When it comes to the home you purchase, location is everything. Of course, that perspective also applies to your small business. The place that you decide to call home for your restaurant, shop, service-based company or other venture can make all the difference in how successful you can—and will—be. And while Atlanta itself is known for its exceptional business environment, its surrounding communities are equally welcoming to and supportive of businesses of all sizes. Each community has its own business-based benefits, and it’s important to know what to expect if you’re looking for a place to settle down professionally. That’s why KNOWAtlanta asked small business owners in several local cities and towns to share their personal experiences with choosing and opening up a business in their business hometown.

City: Marietta

Business: Duffy Scott Interiors

Owners: Christy Scott Spearman and Kate Duffy

How did your business get its start?

We are a two-woman-owned interior design shop located at the heart of ­Marietta square. We have been in the interior design business for a combined 20-plus years and decided in 2022 that we could start something really special by way of combining our talents. Duffy Scott Interiors was born, and we’ve been surging ahead ever since!

When did you start your business in the city?

We moved our studio to a shared space with Muse & Co. art gallery in the fall of 2023. An opportunity that we couldn’t pass up presented itself, and we’ve always respected and loved original art. It was the perfect marriage for us to move into a space that was so aesthetically pleasing and inspiring.

What made you want to open a business in Marietta?

Once we moved in, we realized there was an opportunity to bring our love of design and our aesthetic to the local community by the way of a curated design shop. There’s a resurgence that is happening on the Square, and we wanted to be a part of it—not to mention that we have absolutely fallen in love the with small historic town vibe that the area embodies. The Square is a unique and endearing place where community merges with great food, shops and art. The community really wants this area to grow, and they’ve expressed that to us. Having a business here is becoming a part of something very special—an opportunity to support this community and watch it continue to grow.

What kinds of resources were made available to you as a small business owner in town?

Marietta Square has an economic Development division that is incredibly supportive to the local businesses located here. One of the advantages we were able to partake in was a grant award that went towards the awning at our studio location. There is also incredible support given by a local Instagram handle—

@mariettasquare—that reposts and shares content from the local businesses on the Square.

How has your business grown or evolved over time in Marietta?

A big shift has been happening since we moved our business to the Square. We see a desire and need here from the local community for interior design services. With many people moving from the city to live in a historic small town that has city vibes, the locals love and appreciate design and art. They love the history that is here, and we want to be a part of that and help them express themselves through designing the spaces they inhabit.

How do you describe the small business environment in Marietta?

There is a sense of camaraderie that exists here between all the local businesses; we all want the same thing, which is to provide an experience that draws people in and makes people want to come visit and spend time here. First Friday Art Walks on the Square are an incredible opportunity to meet the community and open our doors a bit later, getting to know people on a deeper level.

What is your advice to other potential business owners in the city?

Dive into the local community, get to know the other business owners, attend the local events. When other business owners know you, they become your cheerleader, and you help each other succeed.

Town: Braselton

Businesses: Jacks Restaurant and Bar, Jack’s Public House, Jack’s Local Station, Rebar

Owners: Jack and Hollie Ansley

How did your business get its start?

Jack, my husband, was formally in the restaurant business in the Atlanta area before his racing career. Eighteen years ago, Jack sold his farm. He had a beautiful handmade bar inside the house, and he asked a friend who owned a restaurant if he wanted to purchase it. The friend instead asked Jack if he wanted to keep his bar and run the restaurant. At the time, I worked for the state and a private hospital as a social worker. I eventually left my job at the state to pursue my Ph.D. When Jack purchased the restaurant, he and I worked it together and were in it all day and night.

How has your business grown or evolved over time in Braselton?

Jacks was our first location together, and it is certainly a locals’ bar with great food, from fresh seafood to hand-cut steaks. We feel like we are somewhat of a community center. In 2012, we purchased Jeffrey’s Sports Grill; in 2020, we changed the entire concept and brand to Jack’s Public House. In 2017, we opened Jack’s Local Station, and in 2023, we opened Rebar.

As far as our personal goals in the future, we have recently purchased a piece of property in downtown Braselton to open a free-standing Jacks, our original location. The ultimate goal is to keep all businesses running, overseen by the next generation.

What made you want to open a business in Braselton?

We chose Braselton because we lived here and recognized there were very few places to dine or have drinks at that time, and we both love to dine out but still keep our dollars in our community. We are both very community-oriented and strive to be good supporters of our town.

What kinds of resources were made available to you as a small business owner in town?

The town has historically always been very supportive of small business and has helped when asked. It started with former mayor Pat Graham and current town manager Jennifer Scott, and the support has continued since. For instance, we were delayed with the opening of one restaurant due to supply chain issues during the pandemic, and the town allowed partial rent for a few months prior to opening. Also, town officials always attend our grand openings and ribbon cuttings.

How do you describe the small business environment in Braselton?

I feel the Town of Braselton is the best space to curate small business. Even though we are currently growing exponentially, we still have the small town, hometown feel. I see people I know everywhere I go.

What is your advice to other potential business owners in the town?

My advice to new businesses coming to Braselton is to get to know other business owners and lean on each other. No one is in competition, as we all have the same goal: to succeed and make our small town a place where everyone wants to visit and maybe stay for a while. To new business owners, use the town’s resources. Know the ordinances and become familiar with the town council and staff. They are always willing to help, as their goal is to make Braselton the best it can be.

City: Smyrna

Business: Zeke’s Kitchen & Bar

Owner: Zeke Jean-Louis

How did your business get its start?

We are a Haitian American restaurant that came across a space for lease in Smyrna. We met the owners of the property and loved them. They gave us the opportunity to showcase what we discussed with them, and they were excited for us, which gave us confidence in what we were creating. Between them and the city, we felt like we could deliver great food and a cozy family-friendly location for locals to come and eat and just relax.

When did you start your business in the Smyrna?

Our restaurant opened October 30th, 2022.

What made you want to open a business in Smyrna?

We wanted to open in Smyrna because we are locals, and we felt like we could add some more cuisine options. The way the city supports us is just great, and it definitely makes it easy to continue this journey confidently. Having that support factor is something we cherish and are grateful for.

How has your business grown or evolved over time?

Our business has become one of the go-to spots here in Smyrna. We have become the spot that has all the flavor, and we have seen an increase in clientele over the years. From here, my goal is to grow the concept and continue to educate people about Haitian cuisine and what amazing flavors we have to offer.

How do you describe the small business environment in Smyrna?

We love the Smyrna community! The people here support small businesses. Also, Smyrna is a diverse ownership city. People of so many different races and ethnicities own businesses here, which makes for a great melting pot. Smyrna has a little bit of everything.

What is your advice to other potential business owners in the city?

Stay consistent with your product and service. Smyrna supports locals, so give them a reason to support your business and a reason to be proud to have you as a part of the community.