Issuu

A Love Story FO R E ACH OTH ER AN D BA SEBALL

F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

From Our Kitchen to Your Table: Gourmet Meals for Unforgettable Date Nights.

“I have given this gift numerous times to my adult children who are busy working and raising kids. It is the perfect break for them to enjoy a special date night & delicious meal.” -Debbie C.

www.insteadofflowers.com

Valentine’s Day Made Easy

Designed for Living. Built for Life.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Hello to Love, Life and Local Makers

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Catherine James | catherine.james@citylifestyle.com

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I find myself torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy Valentine's. To enjoy a date out or a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere in between, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of our February issue will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in our community. We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. We see this demonstrated through the stories shared in our February issue. In our cover story, we are excited to share Ronnie and Brian Snitker's journey of love. You'll also read about local business owners and community leaders who are better together on page 30. You'll read about people coming together and staying true to who they are like the band of brothers behind Carlo's Pizza, at this year's Georgia Wine + Food Festival and "letting your hair down" at Salon CLK. For us at East Cobb City Lifestyle, “love local” means supporting local businesses, members of our community, nonprofits making a difference and those living under our roof. Thanks for letting us be a part of your life. Our hope is we inspire you to love just a bit more this February. Happy Valentine's Day!

AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Abby Ramsey | abby.ramsey@citylifestyle.com AD M I N I ST R AT I VE C O O R D I N ATO R

Rei Kaiser | reikaiser@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cathy Jones, Roger Alexander, Lisa Thompson, Sue Collins C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Wayne Albright, Abby Ramsey, Scott Dennis, Lisa Thompson

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

L I S A T H I B A U LT, P U B L I S H E R @EASTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 East Cobb City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the East Cobb area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in East Cobb City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

54 30

Featured

30 48 54 6

Band of Brothers

The Accardi Family Legacy Lives on Through the Love of Family and Pizza

Better Together

48 On the Cover

Departments

Major League Baseball Atlanta Braves Manager Brian and Ronnie Snitker share their love story and appreciation.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Artist’s Palette ENTERTAINMENT

Local Limelight LOCAL SERVICES

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Hot Spot FOOD + BEVERAGE

Maker’s Studio EDUCATION

Hometown Hero ENTERTAINMENT

Open House HOME + DESIGN

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Making Working Together Work

Cobb County Local Makers Making an Impact Everywhere

Passion for Life and Baseball

Brian and Ronnie Snitker’s Journey With the Braves

Photography: Wayne Albright

Love

WHERE YOU LIVE Whether it is helping people buy and sell homes or volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, a charity that is close to my heart, serving my community is my passion. As we gear up for the spring market, let’s chat about what you can expect in your specific area. Sizing up or down in a home—you deserve to love where you live!

JULIE ALTENBACH

#1 INDIVIDUAL AGENT EAST COBB OFFICE 2022 C: 678-576-5372 | O: 770-977-9500 Julie.Altenbach@HarryNorman.com JulieSellsAtlanta.com 4651 Olde Towne Parkway | Marietta, GA 30068. If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation.

FEBRUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Carlo’s Pizza hosts free family-centered events year-round. Meet & greet with Disney’s Anna and Elsa! 2: Wheeler High School Chorus Director Thomas Chafin with Chorus members at East Cobb Park Celebration 3: Congratulations! Pope High School Flag Football Team is the 2023 GHSA Division III State Champions! 4: Friends For The East Cobb Park Events Chair Pam Cushenan with Representative Sharon Cooper 5: Celebrating KINDNESS DAY, Sawyer Road Elementary School third graders donate snack bags to Marietta Police 6: Congratulations! Walton High School earns 2023 Georgia High School Association Cheerleading State Champions!

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ E A S T C O B B C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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FEBRUARY 2024

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

East Cobb's H.E.R.O. Offers Scholarships

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Making a Difference Marietta High's Elijah Metellus - Life Scout working towards his Eagle Scout Award. He interns at a behavior health facility focused on autism. His sister Mia has autism and when he earned his driver’s license, Elijah wondered how she would react if stopped by an officer. With this, he donated sensory kits to officers to keep in patrol vehicles. The kit will support officers when attempting to communicate with someone on the spectrum.

STEP INTO YOUR BODY’S POTENTIAL. Cobb County Family Advocacy Center Opens Officials and supporters commemorated the opening of the Cobb County Family Advocacy Center. Operating out of the Cobb District Attorney's Office, FAC will offer a myriad of services under one roof. Partners include LiveSAFE Resources, SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc., Cobb Sheriff’s Office and Police Department, Solicitor General’s Office, Legal Aid of Cobb County and others. Focused on elder abuse, domestic violence victims, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking and human trafficking, CobbFAC.org

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Scan here to learn more. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

