Bite of the Boro: Living Well Nutrition
Zoey Thomas is dedicated to encouraging and uplifting people. This was part of her motivation for opening Living Well Nutrition about a year ago in Statesboro. Spreading the gospel is also incredibly important to Thomas and plays a key role in the day to day running of her business.
She takes the time to include handwritten pieces of scripture or Christian quotes on the side of protein shakes and energizing teas heading out the door of her shop.
“We love hearing people’s responses of how they truly needed that energy and that verse or quote,” said Thomas.
Living Well Nutrition also emphasizes the additional health benefits of their beverages, whether that be fat burning coffee or collagen in a tea. However, what people constantly brag about are the delicious flavors!
“Went by this place today and oh my goodness I’m so glad I did. I got the Coconut Dream Tea and it was AMAZING! Will Definitely be back!!” Cheyenne Willis said in a Facebook review.
“I love this place. Very friendly staff and uplifting messages in the cups. The teas are so tasty too. Help support local small businesses. Go check them out asap!” Dianna Sammons-Floyd also said in a Facebook review.
Another product offered by Living Well Nutrition are their dry teas. Handed over as a small container of powder, the staff at Living Well will give you instructions on how to prepare the tea. If you can’t run by the shop everyday or want it on the go, dry tea is the perfect solution for your tea craving!
With future plans to start serving smoothie bowls, Living Well is a growing business. Stop by and see them from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturdays. Living Well Nutrition is located at 23669 US-80, near Fordham’s Farmhouse Restaurant. You can reach them at (912) 403-2686.
Sydney O. Davis
Hospitality Specialist
Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau
PO Box 1516
912-259-9555
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GDC to Host Job Fairs in Statesboro
The Georgia Department of Corrections will host two job fairs in Statesboro next month. Stop by the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Statesboro) from 9am – 12pm on November 1st or November 22nd to speak with representatives from Rogers State Prison. They are located at 222 S. Main Street.
The Georgia Department of Corrections protects the public by operating safe and secure facilities through the development of professional staff and effective offender management. Take the first steps into your new career with GDC. Food Service, Counseling, Maintenance, Security, Store, Librarian, Teachers, and Farm Security positions are available.
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Shopping By Lantern Light 2021
Kick-off the holiday season at the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market’s Annual Shopping by Lantern Light. Browse over 50 booths for Thanksgiving goodies like fresh produce, cakes, pies, meats and casseroles plus you can begin your holiday gift buying early! There will be a huge selection of fine art, crafts, jewelry, soaps, candles, and more! Click below for a printable application if you are interested in becoming a vendor!
Applications can be dropped off at our Visit Statesboro office at 222 S. Main Street. Please call 912-259-9555 with any questions.
2021 Shopping by Lantern Light Vendor Application
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A Bite of the Boro: Jonny Boy Cookies
Jonny Womack, also known as Jonny Boy, didn’t start out as a baker. Long before the days of Jonny Boy Cookies, Jonny worked in the healthcare field, first as an LPN and later as a drug representative. While making his rounds to different doctor’s offices, Jonny would take his homemade cookies along to thank the staff. Big Boys Cookies was initially conceived to make Jonny’s cookies more professional.
By the time the holiday season came around, offices started calling Jonny, looking to get more of his cookies. Jonny just kept saying yes- leading to over 90 dozen cookies being ordered by different doctor’s offices! Armed with only a single Kitchen-Aid Mixer and a single conventional oven, the cookies began to be baked. Jonny would bake 30 hours at a time. Hannah, Jonny’s wife and “quality control”, would wrap and package them. Thankfully, two more mixers were borrowed shortly after.
After the holiday rush, over the course of a long car ride, Jonny and Hannah decided to take the plunge. In March 2016, the original Big Boy Cookies food truck hit the road. Turning your home business into something more does have its challenges. As part of their marketing, Jonny started a Facebook business account, which requires an address. Since they were a food truck, Jonny listed his home. One morning, while he and Hannah were sitting on their porch drinking coffee, a car pulled up. A couple had driven from Charleston to try their famous cookies! Of course, Jonny and Hannah welcomed them in, and baked them some cookies for their effort. As the business continued to grow, the next step was a brick and mortar, and in September of 2017 that’s exactly what opened along The Blue Mile in Statesboro, Georgia.
