small to medium sized mountain town.... (Atlanta, Valdosta: vacation home, employment, college)

[gageorge]

I currrently live in the metro Atlanta area. I am looking for a great location to open a new restaurant. I want a typical American town where, after some time, I can become a part of the community, I really miss that living here.

My restuarant would cater to a broad cross section of people so semi tourist area or small college town is ok.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

George

[RAINBOWS]

Hi George!
What type of a restaurant are you desiring to open? The Kennesaw Mountain area would be a nice spot in my opinion. Good luck to you!

[xxman777]

I don't think around Kennesaw Mountain would be considered a small or medium sized city (it's the suburbs of Atlanta). You could try checking http://www.city-data.com/forum/georg...l-town-ga.html
There are some suggestions for mountain towns on there.

[Prichard]

Mountain town locals don't necessarily like people coming from out-of-town opening up restuarants in their small towns. Tourists and seasonal folks don't seem to differentiate, but you can't count on them year round.

You really need to do your research and come up with a type of restuarant that locals just can't shun for too long, or have enough money so that you can keep your restuarant going without turning a profit for whatever length of time it takes for the locals to like you.

Going to a small North Georgia town and starting your own business is not like moving to a city that has lots of transient people in it and starting a business. People in small towns care who owns the business, sometimes more than what it has to offer. Same thing goes for employment - they will always hire their own over blow-ins if they can.

[sharron]

Take a look at the Blairsville, Georgia area. It was named by The Online Wall Street Journal as one of 12 top values for vacation homes. Many of the people here are from Atlanta and Florida, so you would have an easier transition.

Good luck!

Sharron

[Echidna]

good Luck with your Venture George
I guess it's hard whever you set up, at first.
I agree with Pritchards comments though, and I hope and wish you all the best.

Regards
Echidna.

[pickleswanson]

Well it certainly isn't a mountain town but Willacoochee, GA (yes I know its a wierd name but that could help) is a very small town that is also welcoming of new commerce and new people. Extremely southern but is trying hard to grow, supports new business well because of heavy traffic Hwy 82 and has a nice river running through it, Alapaha River. Tifton, Douglas, Waycross, and Valdosta surround it and as far as small towns go they are all growing quickly proudly support new comers.

[leefowler]

Have you considered Elijay or Dahlongega. Both towns attract a good number of vistors, and both are small enough to become involved in. I guess the most important thing to know is what kind of Restaurant you want to open. Right now I live in Canton, but love to visit both towns as much as possible. Good luck to you what ever you decide.