Reader-Nominated Businesses Of The Year: Alpharetta/Milton's Best

ALPHARETTA/MILTON, GA — It's been a tough year for Alpharetta and Milton businesses. The coronavirus pandemic presented enormous challenges for most, from the stay-home orders in the spring to restrictions and other hurdles from fall into winter.

To recognize all their efforts, Patch asked readers to nominate Local Businesses of the Year, whether it was the restaurant that made special accommodations for takeout, the shop that opened early, the pizzeria that went out of its way to deliver, the hardware store owner that offered invaluable advice or something else.

These nominations are not an official award, but simply recognition of a job well done.

Here are some of the nominations Patch has received in Alpharetta and Milton, and the reason why they should be honored. Several businesses received multiple nominations, which are listed below:

Alpharetta

• King’s Ridge Christian School: During such unprecedented times, King’s Ridge Christian School has been able to offer Face-to-face, high- quality instruction in a Christian environment for ages PreK -12th. The staff is remarkable and the atmosphere is warm, nurturing and inviting. The smaller classroom sizes lend to personalized instruction. Children leave happy every day, looking forward to the next. The love of learning is prevalent and they foster high achievement while meeting a child where they are. Individual tours are offered by reservation so that families can see for themselves. It is highly recommended!
• KSquared Artisan Boutique: Cute little gift shop offering gifts made by GA and USA artists. Very positive inviting atmosphere with a wide variety of gifts that are unique, quality constructed and affordable. The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable about the artists in her shop. If you’re missing the festivals this is the place to go!!!! Help support a local business which in turn is supporting other local businesses and artisans.
• Step by Step Therapeutic Massage: We have been serving Alpharetta since 1993 and our goal is always to make every session the best experience for our clients. We specialize in helping clients that have found no pain relief anywhere. Please check out our google reviews as we dt do much advertising but our clients speak volumes about us. We are moving to a new bigger office in alpharetta after our landlord of 19 years decided not to renew our lease bc of Covid-19 We have been in the same location since 2001, and we love Alpharetta, the growth is such a blessing and here We Grow Again
• Amanda Nails: Amanda has had her salon for over 10 years and has done a thriving business with loyal clients. I have tried many nail salons in the area and find her's to be the best. When COVID hit, she put shields at her work stations, everyone wears masks and she follows the CDC guidelines for social distancing. People have been reluctant to come back so her business has been greatly affected. In spite of that, she continues to be there for clients when they want to come in. I really want to see her business recognized so that she can continue doing business in the Alpharetta area.
• Providence Bank: Providence Bank supported the local community during the year as an "economic first responder." They worked with small businesses in the area to help them receive PPP lending so they could stay afloat. These loans were critical lifelines for many of the businesses. Providence Bank helped business owners by walking them through the loan process and processing applications as quickly as possible. As an independent community bank committed to the communities they serve, Providence Bank put their knowledge to work to help many business owners get the funding they needed to weather this economic storm.
• The Nest Cafe: The food is always delicious. The staff go out of their way to make each visit a great experience. The outdoor patio seating is so nice during the warm days, and the indoor seating feels cozy during the winter and colder months/days.
• iNails salon: Exceptional service.
• North Point Mortgage: Knowledge and exceptional service
• The Local Wood Fired Grill: They are a dynamic business that serves healthy food with dedicated employees and smiles even in the midst of a pandemic.
• Blue Havana II Cigars:
  • From owner, Jim Luftman: I was honored to be recognized and wanted to thank all our customers for their support during this difficult year.
  • Jimmy and staff have stayed open and available and adopted safety precautions during the pandemic, and continue to offer expert knowledge of cigars.
• Aria Salon Spa Shoppe: Aria Salons is one of the original businesses that has helped change the image of downtown to the modern Alpharetta as we know now. From the very beginning (20+ years) our mission has been to serve our guest/community and be a model corporate citizen. Aria Salons has been a supporter and contributor to North Fulton Community Charities, The Drake House, The American Red Cross, The Gulf Coast Restoration Project, Chattahoochee River Keepers, The Smile Train among others on ongoing bases. We are committed to continue to invest in and serve our Alpharetta and the North Atlanta community as a whole. We can not wait to start our next chapter, at our new facility at 41 Milton Avenue in the beautiful Historic downtown.
• James Malone Beauty: This small locally owned salon/boutique is so much more than a salon. Beyond their unmatched customer service and highly talented staff, they have carefully curated products and gifts partnering with small companies that give back.
• Alpine Bakery:
  • Best pizza, best desserts. Great Customer Service.
  • Always the best and fresh cakes/pastries in town with great customer service. One can never be disappointed with any of their items.
  • They make some of the best cakes I’ve ever tasted. I’ve been buying cakes from them for five years now and they always impress me with the quality and the helpfulness of the staff.
• Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant: Family owned and run Italian restaurant. We have been customers for over 20 years. When the state of Georgia closed all restaurants, Casa Nuova took the time to upgrade their air cleaning systems as well as make other saftey upgrades. When they were able to reopen at 25% capacity they sent out a newsletter detailing all of their new health safety procedures in place for customers and staff. As of this writing, December 12, they are still only seating at 25% capacity in order to offer their customers a SAFE dining experience.

Milton

• BobbyG's Chicago Eatery and Bar: Great friendly staff. The best Chicago Style Pizza, Hotdogs and Sandwiches
• Melissa Gibson Photography:
  • Patient, flexible and beautiful results
  • She does beautiful work and her turnaround time for pictures was amazing!
  • During the lockdown in March, Melissa Gibson of Melissa Gibson Photography began The Front Steps Project. Families of Milton were asked to donate to Meals by Grace in exchange for a quick photo of their family on their front porch. In 9 days, Melissa photographed over 100 families and raised just shy of $10k for Meals by Grace.
• Cheeses & Mary:
  • While we did not receive any government assistance, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our friends and customers during Shelter-in-place and thereafter. In order to continue to survive, we will need to gently grow to withstand the impact of a fragile economy.
  • Mary is absolutely a Milton treasure. She makes the most beautiful charcuterie boards with local products!! Love her and her shop!
  • Amazing product but more importantly a caring and responsive business owner. Really knows her product and customers
  • Cute shop with the best artisan cheeses, and charcuterie trays
  • Mary is so personable and truly cares to know her clients. Also she really knows cheese and puts a special touch to everything she does!
  • Mary's cheese trays are a work of art. She is a beautiful person and a pleasure to work with. She has an expert knowledge of everything cheese. I will always go to Mary for my cheese trays with their endless compliments at all my gatherings.

You can continue to nominate any Alpharetta or Milton business you feel should be recognized.