Plenty of evidence is mounting of a major increase of retailers opening throughout Cherokee County.

Construction, grand opening events and help wanted signs are easy-to-spot proof of a growing commercial market in a county known as a bedroom community. New strip shopping centers are under construction alongside centers that opened within the past few years. Specialty shops for various interests have opened near some of the county’s newest communities. A frequent diner can try many varieties of dishes in the county’s expanded local restaurant market.

Not only is the retail boom apparent in the county’s two largest cities of Woodstock and Canton, but new stores are also opening in unincorporated areas of the county, including along state highways and at former country crossroads.

Chris McCurry knows about retail grand opening celebrations. He is the developer of RiverStone Village, a 21-acre commercial center at the intersection of Riverstone Boulevard and Reinhardt College Parkway in Canton’s Riverstone district.

Jocks & Jills Sports Grill opened last weekend in RiverStone Village. Other new eateries in the complex include Hanami Steakhouse, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Shane’s Rib Shack.

Also newly open in RiverStone Village is Crescent Bank’s Cherokee County headquarters. Retailers and offices also locating in the center include Woodstock Furniture Outlet, the law firm of Roach, Geiger & Caudill and Jey Willis State Farm Insurance.

Riverstone, which began in 1998 with the opening of Riverstone Plaza, is a 568-acre project slated for build-out in about 10 years, according to plans under review by the Atlanta Regional Commission submitted by the city as its final phase.

McCurry, who said he plans future developments in the area, said Matt Sasser of Bright-Sasser Canton LLC deserves credit for planning Riverstone as an easy to reach location suitable for a variety of businesses.

“Riverstone is an excellent development,” McCurry said.

Pam Carnes, president and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce said the county is gaining several types of retailers. “It’s countywide,” Carnes said of the retail growth.

The membership listing of the Chamber shows many new retailers, Carnes said.

As of Oct. 13, 212 new members joined the organization this year, a level surpassing the 200 or so that is typical by the end of the year, Carnes said. The majority of new members are retailers, she added.

New shops and restaurants have opened in areas that previously had only a few businesses, such as an anchor grocery store and a few franchises and independent stores. In addition to Riverstone, booming locations include Ga. 92 in Woodstock, the Hickory Flat’s Ga. 140/East Cherokee Drive intersection and South Canton.

Sales tax data also suggest a retail boom.

The county collected $23.6 million in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) during the nine-month period of January through September.

The one-percent sales tax proceeds, which are delivered to the state two months after the monthly sales periods, show sales level in the county under SPLOST is on target to exceed $30 million in 2006 – a pace that would reflect $3 billion of annual sales.

The money is churning through the county at retailers large and small. New developments are planned.

A retail project, including the third Home Depot in Cherokee County, is planned for a 39-acre site in Holly Springs at Interstate 575 and Sixes Road. Home Depots are also in Woodstock and Canton.

Construction for the home improvement store is expected to begin in late 2006 or early 2007, said Brantley Day, Holly Springs city planner. Along with the approximately 135,000-square-foot home improvement retailer, a 70,000 square-foot shopping center and four out parcels are planned for the site. Plans call for Northside Hospital-Cherokee to use 7 acres for a 70,000 square-foot medical office building, Day said.

Major projects planned for Canton include two competing open-air malls.

The Sembler Company’s Canton Marketplace, a $200-million, 800,000-square-foot shopping center near the Interstate 575/Ga. 20 interchange is slated to open in 2008, said Amber Overby, spokeswoman for the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based developer. Northside Hospital-Cherokee officials announced plans to buy land in the 400-acre development.

Although Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy and other retailers have been mentioned as possible Canton Marketplace tenants, none have been signed, Overby said. “There’s a lot of leasing activity going on,” she said.

“Canton is a thriving market and our project is representative of the growth out here,” said Sembler President of Development Jeff Fuqua.

CBL & Associates Properties Inc. plans to develop the 65-acre Gateway at Riverstone, an open-air shopping center on the site fronting Reinhardt College Parkway and Riverstone Boulevard. The opening of the center is scheduled for 2008, according to the Chattanooga, Tenn.-based shopping center developer.

The Commons at Riverstone Village is excited to have Dr. Bret Hintze and North Georgia Foot and Ankle Clinics as its first tenant.

Your feet are our specialty!

 Most people tend to live without worrying much about their feet, unless pain ensues and trouble begins. When you are in need of treatment, give us a call!  North Georgia Foot & Ankle Clinic is here to take care of your feet when the need occurs. Our team of podiatrists specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Canton • 132 RiverStone Terrace, Suite 101  770.889.9596. Visit NGFA on the web at : www.ngfac.com .

Bret Hintze, D.P.M.

Podiatrists are the only health care professionals whose total training focuses on the foot, ankle and related body systems. As a specialist in foot care, the podiatrist receives extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle disorders by medical and surgical means.

Bret Hintze founded North Georgia Foot & Ankle Clinic in 2003, with one office located in Canton, GA. Later in the year, a second clinic opened in Jasper, followed by clinics in Cumming, Ellijay, Buford and Dahlonega. Dr. Hintze received his podiatric medicine credentials from California College of Podiatric Medicine and obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah. Dr. Hintze completed his residency at Mount Sinai, in Miami Beach, Florida.

