into my store and requesting a food truck,” says Andre.

    He initially opposed the idea because of the additional expenses involved, but ultimately he discovered that the customer is always right.

    “I love it,” Andre says. “I regret not doing it sooner.”

    Big T’s Seafood, which has been in business for 12 years and moved its restaurant to Grovetown in 2018, added a food truck in 2021. Owners Tim Daniels Sr. and his wife, Veronica, made the leap because they wanted to expand their reach in the community.

    “We get to see people that we don’t see at the restaurant,” says Tim. “We get to go into different neighborhoods, and we’ve picked up a lot of new customers.”

    For Nuni Hernandez, who went the popup tent instead of food truck route,” her foray into the mobile food culture has followed the ups and downs of her life. The Crazy Empanada owner first ventured into the concept when she saw a version of herself in the movie, Chef. In this 2014 film, a head chef trades his restaurant job for a food truck to reclaim his creative promise and reunite his family.

    Opening her first popup in 2017 when she was going through a divorce, Nuni, a culinary student at the time, took her last $20 and bought enough dough to make 50 empanadas. She took them to the Augusta Market and sold every one of them.

    “Movies can be inspiring. Movies can take you a long way,” she says.

    Nuni EmpanadasNuni opened a Crazy Empanada restaurant in 2020 but closed it in 2022 when she lost her father. However, the fulltime chef would like to “get back out there” and do popups again.

    “I love what I do,” she says. “I love to see people’s reactions when they have my food. People love everything about our concepts.”

    Mouth-Dropping, Eye-Popping Food
    Local food trucks are available for occasions ranging from festivals and community events like Columbia County’s popular Food Truck Friday to private gatherings such as office parties, family reunions, weddings, church outings and neighborhood get-togethers. Food truck operators say people typically reach out to them through word-of-mouth or social media, and their menus vary according to the size of the event.

    Funnel Cake Lounge, which temporarily closed its storefront for remodeling from February to mid-June, limits its offerings for large events to keep the line moving. Nevertheless, 13 items including S’more Lovin, Banana Jamma, Plain Jane Powdered Sugar and Cheesecake Lover, plus the most popular funnel cakes – Strawberry Shortcake and Cookie Crumble – are always on the menu.

    With other creations such as Oh Split, Counting My Dough, Driving Me Bananas, Where It All Pecan and Cereal Killer, however, the funn’l never end with this food truck. In addition, customers can create their own combinations with ingredients ranging from ice cream and cookie dough to nuts and gummy bears.

    There’s nothing Andre enjoys more than seeing his customers’ reactions to the desserts. “I love to watch people’s mouth drop and see their eyes get big,” he says.

    Big T’s serves fried foods including shrimp, catfish, tilapia, green tomatoes and hush puppies. Catfish is the most popular item on the food truck. For a private event, the menu depends on the customer’s request.

    “A lot of people like food trucks for convenience,” says Tim. “They think, ‘I’ve never been to that restaurant, but I’ll try the food truck.’”

    He says the key to his success is, “Clean, clean, clean – and fresh.”

    With its Latin fusion menu, the Crazy Empanada quickly became known for its Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Brazilian foods such as Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, arepas, tacos and fried tostones.

    “I get to tell a story with every food I make,” Nuni says. “I get to tell the story of my grandmother making me my favorite empanada. My Cuban sandwich is a reminder of my youth in Florida with my friends. I want people to feel like they’re in my house. I want them to have a great experience.”

    Good Business Model
    Food trucks run on generators, and standard equipment ranges from grills and fryers to freezers, warming cabinets to heating tables, sinks to refrigerators. They also have to adhere to health department regulations, and these three entrepreneurs say the mobile food concept has been a good business model.

    “A food truck is really profitable if you do it right,” Andre says. “Since we’ve been under renovation, our food truck has been booked every single day.”

    NuniFood trucks are fairly easy and economical to start, the operators say, and their mobility is a definite advantage.