Tap Into the Real You at Salon CLK

M UST SE E | H E A LT H + WEL L NESS

Founder of Salon CLK

Fabriah.com estimates that women spend more than a month in the salon chair over the course of their lives. Casey London Keeter is on a mission to maximize that time. She's not simply aiming for efficiency, though she's mastered it after two decades of salon management experience. Her goal is to transform salon visits from something that feels like a chore to a safe space where clients can let their hair down, get comfortable and express themselves to their fullest potential. "We want each visit to feel like you're hanging out with your girlfriends," says Casey. And Salon CLK is just that. Every visit allows guests to tap into that inner confidence and display it to the world. Casey's approach isn't just geared toward clients. When she established Salon CLK, voted Best in East Cobb in 2022, Casey wanted to create an environment where hair stylists felt limitless in their talents and abilities—where they could push creative boundaries to achieve the results their clients want without consequence. She tailors music CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / E ASTC O BB

and dress codes around her team, encourages work-life balance and pairs stylists with clients according to their specialties. Each appointment is held at the Roswell-based salon in front of the gorgeous orange butterfly walls. The mural, along with Salon's CLK's flattering lighting and vibrant pops of orange, won an award of distinction in Salon Today's "Salon of the Year" competition. These small touches are all a part of Casey's vision to induce creativity. "It's an extension of myself," says Casey. "Salon CLK has an inviting environment, a clean, crisp design with orange and butterfly flairs, and local artwork on display. It's friendly and not overcrowded."

M UST SE E | H E A LT H + WEL L NESS

According to Casey, consultation is the most important part of every appointment. This is the client's chance to share inspiration, what's worked and what hasn't, and any special requests. It ensures clients are matched with the stylist that best fits their needs and customizes each service accordingly. The ability to cater to clients and stylists in an inspirational workspace and fine-tune traditional methods to make something unique creates the personalized, mind-blowing results that Salon CLK is known for, transforming each guest's time in the chair from ordinary to extraordinary. For an appointment, visit salonclk.com or stop by the salon at 4401 Shallowford Road in Roswell.

IF YOU THINK WINEMAKERS ARE OBSESSIVE ABOUT

CARE AND AGING, YOU HAVEN’T MET OUR BUTCHER.

We tend to our steaks with the passion of a winemaker, our master butcher monitors our steaks daily for 21 days in a temperature and humidity-controlled vault, then carves it by hand. Does our obsession pay off? You tell us.

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“We want each visit to feel like you’re hanging out with your girlfriends.”

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / E ASTC O BB

Making Award-Winning Pizzas Since 1985

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Palermo Cathedral

SICILY WILL STEAL YOUR HEART!

Romantic, Enchant ing, Exot ic. . . ARTICLE BY LISA THOMPSON

Temples at Agrigento

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Monreale Cathedra

“

S ic i l y i s a ro m a nt ic , b e a ut i f u l , exot ic c o n f lue n c e of h i s t o r y a n d c u lt u re .

I recently spent nine glorious days in Sicily, one of the most intriguing parts of the world. Though the island has technically been part of Italy since 1861, inhabitants are quick to point out they are not Italian but proudly, forever Sicilian. This island is truly the melting pot of the Mediterranean, a collision of old and new, Eastern and Western. Its storied history sweeps you from ancient Greece to the might of the Roman Empire, from the exoticism of the Arab invasion to the chivalric knights of the Middle Ages to the modern Mafia. Starting in gritty but fascinating Palermo, we took a street food tour with Streaty Tours. The markets felt like the souks of North Africa! The sights, smells and sounds spoke of another world, not entirely Western. As any visitor should, we sampled cannoli, which originated on the island. The traditional bakers use sheep’s milk and cover the pastries with either chocolate chips or the ever-present pistachio. It was one of the many culinary joys we couldn’t turn down in the markets! The Monreale Cathedral is one of Palermo’s most impressive sites. Founded by the Normans in 1172, the cathedral is filled with glittering mosaics that mesmerize with their storytelling. It was like no other cathedral I have visited in Europe. Mass is still held every week—more than 800 years and counting! Next, we traveled by private car (excursionssicily.com) south to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, built when the Greeks ruled the island in the eighth century BC. At one time, Sicily was home to the second-largest population of Greeks outside mainland Greece. The area’s ancient ruins leave visitors marveling at the engineering ingenuity of humankind all those centuries ago. We discovered the best view of the ruins as we ended our day with dinner on the terrace of the Villa

Athena Resort. The restaurant provides live music and a mouthwatering menu against the backdrop of the flickering temple lights. From Agrigento, we went to the eerie but beautiful Mt. Etna, where a 2003 eruption left a devastating trail. Small eruptions still occur today, covering the land in black volcanic ash reminiscent of a moonscape. The ash produces perfect soil for wine and olive oil production, so we spent a day indulging in tastings and lunch at the Murgot and Gambino wineries. Our last stop was Taormina, familiar to fans of the “The White Lotus,” the town was a seaside playground for the rich and famous in its heyday. Today, tourists embark on shopping and tours during the day and spend magical evenings in the piazzas, where musicians play while families and friends socialize. Taormina’s culinary scene is impressive, as is all of Sicily's. In the high season, the island boasts over 500 restaurants; in winter, only five remain. I attended a cooking class at one of those five, Osteria Santa Domenica (osteriasantadomenica.com). It was a fun pastime that left me with a delicious lunch of homemade pasta, fresh ingredients, and local Mt. Etna wines! We also visited the famous Greek amphitheater in Taormina. Built during the seventh century BC, it's still in use today. Viewers witness concerts and operas with the ever-present Mt. Etna looming in the background. When you visit Taormina, and I hope you will, I suggest lodging at the Hotel Grand Timeo. You can enjoy a cocktail from its terrace and watch molten rock spew from the volcano. Sicily is a romantic, beautiful, exotic confluence of history and culture. It stole my heart. Sicily, I will be back someday.

