Celebration in Alpharetta: A Night to Remember
ALPHARETTA — The city was buzzing with excitement on the evening of October 17, as over 300 community members gathered to celebrate the 2024 Best of North Atlanta Awards at Phase Events. It was a night dedicated to honoring local businesses that have captured the hearts of residents throughout North Metro Atlanta.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
As everyone mingled in the elegantly decorated ballroom, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and a sense of camaraderie. Attendees enjoyed a delectable spread of gourmet hors d’oeuvres from A&S Culinary Concepts and mouthwatering desserts courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta. To add a little extra sparkle to the night, Six Bridges Brewing and Cork & Glass served a delightful selection of wine and beer.
The celebration was further elevated by the energetic live music of the band Ethyl’s Envy, who kept the party going as guests toasted to one another and congratulated the winners of the highly-anticipated awards.
A Nod to Local Legends
The awards honored the winners of the annual Best of Atlanta contest, where North Metro Atlanta residents cast over 107,000 votes to recognize their favorite businesses. This year, more than 300 businesses were recognized, reflecting the vibrant and diverse entrepreneurial spirit of the community.
Publisher of Appen Media, Hans Appen, emphasized the significance of the awards, noting, “It’s a reflection of the quality of the business environment that we have in North Atlanta. It’s exceptional. It’s unique.” His words resonated with many, conveying a sense of pride in the accomplishments of local businesses.
Acknowledging Hard Work
Mike Dorman, director of sales and marketing at Appen Media, added that the awards provide an important credibility boost to the businesses that consumers choose to visit. “Many of these winners have been consistently winning every year,” he pointed out, showcasing the dedication and passion that local business owners bring to their work.
Among the winners was Marc Stewart, owner of Johns Creek Physical Therapy, who has claimed the top spot in the physical therapy category every year since it was introduced in 2018. Stewart shared that the recognition was a humbling reminder of the hard work he puts into serving his customers. “You just hope that your effort is recognized,” he reflected.
Celebrating Unique Contributions
Another winner, Sophia Crawford, owner of Ground & Pound Coffee in the Alpharetta-Roswell area, expressed her gratitude to the community that supported her business. Having transitioned from an impressive career as a professional stunt woman to running a coffee shop, Crawford has transformed her café into a vibrant space for social interactions and live performances. “Thank you, from me and my staff. We’re all a team,” she said, emphasizing the collective effort behind her coffee shop’s success.
The evening concluded with heartfelt congratulations and plans for the future, as businesses look to build on their successes and continue serving the community that champions them. The enthusiastic crowd left Phase Events with smiles on their faces, inspired and motivated to support their favorite local spots.
As the awards come to a close for the year, it’s a reminder of the strong ties that unite businesses and residents in North Metro Atlanta. Who knows? Maybe in next year’s celebration, more local legends will be recognized amidst the cheers and applause of the community.