Jonny Boy now has over 50 cookie recipes, from Jalapeño Corn to Caramel Apple. Taking care of people has always been integral to Jonny and his cookies reflect that, with lactation cookies and gluten free and vegan options. Flavor is also at the core of Jonny Boy Cookies. Their original tagline was “Finally, a Cookie for Adults!”, which led to some confusion about the contents of the cookies…however, Jonny was quick to clarify.
“Our cookies have nuanced flavors that adults will pick up on and enjoy, but the kids will love too!” His personal favorite tends to change, but one that always stays near the top is the Molasses Cookie. These are finished with a roll in a coarse sugar, adding a pleasant texture to the outside. Jonny boy definitely has opinions about flavor.
“I won’t make an oatmeal raisin cookie- they’re gross. I do have an Oatmeal Rum Craisin though!” When asked about his best seller, Jonny said chocolate chip, noting that it’s most peoples “security blanket” cookie. Christopher Kimball, co-founder of America’s Test Kitchen, tried to create the perfect chocolate chip cookie by baking hundreds of cookies, an expedition that actually helped inspire Jonny, by showing him the variety and experimentation that went into baking cookies. Much like Mr. Kimball, Jonny has little formal culinary training.
“If we knew what we were doing, we wouldn’t have what we have. I don’t have to follow strict guidelines- that’s how you get Chicken and Waffles!” The Chicken and Waffles cookie is a specialty cookie that carries a sweet, maple flavor with a spicy finish. Bold is a word that is used to describe Jonny’s flavors often, but is also important to him in the decision making process of each cookie- such as picking the correct bourbon for the Maple Bacon Bourbon cookies.
Next time you stop in, be sure to check out the Georgia Grown items they carry, including Cork’s Kettle Corn, Dee’s Nuts, Byne’s Blueberries, and Southern Pawz products. One product Jonny Boy offers that you may not be familiar with is their edible cookie dough, which is made with pasteurized eggs and cooked flour. Freezing cookie dough actually adds a depth of flavor and while it can be eaten as is, Jonny also says that baking the cookie dough is a delicious, worthwhile experience.
The food truck, now called the Cookie Wagon, is still on the go, available for events, and can be tracked through their social media. Johnny Boy Cookies is now able to ship nationwide and plans to expand their online offerings. Their cookies can also be delivered locally through Chow Now. Don’t see your favorite Jonny Boy cookie in the case when you come in? Order a half dozen and they will be happy to bake them up fresh for you!
The Grand Rebrand Celebration will be Friday, October 1st. When asked about the name change, Jonny was quick to say that he didn’t feel like they lost big boy- but gained Jonny Boy! “Jonny Boy” represents the new spin on southern tradition that Jonny prioritizes in his baking.
The Grand Rebrand Celebration will kick off at 9am as a full day of fun! Not only will fall favorites be available, including Pumpkin Snickerdoodle, Cotton Candy, and Oatmeal Butterscotch, but a brand new cookie will be announced! Pie Society and Sweet Spice, two food trucks, will be set up outside at 10:30am. BOGO discounts and giveaways, including the chance to win a half dozen cookies per month for a year, will be happening until 6pm. Swing by on Friday from 9am-6pm to get in on the action at 441 South Main Street, Statesboro. Give them a call at (912) 259-9866 or head to https://jonnyboycookies.com/ to check out their website.
All images courtesy of Jonny Boy Cookies social media accounts.
Sydney Davis
Hospitality Specialist
[email protected]
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First Friday: Ag Night Out
The Downtown Statesboro Development Authority is partnering with Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee to host their annual Ag Night Out First Friday event on Friday, October 1, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Ag Night Out is a First Friday event sponsored by Agri Supply and Nutrien Ag Solutions that promotes Statesboro’s local agriculture. The purpose of Ag Night Out is to raise awareness and build relationships throughout our community by celebrating our local agriculture. The event will feature a variety of locally grown foods, live music by Matt Waters, educational farm exhibits, tractor displays, vendors and other games and activities fit for the whole family.