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Monreale Cathedral

Palermo

Hotel Timeo w/ Mt. Etna in backgr

“

T h e m a r ke t s we re o n e o f t h e m a ny c u l i n a r y j oys we c o u l d n ot t u r n d ow n .

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

”

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“What I’ve learned is that all communities talk about wellness and socialization... but they don’t have the wellness center, green space, programming and staffing that Sterling Estates has. No one can match what Sterling provides for their residents period. My parents are thriving at Sterling Estates... bet yours will too.” ~ Susan S.

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BAND OF BROTHERS

ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ENTE RTAIN ME N T

THE ACCARDI FAMILY LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH FOUR BROTHERS

All great pizza shops have a heartfelt history. Carlo's Pizza is no different. During summers in the '90s, a few blocks away from New Jersey's famous Wildwood Boardwalk, the Accardi brothers spent their days in the family pizza shop, Johnny's Pizza, alongside their three siblings, their mom and their dad, Carlo Accardi. "We got to play in the giant arcade Dad made for the pizza shop," recalls John Accardi, one of the brothers behind Carlo's Pizza. "We also enjoyed watching Mom and Dad at work and occasionally helped out in small ways, like folding boxes or wiping tables." But before there were brothers, and before there was Johnny's, there was Grandpop Accardi, who started the family's entrepreneurial legacy. He left his original Accardi property to his son, Carlo, who had an epiphany during his first date with his future wife. The pair went for pizza at a local CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / E ASTC O BB

joint, and the rest was history. They turned the property into an arcade and pizza shop and set up shop along the coast. Ever since that fateful date, pizza has become synonymous with the Accardi name. "Our love for pizza is deeply rooted in the happy memories our parents created for us during childhood," says John Accardi. "Pizza is a way for us to connect with our family's past, especially for me as I follow in my dad's footsteps." When their father passed away, the four brothers and their mom decided to carry on his legacy the best way they knew: through pizza. But not just any pizza, Carlo Accardi's original pizza recipe. They laid the foundations of Carlo's Pizza, a recreation of Johnny's, in Atlanta. Staying true to their promise, the Accardi brothers haven't changed a thing about their dad's recipe since its inception in 1985. Their loyalty to the methods, components and even brands of the past has created the iconic "vintage taste" their customers rave about today. According to John, Carlo's has attracted more than a few original fans of Johnny's Pizza, who come to savor the taste that can't be replicated elsewhere. Since moving to Atlanta, the Accardi family has gained more than a few new fans, generating a country-wide customer base by shipping frozen pizzas around the country during COVID-19. They even attracted the attention of Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy, known for his blunt and honest One Bite Pizza Reviews, who rated their frozen pizza an 8.1, an unusually high rating. According to the brothers, it kept Carlo's alive during the pandemic. There's only one place Atlantans can find Dave Portnoy-approved, "vintage tasting" pizza with an incredible backstory—and it's Carlo's. Try it at Marietta's Woodlawn Point Shopping Center or order online at carlospizzaatlanta.com.

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Kory, Lindsey and family on vacation.

BE T T E R TO GE T H E R BETTER TOGETHER - THE RYKMANS Kory and Lindsey Rykman keep their customers in good hands while making sure the same is true in their own home.

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DID YOU BOTH MEET? AND HOW DID YOU EVENTUALLY DECIDE TO GO INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER?

Kory and Lindsey celebrating Valentine's Day.

Kory Rykman: “We met in college at Valdosta State University. I saw Lindsey at one of my soccer games and thought, ‘Wow, she might be the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.’ Then, as fate would have it, I ran into her at Publix...and the rest is history!”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY TOGETHER? Kory Rykman: “We love going out to eat on Valentine’s Day, so a nice steakhouse is on the horizon. Also, I make it a point to buy flowers and a card for Valentine’s Day.”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU MAKE WORKING TOGETHER WORK? Kory Rykman: “It takes time to get it right, but we specialize in two different parts of the business. Lindsey manages customer service, while I manage sales and marketing. This keeps us always focused on our strengths.”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU MANAGE A BUSINESS WHILE PRIORITIZING YOUR FAMILY? Kory Rykman: “We maintain the mindset that being busy and having a business is a blessing. That way, it’s a positive thing challenging us to step up and overcome. We also prioritize time together. We eat out, use our weekends to recharge and have hobbies.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

T H E RY K M A N S :

The Rykamn’s are two of East Cobb’s greatest friends in the insurance business. They are dedicated to building community relationships and meeting customers’ needs through Allstate. They know who you trust to care for your most valuable assets matters. Learn more about The Rykman Agency and the coverage they offer at koryrykman.com.

ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

Making working t o g e t h e r Wo r k

BETTER TOGETHER - THE GINELS Keith and Niki’s dream of owning a local shop together is coming true with the opening of Press Waffle Co. at The Avenue East Cobb.

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DID YOU BOTH MEET? AND HOW DID YOU EVENTUALLY DECIDE TO GO INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER?

Keith and Niki Ginel. One of Press Waffle's mouthwatering menu items.

