As the social hub of the south, Atlanta is an eclectic melting pot of cultures, values, and walks of life. The mish-mosh of unique backgrounds is reflected in our food, our entertainment, and even our small business sector.
Atlanta has embraced the artisan movement with open arms and created a home for some of the coolest merchants this side of the Mason-Dixon. Here are 3 small businesses that fill a need, step outside the boundaries of creativity, and empower ideas as big as our peaches:
Small Business #1: The Shave: Barbershop
We’ve all heard the phrase, “what’s old is new again” and truer words have never been spoken when it comes to The Shave.
This Atlanta barbershop, located in the hip Virginia Highlands neighborhood, operates like a traditional barbershop with many modern twists. No appointments like the good ol’ days, but online waiting lists keep them current. The cuts…clean and simple, but the add-on services like facial massages and beard oil are a millennial staple.
This shop is always bustling with local characters and celebrities waiting to get a straight razor shave or hot towel. Also known as the “not your Grandfather’s barbershop”, this VaHi vendor pays homage to the past while embracing the future of a timeless trade. Pro tip: don’t forget to ask for your complimentary shoulder massage!
Small Business #2: Banner Butter
“Local small batch butter” is another one of those millennial phrases gracing our modern-day vocabularies, but boy I’m glad that it did.
Atlanta’s own “Banner Butter” utilizes cream from local Georgia cows as a base for some of the freshest and most flavorful butter in the market. The range of flavors range from “garlic and parsley”, to “caramelized onion”, and even “cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.” The small batch butter is ripened for several hours which allows good bacteria to form and churned in super small batches. This is a healthier, more sustainable, and tastier process! These Atlanta artisans are reigniting an old-school trade in a new school way.
Butter is back baby!
Small Business #3: High Road Ice Cream & Sorbet
Another local artisan that is the cream of the crop (no pun intended) in the dessert game is Marietta’s High Road Ice Cream & Sorbet.
This ain’t your mama’s ice cream.
High Road is made by chefs and for chefs. (And now the public too!) Chefs would utilize the superstars behind the scoopers to create unique flavors for their own dessert menus. All of the ingredients, from chocolate chips to caramel swirls are homemade, high end, and highly addictive. Grab a spoon and dig into some of the best sellers like: Matcha Ice Cream, Aztec Chocolate Ice Cream, and my personal favorite, Dulce De Leche.
While High Road is available in some local grocers, you have to check out the tasting room, which is truly reminiscent of a modern-day Willy Wonka. Spend your Saturday afternoon on a real sugar high!
References made to companies in this post are not meant to convey endorsement of Rubicon by those companies in any way.