The Bulloch County 4-H will hold a “Farm” themed costume contest at the event for children ages 0-8 on the main stage between the Courthouse and Synovus Bank. Check in will start at 6 p.m. and the contest will begin at 6:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
In conjunction with Ag Night Out, The Zeta Tau Alpha Statesboro Alumnae Chapter will “Pink Out the Fountain” in downtown Statesboro on Friday at 5:30 pm. October signals the beginning of Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Month. The organization is calling on all breast cancer survivors, patients currently undergoing breast cancer, and families who have lost a loved one from breast cancer to come and participate. Each person will receive a small cup of pink dye and be able to pour their cup into the fountain.
The Downtown Statesboro Development Authority would also like to thank their 2021-2022 sponsors: Colony Bank, Cinnaholic, Statesboro Properties, McKeithen’s True Value, CORE Credit Union, Georgia Power, East Georgia Center for Oral and Facial Surgery, Wells Fargo , Tormenta FC, Coca Cola, Statesboro Oral Surgery, McLendon Enterprise, Southern Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Zaxby’s and Morris Bank.
For more information on Ag Night Out, contact the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority at 912-764-7227 or visit statesborodowntown.com.
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A Bite of the Boro: Northside Seafood
Located near the intersection of Savannah Avenue and Northside Drive, this locally owned restaurant needs to be on your radar! Northside Seafood has been around since 2018, but this restaurant has recently grown in popularity. If you’re looking for fresh fish, crab, or low country boil, Northside is the place!
Walking in through the front doors, the restaurant is fittingly filled with coastal décor, including a ship’s wheel mounted onto the front of the counter. Clean and organized, you’ll notice how smoothly this ship sails on your first visit! Ordering ahead is recommended, as the menu is large and ensures that all of your food is hot and ready to go at the same time.
Shrimp, whole fish, and crab sit on ice. If you prefer, you can purchase your seafood from the case, raw and ready for you to prepare at home! Alternatively, you can pay an additional $1 per large item (or $1 per lb) for the staff at Northside Seafood to cook up your choice. They keep an assortment of fish on hand, including fresh flounder, tilapia, whiting, catfish, croaker, sea bass, and red snapper.
If you opt for one of their baskets, Northside offers a wide variety of sides, including French fries, fried pickles, fried okra, plantains, sweet potato fries, and hush puppies.
Seafood isn’t the only thing that Northside is serving up! They also serve up fried chicken wings, which can be tossed in one of their eight sauces. Northside has classics like lemon pepper and buffalo, but also fun flavors like sesame and general tso. Chicken tenders and boneless wings are also available, but one of the standouts isn’t found on many menus. Their chicken livers are crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection!
You can call ahead at (912) 225-9888 or order through their website online. Give them a visit at 708 Northside Drive today!
Sydney Davis
Hospitality Specialist
[email protected]
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SpringHill Suites Temporarily Closed
SpringHill Suites, located near Georgia Southern University, will be closed until October 16th according to Marriott’s official website. We spoke with the hotel’s general manager who advised that the closure is due to a mechanical issue, and visitors who have reservations booked during the closure are being contacted via phone or email. Visit Statesboro will be notified when the matter is resolved and if an earlier opening date is scheduled.
We are currently assisting guests in finding other accommodations so please reach out to our office if you are still in need of lodging during this period. 912-259-9555
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ASTRA Takes Stage on Athens to Savannah Ride
The Athens to Savannah Ride announces support from Astra Group, a heavy civil general contractor, specializing in the construction of public spaces, transportation and wet utility infrastructure. Astra is the 2021 Day 2 Stage Sponsor for the Athens to Savannah Ride. Day 2 traverses 102 miles from Sandersville to Statesboro on bicycle, through Tennille, Wrightsville, Bartow & Twin City.