Niki Ginel: “We met at college in an accounting class. We’ve always enjoyed talking “shop” together. It’s been nice having each other as a sounding board for complex financial issues we’ve encountered at work. Keith was ready to use his vast experience in his own business and got the whole family excited about Press Waffle Co.”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY TOGETHER? Niki Ginel: “We are glad to have our shop finally open! This has been a process that’s lasted a couple of years. We hope to serve many couples delicious waffles on Valentine’s Day!”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU MAKE WORKING TOGETHER WORK? Niki Ginel: “We have learned each of us has areas of expertise. In those cases, we trust each other to handle issues without micromanaging.”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU MANAGE A BUSINESS WHILE PRIORITIZING YOUR FAMILY? Niki Ginel: “Our family comes first. We divide and conquer where we can. We also let our kids be a part of the business. Our oldest, Gianna, helps in the store, and our youngest, Juliet, has helped quite a bit with Instagram videos. “

THE GINELS:

The Ginel’s delicious franchise originated as a food truck serving Bryan Lewis’s authentic Belgian waffle recipe. Today, the treats consist of fluffy pastry dough, imported Pearl Sugar, and an assortment of sweet and savory toppings that are becoming increasingly available across the county. Thanks to Keith and Niki, East Cobb is next. presswaffleco.com

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / E ASTC O BB

THE SALIMIS:

Daniel and Olivia Kim in front of the Vive Energy Medicine storefront.

BETTER TOGETHER - THE KIMS Dr. Olivia and Daniel Kim bring a new, holistic approach to therapy to East Cobb at Vive Energy Medicine, where they offer services like acupuncture and JONGBOO Therapy.

Ali and Jamie started Auto Accident Attorneys as a way to use their legal knowledge to get their clients the justice they deserve in personal injury cases. Together, they have recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements and judgments. Get to know them before you need them at theaaagroup.com.

Jamie and Ali Salimi.

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DID YOU BOTH MEET? AND HOW DID YOU EVENTUALLY DECIDE TO GO INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER? Olivia Kim: “When I met Daniel, I was a pre-med student in Korea. After marriage, rather than going to medical school, I worked as an acupuncturist in the US. I’ve been passionate about treating patients ever since I was a kid. When I decided to open my private clinic, Daniel was happy to help me.”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU MAKE WORKING TOGETHER WORK? Daniel Kim: “I always believed that she is a great doctor. Having the same passion for over 30 years is a rare thing. On top of that, she does JONGBOO Therapy (only available here) in addition to acupuncture. The one missing part was business management, which I have always enjoyed working with.”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU MANAGE A BUSINESS WHILE PRIORITIZING YOUR FAMILY? Olivia Kim: “It is like a comrade in arms. There is always something coming up, so Daniel and I are strategic. We take turns caring for the kids so one of us can do the other job or get some rest.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

THE KIMS:

Just off Johnson Ferry Road, Dr. Olivia H. Choi brings over 12 years of experience to her holistic healing clinic, Vive Energy. Specializing in treating chronic pain, stress, anxiety and other health concerns, she uses unique methods like JONGBOO Therapy (only offered at Vive in the State of Georgia) to deliver exceptional results. Learn more at vive.energy.

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EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DID YOU BOTH MEET? AND HOW DID YOU EVENTUALLY DECIDE TO GO INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER?

Driven by a desire to serve the community, Jamie and Ali Salimi started The Auto Accident Attorneys Group.

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Jamie Salimi: “We met at a restaurant in Malibu. I had graduated from UCLA, and Ali had just moved to Malibu for law school. We became friends and grew closer as we bonded over stress and destressing!”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY TOGETHER? Jamie Salimi: “A box of chocolates is key in our family! Growing up, my dad would always bring home a box of chocolates for each of his girls. Ali and I carry on that tradition with our two daughters now.”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU MAKE WORKING TOGETHER WORK? Jamie Salimi: “We have found that working together in a demanding field might be easier than having separate careers because when the work is done, we understand what the other has been dealing with.”

EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DO YOU MANAGE A BUSINESS WHILE PRIORITIZING YOUR FAMILY? Jamie Salimi: “My workday begins when our kids are on the school bus. Once they get home from school, they have my undivided attention (and my skills as a chauffeur). We schedule family events on Ali’s work calendar, and he makes sure to always be present during family time.”

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The cozy festive atmosphere inside The Third Door.

Not A Hot Toddy THE THIRD DOOR’S ANNUAL MARIETTA MIX-OFF

ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

The Third Door Inspired by bar communities in hospitality-driven cities like New Orleans, Downtown Marietta’s The Third Door hosted the city’s first-ever bartending competition in 2020. Camper-sales showroom by day and cocktail bar by night, the bar’s atmosphere is inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies’ intimate, eclectic vibes. Although the secret’s out thanks to The Third Door’s vast popularity, it maintains its unique charm through the two revamped campers out front: Bearcat Lounge, a Happier Camper private sipping booth, and the Southside, a 1969 Airstream Caravel, which holds the outside bar. Stepping onto the scene amid a pandemic had its struggles, and The Third Door faced them head-on like the rest of us. They dreamt up the “Not A Hot Toddy” competition to

celebrate their first winter season, kick off their holiday pop-up, and generate some much-needed local camaraderie in the spirit of festive cocktails and friendly competition. The competition has grown and delighted patrons while serving up some fantastic new wintertime libations for four years. As Lara Ferreira, Co-owner of The Third Door, puts it, “Marietta is home to some amazing, unique restaurants and bars that are receiving metro-wide recognition, and Not a Hot Toddy is a fun way to promote some of the amazing talent and creativity right here in our neighborhood.” Don’t let the winter season pass you by without testing these two award-winning cocktail recipes! thethirddoor.net

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / E ASTC O BB

Dominic Reilly's Solstice Sling

Solstice Sling Dominic Reilly - Atlanta Hard Cider “I hate the cold, so I wanted to make a drink reminiscent of surf trips over the summer. It’s loosely inspired by the Singapore Sling, hence the name.”

