Around Towne
by Cherryl Greenman

What's New

The property on the northwest corner of Towne Lake Parkway and I-575 is in the process of pre-leasing space for up four restaurants, small retail shops and possibly a drug store. Madison Retail, LLC has also earmarked a portion of this property for 65 three-story town homes. The units will be brick and siding with front or rear entry garages.

Bells Ferry Community, located on Bells Ferry Road north of Victoria Road, is in the final stages of clearing the property for construction. This planned community will encompass 60 town homes. The homes will feature two car garages and 1,600 - 1,800 square feet of living space. Model units are scheduled to be available by October of this year.

Further north on Bells Ferry Road, two shopping centers are planned, and construction is expected to begin in the next year, after the widening of Bells Ferry Road is complete. Across from and just north of Victoria Road, additional town homes are planned, but no current timetable is available.

Club Industry, the new teen nightclub, has quickly become a favorite of many younger Towne Lake residents. This Club is for ages 13 - 18 and is a fully supervised, fun place for teens to come and "hang out." Club Industry is located in the Southpointe center.

The Elite Fitness Zone recently opened in the Southpointe center (formerly Towne Lake Fitness). It is a sports performance facility designed to enhance the skills of all athletes at any level or age.

Blimpie Subs and Salads in the Towne Lake Promenade recently changed management and is scheduled to reopen soon.

North GA Cycle ATV recently opened their doors. They are located in the space previously occupied by DM Furniture and Burger's Market on Bells Ferry Road.

Absolute Cellular will be opening soon in the Towne Lake Center (new Publix center) on Towne Lake Parkway. They are located next to the Woodstock Coffee House, which opened in March.

The Woodstock City Council approved the first reading for an alcohol pouring license for Yo Yo's. This restaurant is located off I-575 in front of Cherokee Ford.

What's On Going?

The Butcher's Block - A Market Place, located in the Shops at Eagle Pointe, is scheduled to open their doors soon.

The Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at Bells Ferry Road and Eagle Drive, continues to make progress and is scheduled to become a reality by August.

Georgia Landscape Depot, located on Bells Ferry Road south of Towne Lake Parkway, hopes to have the needed permits approved soon to allow bulk landscape supply. The design center, which will include two landscape architects, is scheduled to open in April.

The clearing of the property for the planned three-story office building at the corner of Towne Lake Parkway and Mill Street (across from the Craft Barn) is complete. The primary tenants will be Douglas Property Management and ERA Sunrise Realty.

Horsefeather's Boutique held their grand opening recently in the Towne Lake Center on Towne Lake Parkway (new Publix center). They were previously located on Rose Creek Drive.

Special Towne Lake Events

Etowah High School boy's golf team will host their annual Etowah Cup golf tournament on April 6, at Eagle Watch Golf Club. For more information, please call (770) 926-0253.

Cherryl is the Editor of The TowneLaker magazine. She lives in southwest Cherokee with her son Dale and daughter Lori.

Sanctioned Bridge Duplicate Games will be held at the Woodstock Senior Center beginning Wednesday, April 7 at 12:45 p.m. For more information, please call (770) 928-0542.

CENTURY 21 Advantage will hold a Home Buyer and Seller Seminar on Tuesday, April 20, at 7 p.m. at the CENTURY 21 Advantage office located in the Colonnade at Towne Lake next to Wendy's. For more information, please call (770) 517-8210 ext. 722.

Georgia Business Group (GBG) will hold two Marketing Seminars in April. Building Your Brand will be held on April 22 and Building Your Marketing Plan will be held on April 29. Both seminars will be held from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Featherstone's Grille at Towne Lake Hills. For more information, please call (770) 517-8210 ext. 822.

On Thursday, April 22, at 7 p.m. a Doggie University Information Session will be held at CENTURY 21 Advantage. Volunteers are needed at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter to help get dogs ready for adoption.

March of Dimes five-mile Walk America will be held on Saturday, April 24. The walk begins at Ridgewalk and registration starts at 8 a.m. For more information, please call (770) 977-3114.

GBG will hold a seminar on Tuesday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. entitled How to Sell or Acquire a Business. This seminar is free of charge to the community; however, reservations are required. For information or to reserve a seat, please call Steve Monahan at (770) 517-8210, ext. 230.

Stonebridge Tavern
by Cherryl Greenman

There are times that nothing else will do but a good steak. Whether you like it rare or well-done, it's got to be juicy, tender, and well seasoned. Eating the perfect steak is easy - finding a place that makes the steak exquisitely is often more challenging. I hate to admit it, but I've been a victim. I've been victimized by over-cooked, tough and tasteless steak. It wasn't pleasant. I discovered, however, Stonebridge Tavern, where patrons can experience sophisticated dining in a casual atmosphere. And great steaks are definitely found here!

Stonebridge Tavern is owned by B.K. Foster, a young restaurateur, who has made his dream a reality with the opening of this restaurant. B.K. is a self-taught chef and began his career with O'Charley's restaurant. He eventually became a part owner in Winston's, where he envisioned owning his own restaurant one day. That was 1991. "I had the name picked out way before the restaurant became a reality," B.K. said. Stonebridge Tavern opened for business in October 2003, and the response from the community has been tremendous. "We have always received very high compliments from the community on all our meals," B.K. stated proudly.

Stonebridge Tavern specializes in steaks and seafood, including prime rib, sirloin, filet, blue crab cakes, grilled salmon and red chili-seared sea scallops. And if you're lucky, you'll be there when he features his shrimp and grits. If steak or seafood is not your thing, the menu offers a variety of interesting choices. Stonebridge Tavern is open for lunch, which is perfect if you want something a little more upscale, especially for a business or special occasion lunch. They are also open for Sunday brunch.

Stonebridge Tavern offers nightly specials Monday through Thursday. A full bar is available, and the patio is officially open for patrons to enjoy eating outdoors.