He resides in Ball Ground with wife Kerry and their four children.

"Welcome to Moe’s"

Moe’s Southwest Grill has arrived in Canton. Famous for great southwestern food wrapped up in a casual atmosphere that has been a true recipe for success in the competitive fast-casual marketplace. Visit Moe’s website at: www.moes.com.   

Shane’s Rib Shack features ribs, chicken and a whole lot more. They say:  "Shane’s Rib Shack is as good as it gets" and they aren’t kidding. Everything at Shane’s is good. It’s down home BBQ in suburban locations. Visit their website at: www.shanesribshack.com. But be warned…….It’s gonna get messy!

135 Reinhardt College Parkway
Hours: Mon - Thurs 11 AM - 9 PM Fri - Sat 11 AM - 10 PM
Phone: 678-880-1141

Riverstone Village is proud to welcome Amedisys Home Health Care to the development.  Amedisys opened the Canton location June 2007. Amedisys is a leading multi-regional provider of home health care nursing services.  Amedisys is a leading provider of home health care and hospice services, with agencies located across the United States. The company was incorporated 1982. In 1994, the company became public and currently trades on The Nasdaq Market under the symbol “AMED”.

Cosmetic and General Dentistry

 Dr. Woo was born and raised in Augusta Georgia.  He attended the University of Georgia and Augusta State University where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.  Dr. Woo was certified as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and also received his D.M.D. degree from the Medical College of Georgia.  In 2004, he also completed additional training in cosmetic dentistry from Louisiana State University. 
Dr. Woo is an active member of the Hinman Dental Society, American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, and the Northwest District Dental Society.  Practicing dentistry since 2000, Dr. Woo began his dental career with his cousin, Dr. Grant Loo in Augusta, prior to making a move to Atlanta.  He worked in Canton for three years and then practiced in west Cobb for 2 years.  He currently maintains his Canton practice while still working in midtown Atlanta with Dr. Hugh Harris.
Dr. Woo believes in continuously improving his skills through continuing education and implements the latest technology into his practice. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality dentistry that he and his patients can be proud of. Dr. Woo will work with each individual to develop a plan that fits the patient needs and wants.  

Phone: 770-345-3057 ~  Fax: 770-345-3154

CIPT is open Monday-Thursday 7AM-7PM and Friday 7:30AM-5:30PM

Each cut, color, and styling session begins with a one-on-one consultation with your stylist. This enables the stylist to determine a style that enhances your appearance and fits your daily routine. The result is a unique look that not only balances and enhances your features and skin tone, but also keeps up with your daily life.

Jey Willis has over 13 years experience with State Farm Insurance. Jey opened his agency in Canton in September of 2006. He has built a team of qualified team members ready and available to service all of your insurance and financial services needs. Jey is a graduate of the University of Georgia and an active member in the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Visit Jey’s website today for additional information.

 Open Monday - Saturday from 11am - Midnight & Sunday from 10:30 - Midnight

Stop by and see what everyone is talking about!  With over 8500 square feet of rare sports memorabilia and over 50 high definition T.V.’s, this place is a sight to see!  There are video games for the kids, outside patio dining and the Clubhouse Room upstairs can be reserved for private events and parties.  Call today to reserve the Clubhouse Room for your private party and ask about our catering menu for private events and off-site parties.  Great food and fun atmosphere ~there’s nothing else like this in Cherokee County!  Visit their website.

Legendary Atlanta Restaurant Group’s Second Franchised Location to Open in October, 2006

Jocks & Jills is an institution in the Southeast for sports fans, offering an unbeatable memorabilia inventory, state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment for game viewing, and excellent food and service. The chain currently operates seven full-service sports grills in Atlanta, Georgia and one in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company also licenses one location in Macon, Georgia, and its first franchised location opened in March of this year in Parker, Colorado to enthusiastic reviews.

Jocks & Jills Canton will be located one mile from Exit 20 off I-575 in Riverstone Village, an upscale suburban community that has experienced tremendous growth in the last three years. The facility will be situated inside the Riverstone Retail Development at the intersection of Reinhardt College Parkway and Riverstone Boulevard. Jocks & Jills Canton will be over 8,500 square feet with an outside dining patio and a full in-house private event facility seating up to 80 people. Consistent with other Jocks & Jills locations, the Canton franchise will contain numerous televisions, including high-tech flat panels, and rare sports memorabilia.

Michael Holliday brings many years of experience to his first Jocks & Jills franchised location. He has been a member of upper management at Jocks & Jills for over seven years and has an extensive background in the restaurant industry. Joe Rollins, an officer of Jocks & Jills Restaurants, LLC, stated, “We are excited that Michael Holliday will be opening his own Jocks & Jills franchise. He is a capable restaurateur who has demonstrated a complete knowledge of the Jocks & Jills brand, and we are confident that his Jocks & Jills franchise will be a huge success in the Canton market.”

Jocks & Jills was founded in 1987 by a small group of Atlanta Hawks basketball players and other renowned personalities. All of the original owners continue their roles today.