DIRECTIONS 1. Combine • 1.5 oz gin • .5 oz lime juice • .75 oz syrup • 1 oz pineapple juice • Crushed ice in Collins glass • Top with Atl Hard Ginger Cider 2. To make the syrup, combine • 1 cup water • 1 brown sugar • .5 tsp cinnamon • .5 tsp nutmeg • .5 tsp cloves

Tyler Caudill's The Nightcap Before Christmas

The Nightcap Before Christmas Tyler Caudill - Hamp & Happy’s “I was inspired by the flavors of Mexican hot chocolate. I wanted a cocktail that incorporated all those flavors, so if you closed your eyes, you’d think Mexican chocolate was in your glass.”

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EXPERIENCE GEORGIA’S VAST CULINARY SCENE AT THE GEORGIA FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL

ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

Celebrity chefs, farmers, local artisans and Georgia's best bars and restaurants are once again bringing the flavor to Marietta for the third year in a row. Sample the best of Georgia's culinary landscape at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival from March 21 to 24. Historically, Marietta's Jim R. Miller Park has seen upwards of 10,000 guests, hundreds of tastings, 15 to 20 restaurants, two demo stages bringing two to four celebrity chefs daily, and a mass of food trucks on its grounds each year. This year will be no different.

H OT SP OT | FO O D + BEVERAGE

"We are excited to bring a quality food and beverage experience that will provide exposure, support, and success to Georgia-based businesses in a fun, interactive environment, all while raising money for a great cause!" says Missy Miller, marketing specialist. The festivities will kick off on Thursday with some local love during "Best of Cobb," a showcase of Cobb County's very best businesses hosted by Cobb Life Magazine and the Marietta Daily Journal. Friday is a celebration of meats as some of the state's best pitmasters and chefs roast, smoke and grill up mouthwatering cuts from 7:30 to 9:30 during "Fired Up." Come for the food, but stay for the live music and all-inclusive beer, wine and spirit tastings. This is an all-inclusive ticket, with all food and beverage tastings included in the ticket price.

Celebrity Chef, Jernard Wells hosts a culinary demonstration during last year's festival.

chefs, bartenders and connoisseurs hosting demonstrations and vendor tents. Attendees will be excited to learn Rodney Scott, barbecue master, is returning with a whole hog pickin' during Friday night's event. Celebrity chef and host of CLEO TV's "New Soul Kitchen," Chef Jernard Wells, will appear as the official host and brand ambassador around the festival all weekend as well. "It allows me to showcase my passion for food, connect with like-minded individuals in the industry and patrons, and promote the festival's gastronomic delights," explains Chef Jernard. "It's a chance to celebrate CONTINUED >

The main event takes place on Saturday. If you attend any part of the weekend, make "Savor" the day you come. In perhaps the most indulgent afternoon of the year, chefs, restaurants and beverage experts across Georgia line the streets, handing out some of the best bites and sips in the State. For true culinary aficionados, the VIP lounge boasts a fully catered menu, souvenir glassware, live music and an open bar. The weekend concludes on "Sunday/Funday" with family-friendly attractions like food trucks and the Kids Zone offering something for everyone. Perhaps the greatest testament of the event's success is the roster of prestigious

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“It’s a chance to celebrate Georgia’s culinary excellence and contribute to the vibrant food culture in a meaningful way.” - Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells Georgia's culinary excellence and contribute to the vibrant food culture in a meaningful way." A host of noteworthy partners are what’s made another year of this crowd-drawing event possible. The Safepath Children’s Advocacy Center will serve as the event’s charitable partner, WANF as the official TV media partner and Audi Marietta as the official car. Makers Mark and Beam Black have also been selected as master spirits and will be bringing their Georgia’s Best Whiskey Cocktail Challenge to the event on Sunday with a 1,500-dollar cash prize. Georgia Grown, a community of farmers, producers and local sellers dedicated to supporting Georgia agriculture, is another big name that promises to pop up throughout the weekend. As the event's presenting sponsor, attendees can visit the Georgia Grown Member Village or the Georgia Grown Culinary Demo Stage anytime. The Member Village offers shopping for locally sourced ingredients and artisan-made goods, while the demo stage will host demonstrations from Georgia Grown chefs. The organization's localized approach to food is a pillar in Georgia's culinary scene, after all. As Chef Jernard puts it, "Our food scene embraces farm-to-table concepts, highlighting locally sourced ingredients." Georgia is in the name for a reason. The Georgia Food + Wine Festival is the single best place to find Georgia Grown, Georgiamade and Georgia-served flavors all in one spot. Don't miss it. georgiafoodandwinefestival.com

H OT SP OT | FO O D + BEVERAGE

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Cobb’s Local Makers A Commitment to Making a Difference ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

