The monotony of mass-produced products and click-to-order life takes the soul out of being excited about finding a hidden gem that sells unique items. Our small businesses aren’t just shops, they’re stories waiting to be discovered.
Looking for a handmade masterpiece? Yearning for a coffee brewed with passion by someone who remembers your name? It’s all here in Cobb and here are eight such businesses that make us love our county even more.
The Local Exchange
130 S Park Square NE, Marietta, GA 30060
Located in Marietta Square, The Local Exchange embodies community support through its “Live Local, Buy Local” ethos. As a modern-day general store, it offers locally sourced fresh food, merchandise, and artisan beverages. All of their products are not only local, but they’re also organic, fair trade, USA-made, and/or recyclable or recycled.
Craving for a delicious snack or looking for a cool new art for your bedroom? The Local Exchange offers a curated selection of high-quality, unique goods you won’t find elsewhere. You can indulge your cravings or wants and feel good about it too.
Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery
2825 S Main St #100A, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery is a beloved local restaurant in Downtown Kennesaw founded by Mitch and Lori Phillips. This charming bakery specializes in cakes, treats, and biscuits alongside delectable breakfast, lunch, and coffee. This establishment has become a cornerstone of the community, offering a cozy atmosphere where everyone is welcome.
The bakery proudly partners with a local Atlanta roaster, utilizing the best espresso machine and equipment, to ensure each cup of coffee is as delightful as their signature biscuits. With a vast selection of cookies, pies, ice cream, and more, this is a go-to stop for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Park West Vintage
17 Whitlock Ave SW, Marietta, GA 30064
Downtown Marietta’s largest antique mall, Park West Vintage, spans an impressive 20,000 square feet. This shop sells a diverse array of antiques sourced from local vendors. From light fixtures and paintings to jewelry and furniture, Park West Vintage is a treasure trove of unique items.
Despite the items’ antiquity, everything sold is in excellent condition. The staff is always willing to help shoppers find what they are searching for. Additionally, this shop provides repair services for leather goods and antique clocks, along with a selection of furniture care products.
Artisan Custom Closets
600 Wylie Rd, Marietta, GA 30067
Struggling with clutter at home? Artisan Custom Closets specializes in crafting tailored storage solutions. From luxury walk-in closets to home offices, they transform spaces with aesthetics, precision, and functionality in mind.
Recognized as Small Business of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in 2022, their expertise extends beyond conventional storage. The company uses eco-friendly products that are made from 100% recovered or recycled wood fibers. Moreover, Artisan Custom Closets prides itself on being the only company in the state to have its designers certified by the Association of Closet & Storage Professionals.
The Book Worm
4451 Marietta St, Powder Springs, GA 30127
The Book Worm, owned by Julia Davis, offers a diverse selection of over 30,000 titles across various genres. Since its establishment in 2005, it has been a hub for literature enthusiasts, including international bestsellers and local literacy gems.
With a focus on promoting self-love and literacy, this community independent bookstore is a place where everyone is welcomed. It hosts engaging events such as city-wide reads and Mayor’s Reading Club partnerships to bridge the literacy gap. Voted Best of Georgia in 2022 and 2023, The Book Worm is not just a bookstore but a refuge where everyone is encouraged to explore and learn.
Just Kiln’ Time
27 Atlanta St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
The Region's oldest paint-your-own-pottery studio, Just Kiln’ Time is a creative haven for those seeking hands-on activities or inspiration for future crafting projects. This studio welcomes visitors of all ages with or without artistic prowess.
With no appointment necessary, you can simply walk in, select a pottery piece, choose colors, unleash your creativity, and let their expert team handle the glazing and firing process. Located near the historic Marietta Square, it’s the perfect destination for a family outing or a solo creative session.
Otter’s Chicken
1985 Cobb Pkwy NW #100, Kennesaw, GA 30152
Otter’s Chicken, a sports-themed, family-friendly restaurant, specializes in all things chicken. Otter’s has been using locally sourced, fresh ingredients and everything they serve is hand-breaded and prepared to order. Even their famous Otter’s Sauce is made in-house to ensure it’s done right.
Not only known for its great food and casual atmosphere, the restaurant is deeply rooted in the community, supporting local sports teams and schools. Named a Top 25 Small Business by AJC for five consecutive years, Otter’s Chicken frequently partners with various organizations for fundraisers and community events.
Gaston Street Eats Food Truck
1200 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
If you want to experience a Southern culinary journey, you should definitely check out Gaston Street Eats Food Truck. This food truck was born out of a love for food, especially Southern comfort street food that makes you feel all warm and loved inside. It aims to bring people together by serving flavors from beloved cities like Savannah, Memphis, New Orleans, and Atlanta.
The Gaston Street Eats Co. fed over 60,000 people across the state at over 500 private and public events. It was also recognized as a Top 25 Small Business of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in 2023 and voted one of the best food trucks in Cobb County for 2022 & 2023.
Final Thoughts
While shopping at big-box stores and online can be somewhat more convenient, nothing compares to going into a local store, finding unique items, and receiving excellent customer service. The best part is that shopping locally puts money back into the community, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Give love and support to small businesses by visiting these and other local mom-and-pop stores that help make Cobb County a special place.
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