    “If your business isn’t thriving in one place, you can go to another,” Andre says. “It’s a good way to market yourself, and it’s a good networking tool. It gives you an opportunity to meet people from all over and expand. It has allowed me to take Funnel Cake Lounge to other cities, and people are interesting in franchising it.”

    Nuni, who says presentation is just as important as innovation, agrees. “You can go anywhere. A restaurant cannot move,” she says. “Once you make a name for yourself, everybody wants you.”

    In addition, Andre says food trucks are another revenue source for struggling businesses. He also lets his employees set their own schedules by staffing the food truck. “They can take a break or get their 40 hours a week to meet their sales goals,” he says. “They can be their own boss and help you grow your business.”

    Tim has found that overhead isn’t as high for a food truck as it is for a restaurant.

    “We get the food out because we’re not serving as much as we serve at a restaurant,” he says. “We actually reach more people because we can go to private parties and private events. We’re mobile, and we can move our business around.”

    Funnel CakesKeeping up with demand has been the biggest operational challenge for Funnel Cake Lounge. Andre says he turns down 40 to 50 bookings, including about 10 in Columbia County, per month because the food truck is on the road so often.

    He also says that driving long distances, weather cancelations and limited storage space can be disadvantages.

    “People are disappointed if you run out of something,” he adds.

    The biggest challenge in operating a food truck for Big T’s is staffing because it pulls servers away from the restaurant. However, Tim chooses the people that go on the food truck with him.

    Overall, however, the food truck operators have found that these enterprises increase their accessibility to their customers and their customers’ interactions with each other.

    “At a restaurant, people sit, order, eat and go. They’re more casual and connected when they’re eating outside,” Nuni says. “Popups bring people together because they get to talk and share and see when they’re waiting for their food. I hear people ask each other, ‘What is that? Where did you get that?’”

    After all, novelty is a food truck staple.

    “This is how people discover new foods,” Andre says. “With a food truck, you can take a risk. It allows for more variety, and people venture out to see what’s not in a brick-and-mortar store.”

    Fried Sea Food AugustaFood Truck Fridays
    The Columbia County Food Truck Friday series rotates among three different county parks. The hours are 6-9 p.m., and live music begins at 7 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets.

    July 14
    Gateway Park, Grovetown

    July 28
    Evans Towne Center Park

    August 25
    Evans Towne Center Park

    September 8
    Eubank Blanchard Par, Appling

    September 22
    Evans Towne Center Park

    By Betsy Gilliland

     

  • Event Volunteers Needed

    Event Volunteers Needed

    USA Cycling Masters & Para Road National ChampionshipsAugusta Sports Council is seeking volunteers for the USA Cycling Masters & Para Road National Championships that will be held August 22-27.

    More than 300 volunteers will be needed during the week for event set-up and breakdown, registration, athlete hydration, course marshals and more.

    This year’s event is expected to attract 600 to 800 athletes competing for national championships in road and individual time trials on Fort Gordon August 23-26 and the criterium in downtown Augusta on August 27.

    For more information, visit greateraugustasportscouncil.volunteerlocal.com.

  • Juicy Watermelon Cake

    Juicy Watermelon Cake

    • Fruit Watermelon Cake1 watermelon
    • 2 cups grapes
    • 1 cup strawberries
    • 1 cup blueberries
    • 1 cup raspberries
    • Fresh mint, for garnish

    Cut top and bottom off watermelon so it will sit straight. Cut away rind and smooth with a vegetable peeler. Place on cake plate or serving platter and garnish with fresh fruit and mint leaves. Makes one cake.

  • National Championships Regatta

    National Championships Regatta

    Augusta Sailing ClubAugusta Sailing Club is hosting the Y Flyer Nationals at Clarks Hills Lake Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16.

    The Junior National Championships are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, and adults will compete in the Senior National Championships on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

    This is the first time in 45 years the club has hosted the regatta, and about 50 to 80 sailboats are expected to compete.