L O C A L I R E N E

M A K E R S B A R T O N

East Cobb Citizen of the Year

Each year, the Cobb Chamber names a “Citizen of the Year.” The winner is someone whose impact is everywhere—someone who spent 2023 making East Cobb better. No truer words can be said for Irene Barton. Day in and day out, Irene relentlessly serves her fellow citizens, neighbors and friends through countless roles and endless efforts. As Executive Director of the Cobb Collaborative, a collective of organizations and individuals determined to meet the needs of Cobb County, Irene has a chance to make a difference every day. And she does. Since becoming Executive Director five years ago, Irene quadrupled Cobb Collaborative’s budget, launched a Connecting Cobb Veterans program, forged new partnerships, trained and educated thousands through her Mind Your Mind campaign, brought books to children and families across the county and grew membership. “The needs of our Cobb County residents vary, which makes our work at the Collaborative always evolving and interesting,” says Irene. “During 2023, we brought mental health and resiliency-focused programming to schools and faith communities, parenting workshops to early learning centers, and supported the placement of Little Free Libraries in East Cobb.” Her work is reflected in countless ways: through her voice on the Mind Your Mind podcast, reducing the stigma around mental health; through her touch lingering on Little Free Libraries everywhere visited by children and parents daily; and through her face, which almost anyone recognizes as a symbol of deep community involvement and long-lasting legacy. Top: Irene accepting a contribution on behalf of Cobb Collaborative.

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | E D U CATION

According to Marietta’s Citizen of the Year, Bonnie Buckner, “We are fortunate to live in a community that appreciates the arts and their importance. Public art plays a pivotal role in stimulating economic development within a community by attracting visitors, fostering cultural tourism, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of public spaces.” Self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur and owner of multiple event spaces and a marketing firm, Bonnie is a maker in every sense of the word. Downtown Marietta’s celebration of the arts is due, in part, to her endeavorous spirit. Her appreciation for all forms of self-expression started with Zenith Design Group, the firestarter’s creative marketing and advertising firm and first conquest. Named a Top 25 Small Business of the Year by the Cobb Chamber and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Zenith’s success fueled Bonnie’s next undertaking, The Brickyard. The timeless space on Marietta Square hosts hundreds of occasions and thousands of newcomers to the city. At The Loft, The Brickyard’s recent expansion, Bonnie displays works from hundreds of emerging and established artists from metro Atlanta and beyond. If her business concepts, artwork displays and downtown innovations aren’t enough, Bonnie is at the helm of Marietta’s art-enriching efforts as Executive Director of the Marietta Arts Council. Her mission is not only to paint but also to sculpt, build, design and decorate the streets of Marietta until every corner is adorned. CONTINUED >

L O C A L M A K E R S B O N N I E B U C K N E R R E A V I S Marietta Citizen of the Year

Top: A wedding ceremony at The Brickyard, Bonnie's Downtown Marietta venue. Bottom: The Cobb Chamber names Bonnie Buckner Marietta Citizen of the Year.

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L O C A L M A K E R S J A Y C U N N I N G H A M James L. Rhoden, Jr. Award for Visionary Philanthropy Recipient

Superior Plumbing founder Jay Cunningham is setting a philanthropic example for local and regional businesses across the State. Both his and his company’s names appear at festivals and on buildings, boards and committees all over East Cobb. The Cobb Community Foundation President Kim Gresh presented Jay with the James L. Rhoden Jr. Award for Visionary Philanthropy for his significant contributions to the community. In 2018, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta opened its new Town Center Outpatient Care Center, named the Cunningham Family Building, in honor of Jay’s generous gift. A gift that brought a new sports medicine gym, outpatient rehabilitation programs, orthotics and prosthetics, and pediatric specialists to the Cobb community. Jay’s other contributions have created two initiatives that support local veterans and their families, a cause near and dear to him. Superior Plumbing’s VECTR Center, another development funded by Jay, functions as a career and counseling support center for veteran students, while Superior Pets has been housing pets and putting smiles on the faces of veteran families for years. Shari Martin, President and CEO of the Cobb Community Foundation was a part of the board that selected Jay for the honor. “Behind that yellow and blue Superior Plumbing logo is a man with a huge heart that has a special place for children, particularly those with special needs and veterans,” says Shari. “Jay understands that a symbiotic relationship between business and community is good for us all.”

Top: Jay accepts the James L. Rhoden, Jr. Award at the Cobb Chamber’s Marquee Monday event. Bottom: Superior Pets, Jay’s initiative to pair sheltered animals with veterans.

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | E D U CATION

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ARTICLE BY ROGER ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY WAYNE ALBRIGHT

Baseball Forever A LOVE STORY: ROSWELL’S RONNIE AND BRIAN SNITKER’S JOURNEY WITH THE BRAVES

Brian Snitker was a 21-year-old kid from Macon, IL, when he joined the Atlanta Braves as a minorleague player. Forty years later, he finally got his shot to manage the Atlanta Braves. With Brian at the helm, the Braves dominated the National League East, winning the last six straight division championships, and beat the Astros to become 2021 World Series Champions! Recently, Brian was in Nashville with his wife, Ronnie, at the MLB Winter Meetings. When the meetings were over, Brian and Ronnie decided to enjoy an evening together at the Grand Ole Opry. Backstage, among the glamor and glitz, Ronnie couldn’t help but think about the road they had traveled together, asking Brian, “How the heck did we get here?” Yogi Berra said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Brian came to a fork in the road in 1980 when his playing days ended, and Hank Aaron offered him the opportunity to stay in professional baseball as a roving minor league instructor.

