Do you ever get bored of visiting chain restaurants or retailers belonging to massive corporations? Well, visiting a locally-owned business can be a fun experience, whether you are looking to try new foods, see different fashions, or experience a unique service. 

You can find all sorts of shops and restaurants to try out, with each one offering a taste of their culture that you might not get to experience in other places. Cobb County is particularly rich with African American culture (but you’ll also find plenty of others from different cultural backgrounds!), so if you live in the area and want to experience something new and exciting, we have just the list for you!

CamiCakes

CamiCakes is a gourmet cupcakes business owned by Andra Hall that makes delicious desserts that you can enjoy at birthdays, weddings, baby shows, or when you simply crave something sweet and delicious. Naming the business after her daughter, Camille, Andra learned to bake from her grandmother, whose recipes are now enjoyed by many residents in Cobb County.

If you have a sweet tooth and are tired of eating cookies and donuts, we recommend trying these local cupcakes that come in many flavors, such as salted caramel, pumpkin, and peach cobbler. You can visit their locations in Tinseltown, Lenox, Smyrna, Camp Creek, and Cumberland if you would like something sweet to try. 

Herbs Rib Shack

If you are looking for something a bit more filling, prepare to come hungry because Herbs Rib Shacks offers large portions of food at an affordable price. Locals love to come here for their delicious ribs and chicken plates, which you can pair with two classic sides such as mac & cheese, baked beans, and many other options! 

If you are a ribs lover, you can choose between a generous half slab or a hefty full slab of ribs! If you are in Marietta, this is a place to visit to satisfy your barbecue cravings. Just remember that the restaurant is closed from Mondays through Wednesdays and is open between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm the rest of the week (closes at 4:00 pm on Sundays). Plan your trip accordingly, as we do not want you to miss out! 

FAD African Fine Dining Restaurant

If you want something a bit more outside of your regular menu set, we suggest you check out FAD African Fine Dining Restaurant. This family-run restaurant uses the freshest ingredients to recreate authentic African cuisine rooted in Nigerian culture and tradition. You will find a variety of dishes you may have never come across before, each one providing unique flavors to satisfy your cravings.

What’s more, the restaurant itself offers a wide space to accommodate many guests and celebrations. If you are adventurous and have a desire to support family-owned local businesses, we recommend you stop by this place next time you are in the area!

Bangkok Thai Restaurant 

If you are looking for a slice of Asia, you may be interested in Bangkok Thai Restaurant and its authentic menu of Thai dishes. The head chef, Patty Lawlertratana, who was raised in Thailand, loved making Thai food for fun until she took her passion even further by attending Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta. She has since dedicated herself to using the freshest ingredients to recreating authentic Thai cuisine for her customers.

Their menu includes a wide variety of different foods, ranging from noodle dishes like Pad Thai to various types of curries with your choice of meat. If you are unfamiliar with Thai food and uncertain about what to order, they also offer Chinese and Japanese food options like potstickers and teriyaki chicken. Whatever you choose, there is no wrong answer!

Your Next Jump 

Instead of looking for a fun or captivating new experience, perhaps you are looking for some help with your professional career. In that case, Your Next Jump offers services to help you find a job that matches your passions, experience, and education credentials. They will work with you to improve your online presence, assist you with creating a professional portfolio or resume, and will coach you through every step of the process of finding the right job for you.

Additionally, they offer services to help you network with other professionals and build your brand. If you are looking to expand your professional presence and find the right employer for you, enlisting Your Next Jump is a great way to support a locally-owned business while building up your career. 

CrossFit EX

To round out this list, we have CrossFit EX, a gym that specializes in CrossFit. If you have never experienced CrossFit before, they offer a one-time free class for anyone who wants to try it out without committing to a membership plan. 

They also offer a variety of weight training equipment, including free weights and machines, to get you into shape! If you happen to be in Smyrna, you should consider visiting this gym and trying out CrossFit!

Support Your Locally-Owned Businesses

Whether you want to try different foods or experience services unlike the ones offered by chain brands, checking out these locally-owned businesses is a great way to support your community and small businesses while giving you a taste of various cultures and their uniqueness. Many of these are small, single-location shops that lean on local support, so give them a try and experience something different!