Director of the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail and Ride Organizer for the Athens to Savannah Ride, Mary Charles Howard explains the partnership with Astra, “The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail is excited to welcome Astra as a Stage Sponsor of the 2021 Athens to Savannah Ride. Astra approached us (The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail) in spring 2021 and asked how they could support our progress. After discussing our timeline, and how our annual Athens to Savannah Bike Ride raises funds annually to build the Trail, Astra agreed to be a supporter.”
The addition of this sponsor is vital to the success of this year’s ride and future rides. The more funds and awareness raised the quicker the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail can move progress towards its end goal.
The alignment of values between Georgia Hi-Lo Trail and Astra was clear from the start, as both the Hi-Lo and Astra aim to build quality of life for the communities we serve. The partnership is a fitting one.
Astra’s Vice President, Allen Eison, shared his thoughts on the relationship.“When we first read about the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Astra was immediately interested in learning more about the history of how the idea of this trail came to fruition and how we could partner with the Hi-Lo Leadership Team. During our discussions, we realized the value of the project and its potential impact on the region. We are long supporters of helping communities build infrastructure that supports neighborhood and regional connectivity, active living, and preserving and providing intentional space for people to be engaged in their communities.
From the Atlanta BeltLine (Atlanta), the Ivy Creek Greenway (Suwanee), and the Bob Callan Trunk Trail (Marietta) to the North Oconee River Greenway (Athens-Clarke County) connecting to our Trail Creek Crossing project, which is part of the Firefly Trail serving as the northernmost connection of the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Astra’s history of building trails remains among the best in the business. We also built part of the Truman Trail for Chatham County and are actively working on Emerald Trail’s Model Mile in Jacksonville, FL. In addition, our longstanding partnership with the PATH Foundation, as well as the many other entities listed above with whom we’ve had the pleasure of working, are a testament to how collaborative and dedicated we are to parks and greenspace development and preservation, whether linear, active or passive.
The rigorous Athens to Savannah Ride is a real example of how you can start with a grassroots vision and see just how necessary this trail is and how useful it can be in connecting rural areas of the state through miles of concrete. It’s about making and sustaining connections, and Astra is thrilled at the opportunity to support the Georgia Hi-Lo trail.”
About the Athens to Savannah Ride
The mission of the Athens to Savannah Ride is to channel the enthusiasm and tradition of this event to promote awareness, support and funding for the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, as well as the Trail’s mission to drive economic development through connectivity and empowerment of Georgia’s rural communities. For more information visit AthenstoSavannah.com.
About the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail
The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail is dedicated to building a 211-mile paved trail that will serve to drive economic development through the connectivity and empowerment of rural Georgia. Upon completion of the 211-mile Georgia Hi-Lo Trail from Union Point to Savannah, the Hi-Lo Trail will connect to the 39-mile Firefly Trail from Union Point to Athens and together form the longest paved trail in America, connecting small Georgia towns, from Athens to Savannah through the paved, road separated path and creating opportunities for growth and economic development. For more information visit GeorgiaHiLo.com.
For media inquiries or more information about participation or sponsorship, contact Mary Charles Howard at 706-338-8054 or [email protected].
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A Bite of the Boro: Dolan’s Bar B Que
“We smoke while you sleep” is a tagline that tells you a lot about the philosophy behind Dolan’s Bar B Que. Pit masters are used to early mornings and labors of love, but Mary Beth Brown has even more responsibilities as the operator of Dolan’s. Mary Beth co-owns the restaurant with her sister Lazar Brown Oglesby (Honey Specialties). We recently spoke with Mary Beth while touring the new location.
Mary Beth explained how diners will order at a front counter. Her goal is fast service for everybody. “I want you to be able to come in and grab something quick, especially during lunch. An hour for lunch goes by very fast, especially if you’re trying to go in somewhere and sit down. There aren’t a lot of places in Statesboro that operate like that.”