H OM E TOWN H E R O | ENT E RTAIN ME N T

Af t e r c e l e b ra t i ng C h r i st m a s w i t h t h e i r fa m i ly, Ro n n i e a n d B r i a n t ra ve l e d t o Ha wa i i t o c e l e b ra t e t h e i r 4 0 t h we d d i ng a n n i ve rs a r y. Th i s m o n t h , t h e y’l l c e l e b ra t e Va l e n t i n e’s D ay i n s p r i ng t ra i n i ng w i t h a t o a st t o t h e s t a r t of t h e “B a s e b a l l Ne w Ye a r.”

“ W h e n t h e B ra ve s p l ay e d t h e A st ro s i n t h e 2021 Wo rl d S e r i e s , Ro n n i e m a d e j a c k e t s fo r h e r a n d Er i n .”

“I’d been playing baseball since I was seven years old. I loved the game. I could’ve gone back to finish school to become a college coach, but I thought, what the heck, this would give me a chance to do what I love. I wanted to see where it would take me,” says Brian. In 1981, Veronica “Ronnie” Sylvester worked as a speech pathologist at an elementary school in Bradenton, FL. A coworker asked if she would like to go on a blind date with her friend’s roommate. Ronnie says, “At first, I wasn’t interested, but she kept bugging me. When she told me they were baseball players, my reaction was, ‘Not just no, but Hell No!’ Eventually, I gave in and went on the blind date.” Her friend’s roommate turned out to be Brian Snitker. Ronnie’s parents could see her getting serious about Brian, so they suggested that she “go and see if this is the life for you before you get too far into it.” Ronnie gave it a try and went with Brian to Anderson, SC. “It was Brian’s first time managing a team; he was 26 and the youngest manager in professional baseball.” Brian and Ronnie tied

the knot a year later and began their journey down baseball’s rocky road together. Brian got his first taste of the Big Leagues when he was named the Braves’ Bullpen Coach in 1985, but the following year, he was “recycled” back to the minors. This cycle continued for years, with Bobby Cox calling Brian back to the Big Leagues and then recycling him back to the minors. After years of back-and-forth, anyone would be discouraged, but not Brian. “I’m a baseball guy, I just dealt with it. You get ‘recycled,’ and you just keep grinding. I don’t know I was ever driven to return to the Big Leagues," says Brian. "I was doing it because I loved it. I enjoyed the life, I enjoyed the job, I enjoyed developing the young players, I just enjoyed doing it.” Two years later, at 60, he was named the Braves Interim Manager. “We had to change the culture and get a better group of guys—and we did. We put together a really good staff, we held guys accountable, we were consistent, and we told our guys the truth. I told them, ‘My door is always CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / E ASTC O BB

H OM E TOWN H E R O | ENT E RTAIN ME N T

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R

open, but if you come in and sit down, you better be ready to hear the truth.’” Ronnie sums up the life of a baseball wife, “Brian is gone to spring training, and when the season starts, half of his games are on the road. We’ve been married forty years, but we’ve only really lived together twenty years, says Ronnie. “I would drive to see Brian in spring training, stay for four or five days and wouldn’t see him again for six weeks.” They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, which might explain why both of their children were “spring training babies.” Their daughter, Erin, was born in 1986, and their son, Troy, in 1988. “When the kids were older, I’d pack our Chevy Astro van with matching boxes that fit perfectly in the van and bungee cord a small TV and VCR to a milk carton to keep the kids entertained during the drive. When the boxes were unpacked, we’d use them as our summer furniture. I wore out three Chevy Astro vans during our minor league years," says Ronnie, who took the kids to the ballgame every night. “Erin loved to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the seventh inning stretch.” Meanwhile, Troy would hang out with Brian, “Troy was born into the baseball life and raised in the clubhouse.” Erin now lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and their three boys, eight-year-old twins and a three-year-old. Of course, Brian and Ronnie do everything they can to spoil their grandsons. Troy followed in Brian’s footsteps, playing pro baseball for the Braves and Pirates, then joining the Astros organization, where he is currently the major league hitting coach. When the Braves played the Astros in the 2021 World Series, Ronnie made jackets for her and Erin. The front was half Braves and half Astros, and the back said “Teams Divided – Hearts United.” When asked who she rooted for in the series, she says, “Erin and I rooted for Brian and Troy, there was no losing for our family.” Looking back, Brian says that the most difficult part of their journey was “being away from my family and my kids all the time. If it weren’t for Ronnie, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. It took patience, trust, and love—and we’re still working on it after forty years.” Ronnie agreed, “I took every opportunity to get the kids to Brian that I could. He wouldn’t have lasted without the kids. We did what we had to do to make it work—next thing you know, we’re backstage at the Grand Ole Opry!”

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Making Cobb Homes More Beautiful We sat down with one of North Atlanta's top professionals in the field of painting, remodeling, and construction to find out just how he does it.

YOUR COMMITMENT TO EACH HOMEOWNER IS TO PROVIDE A FAIR AND CONSISTENT PRICE WHILE DELIVERING A HIGH-QUALITY FINISHED PRODUCT EACH AND EVERY TIME, ALL GUARANTEED. TELL US ABOUT TWO OR THREE CURRENT OR RECENT PROJECTS THAT YOU'RE PROUD OF.

