(Forsyth County, GA) Months after the Cumming City Center’s official opening, one of its tenants is finally ready to open its doors to the public. Top KNOTch Boutique will host a grand opening celebration this Saturday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Owner Amanda Neighbors shared that she first had a dream to open an online boutique. But once she started her business, she realized it was more than just a store.
“Over the years that dream has unfolded into something greater than I could have imagined,” Neighbors said. “People don’t just come in to buy clothes, they come in to share stories with us, laugh with us, and cry with us.”
“As we begin this new chapter in the Cumming City Center, we feel that we can finally actualize that dream - being able to walk into your favorite store, bump into an old friend, or make a new friend over a glass of wine.”
Though no other businesses have announced opening dates yet, several have announced that they are hiring including Tin Cup Grill, Juke ‘N Jive Creamery, Wright’s Fish & Chips, and Vampire Penguin. There will also be a new cornhole league sponsored by Georgia Cornhole Events starting April 13. Players can hang out in the green space in front of the amphitheater every Thursday during the six weeks of play and the end-of-season tournament. Weekly food and drink specials, live music, and raffles will add to the excitement.
This is all welcome news to Forsyth County residents, who have been waiting for the City Center to fully open since the ribbon-cutting ceremony last June. Cumming mayor Troy Brumbalow said one of the questions he gets most often is "When's the City Center opening?" On March 4, Brumbalow took to social media to address some of these concerns.
“First let me say that nobody wants it open more than me. From the time we first walked the property almost 5 years ago, I've lived it every day,” Brumbalow said.
In his statement, he explained that, after signing a lease, tenants had to make a plan and complete their own interior buildout with their contractors.
Brumbalow said this process took months. Next, restaurants had to apply for permits from the city, fire department, and health department.
“It took calling Governor Kemp to get past that hurdle,” Brumbalow added.
He then explained that after those months of preparation, many businesses were impacted by the ongoing material and labor shortages. If businesses had to make changes to their plans, that added more time since the plans had to be redone and resubmitted for approval, which typically required a 30-day turnaround time.
“In the next 30 days, there should be 4 retailers and 3 restaurants open with many more following shortly thereafter,” Brumbalow announced.
“I'm so very thankful for all our amazing businesses that will make this place so great. The investment in our community, the jobs they will bring and the memories that will be made are all to be commended,” Brumbalow concluded.
What business are you most excited about at the City Center? Comment below or email kbondwriter@gmail.com to let us know.
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