There is a drive-thru window that will be used exclusively as a pick up window for Dolan’s orders that have been called ahead, another testament to the speed and service Mary Beth wants to offer. However, if you aren’t in a hurry, Dolan’s will also be a great place to hang out. Their porch will be pet friendly and they plan to have live music on a regular basis. Relax and watch your favorite team on one of the TVs while enjoying a beverage, since Dolan’s also has your libation needs covered.
You’ll be asked while ordering if you want bar service. If yes, you’ll be given a separate table marker that will alert a bar server. Dolan’s will have a full bar, featuring nearly 10 signature cocktails that are all named after Statesboro Bars of the past. This includes drinks like The Wooden Nickel, The Flame, Animal House, and Legends. There will also be a focus on featuring locally sourced spirits, such as a frozen Arnold Palmer based drink that will include Savannah Sweet Tea Bourbon.
One of the features of Dolan’s that people have noticed from the outside is what has popped up behind it- a large, brick pit and chimney. Mary Beth explained that Dolan’s will actually have two pits for barbecuing: a traditional brick pit and a barrel pit. The brick pit is modeled after a pit on the family farm used by Dolan, Mary Beth and Lazar’s granddad, who is the namesake of the restaurant.
“There are certain things I like better on the brick pit and certain things I like better on the barrel. And in Texas, the holy grail of BBQ, a lot of them do it the same way. They cook their pork butts and chickens on the brick, which is what my intention is. Brisket and ribs on the barrel.”
Distinct from the dark greens and rustic aesthetic, a portion of the dining room stands out, with white tile and blue cabinetry. This is the new home of Honey Specialties where you can purchase cheesecakes, chicken salads, and casseroles. This corner will also sell Dolan’s sauces and merchandise like t-shirts and hats.
When asked why Dolan’s was being opened in Statesboro, Mary Beth smiled, and began by very graciously acknowledging how wonderfully Millen has supported both Dolan’s and Honey locations.
“On any given Saturday in Dolan’s in Millen, the majority of the people that are dining with us are not from Millen. At least half, if not more, are from Bulloch County- Statesboro could support this vision, while I could stay local.”
The potential impact a restaurant like Dolan’s could have on our community can’t be understated and Mary Beth’s excitement is infectious. She has many ideas she wants to implement down the road, such as Sunday brunch and bingo night.
“It’s almost done. I had one of these moments; it was when the electricity finally got turned on. I came by, it was close to dark, and all the lights were on, inside and out. I almost started crying. We’re so close.”
If you want to join the Dolan’s crew, they are currently accepting applications for most positions on their website (https://dolansbbq.com/). Look for Dolan’s Bar B Que to open in late September or early October on the Blue Mile.
Sydney Davis
Hospitality Specialist
[email protected]
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A Bite of the Boro: D’s Friendly Diner
Ask locals about D’s Friendly Diner and they’ll tell you that it’s one of Statesboro’s best kept secrets. Open since 2012, it is the ideal small town restaurant experience. From the welcoming atmosphere and kind servers to the tasty diner cuisine, there’s little not to love. D’s has a variety of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and breakfast platters, as well as plenty of opportunities for customization.
Open from 7am-1:30pm seven days a week, you can enjoy their breakfast or lunch offerings anytime. From the red checkered tablecloths to the pictures of regulars hanging on the walls, D’s Friendly Diner is a local joint full of good food and good times.
Visit Statesboro Staff Recommendations:
Becky Davis is a fan of the Eggsplosion Burger, which takes the classic combo of burger and egg, and makes it D’s style, with the egg cooked to your preference.
Justin Samples recommends the Philly Omelette that’s filled with philly steak, melty swiss cheese, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Add a little bit of hot sauce and this savory dish is sure to start your day off on the right foot!
One local hack Visit Statesboro recommends for D’s Friendly Diner? Skip the toast. Order a biscuit instead, which is cut in half and warmed on the griddle. With a little bit of jam, it’s the breakfast equivalent of dessert.
Sydney Davis
Hospitality Specialist
[email protected]
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