We just completed a full exterior remodel in the Inverness subdivision. The call was for a deck rebuild. The existing deck was dangerous and in a state of disrepair. It had to be torn down completely. After dialogue and evaluation between the homeowners and me, we discovered other problems and some great solutions to not only fix the issues but also to add value to the home. I brought some ideas to the table about a possible open-air porch build in place of the deck and a portico with a new stone front stoop to replace the sun-damaged front door.

What we like to do at Painting Plus is offer solutions to problems and give ideas that add value to the property. We have been working with the Capital City Country Club for years at their three locations, providing repairs and painting for them. I would like to say the reason that I have this account is when they call me, I am Johnny on the spot, delivering quality on time, every time.

AS A TEENAGER, YOU WERE EMPLOYED WITH YOUR UNCLE'S BUSINESS AND HAVE WORKED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FOR OVER 20 YEARS WITH A BUSINESS DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA. AND, CHARLES SR. BRINGS GUIDANCE AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TO THE TEAM. FAMILY IS IMPORTANT. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.

A few things local people don’t know is that Walton High School was also a vocational school in the 80s and 90s. It has since been replaced with a computer lab. I was very involved in building construction and drafting

MEET CHARLIE DEVAILLE 60

O PE N H OU SE | HO M E + D E SIGN

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

“Finally, we believe in our staff and people. Product knowledge is key to success in this industry, so we all spend time studying and learning new innovations in the industry.” CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / E ASTC O BB

(we had one of the best teachers ever, Mr. Bob Overstreet). My true skill is carpentry and building. Back in 1998, Kent and I, with one helper, repaired and painted 32 houses in the subdivision I grew up in (Princeton West Meadow Chase behind Walton.) I was known as the handyman kid in the neighborhood. For years I did odd jobs for neighbors. I cleaned out gutters and pressure-washed houses. I wanted to be self-employed, but I was still trying to find my niche. I started Painting Plus after graduation from UGA in 1999. My mom came up with the name Painting Plus. Painting projects lead to carpentry work and over the last 25 years, we have grown from a painting and repair contractor to a full-blown general contractor. My dad is my best friend and mentor and over the years he has given me great guidance. He was the regional manager for Novartis Pharmaceuticals and managed the East Coast for them for 35 years. Once he retired, he and I started and partnered in Gutters Plus Inc. Fifteen years ago we started to operate under the name Siding Plus. This idea was brought to me by the executives at James Hardie, the fiber cement siding manufacturer. We are one of the leaders in the market and a James Hardie Elite Preferred Remodeler, so we started operating under both names. Today, we use the name Plus Services (Painting / Siding / Gutters Plus ) - the Plus family of businesses. We are a licensed

O PE N H OU SE | HO M E + D E SIGN

general contractor in both Georgia and Florida, serving the panhandle of Florida from Panama City to Pensacola.

YOU ARE A TRENDSETTER IN THE INDUSTRY WITH A GOAL TO BE THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY IN THE ATLANTA MARKET WHILE CONTINUING TO EXCEED PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS WITH QUALITY AND SERVICE. WHAT TRENDS, TOOLS, COLORS, DESIGNS OR PRODUCTS ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT FOR 2024?

We will be learning about new products at the international builders show this year to bring new ideas and products to our customers in the years to come. We believe in getting permits on all building projects to ensure the clients get what they pay for. Finally, we believe in our staff and people. Product knowledge is key to success in this industry, so we all spend time studying and learning new innovations in the industry. We believe in educating clients and letting them make a good decision in choosing a contractor. We pride ourselves on being transparent and honest.

IN THE PAST 25 YEARS, YOU HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES TO MAKE PAINTING PLUS / PLUS SERVICES STAND OUT FROM THE REST. HOW DO YOU DO THAT?

We do it by being a family - a team. My brother Anthony is going on his 16th year with the company. He is also a graduate of UGA. My best, lifelong friend and confident Kent Pochmara has been with me since the beginning. Our office manager Kelli is going on her 19th year with the company. Our bookkeeper Lindy is in year 11. We have crews with over a decade of working with the company. Mary, our permit expeditor, is going on year seven. Donna, our office manager, is going on year eight. My son Charlie Jr. has been working with us for years and is currently a freshman at Georgia Southern University. He is planning on getting a construction management degree. On top of that, our employees have helped develop a family atmosphere here at Painting Plus / Plus Services. PaintingPlus.com 129 Powers Ferry Road SE, Marietta

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Game Day Starters ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

Kick Off the Big Game With These Twice Baked Potato Skins

ingredients: • 16 baby potatoes • 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt and black pepper • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt • 2 tbsp chives • 1 tbsp melted butter • 2 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled

directions: Step 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prick each potato with a fork and arrange on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels Step 2. Microwave on high for eight minutes, flipping halfway through. Step 3. Halve potatoes and scoop the middles into a bowl, leaving 1/4 inch of potato around the edges. Step 4. Arrange the halves skin side up on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and salt. Step 5. Bake for 10 minutes or until the skins are crispy. Remove from oven and set the oven to broil. Step 6. Add cheese, sour cream, scallions, butter, one teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to the filling bowl. Stir to combine. Step 7. Scoop the mixture into the potato halves. Then, return to the oven one last time and broil until the cheese melts and begins to bubble. Remove from oven and top with extra bacon bits and parsley if desired. Serve warm.

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Laura Elleby 678.736.1132 | 404.668.6621 laura.elleby@compass.com