Hey neighbor!
Happy Friday! With the cold weather settling in this weekend, I thought you might appreciate some cozy local spots to warm you up. I've got two fantastic restaurant suggestions including a mom-and-pop hidden gem in Norcross, weekend events with a special one for our seniors, a great coffee shop, a locally owned business spotlight, a county resource for entrepreneurs, a family event happening tonight, and a quick weather heads-up.
Lastly, as a reminder: I created this when I realized two things.
I love Lawrenceville (where I live) and Gwinnett as a whole.
There is too much focus on sad or bad news on other publications or even social media, we have a need to be encouraged and reminded to enjoy life and our neighbors.
Thanks again for being here…Now, let's jump in.
See warning below.
RESTAURANT SUGGESTION #1: Eating Americana — Norcross
5450 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 7A, Norcross, GA 30092
Monday: Closed | Tuesday–Thursday: 11am–2pm, 5pm–8pm | Friday: 11am–9pm | Saturday: 10am–9pm | Sunday: 10am–2pm
Phone: (770) 676-5846
This is one of those mom-and-pop hidden gems you've got to experience. Chef-driven and made from scratch, Eating Americana serves up classic American comfort food with fresh twists. We're talking fried chicken, shrimp and grits, burgers, seafood pasta, and daily specials that'll make you feel right at home. The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, and locals absolutely love this place.
The chef has over 35 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry with culinary roots in New Orleans style cuisine. Everything here is "unapologetically American and everything familiar but better."
Pro tip: Try the fried chicken or the seafood omelette if you're there for brunch, I hear it’s something special. The wedge salad is also a customer favorite.
RESTAURANT SUGGESTION #2: The Diner at Sugar Hill — Sugar Hill
4500 Nelson Brogdon Blvd, Sugar Hill, GA 30518
Daily: 8am–8:30pm
Phone: (770) 831-0180
Looking for that classic all-day diner experience? The Diner at Sugar Hill has been serving the community for over a decade with hearty breakfasts, burgers, meatloaf, fried chicken, and everything in between. Whether you're craving eggs benedict for breakfast, a club sandwich for lunch, or a ribeye steak for dinner, they've got you covered.
The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, perfect for a quick solo meal or bringing the whole crew. They also offer catering and private dining if you've got an event coming up.
Pro tip: The breakfast menu is extensive with everything from country fried steak to eggs benedict. Weekend brunch is popular, so plan accordingly.
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
The Play That Goes Wrong
Stand Up Comedy
The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
Source: Lawrenceville Arts Center
If you need a good laugh, this is it. This hilarious Broadway comedy follows a murder mystery play that absolutely falls apart with missed cues, collapsing sets, and nonstop mishaps. Tickets start around $25-40 and it's perfect for theater lovers or anyone who needs to shake off the week with some laughs.
125 N Clayton St, Lawrenceville
Crafts from the Heart — Bethesda Park Senior Center
Friday, January 30 at 12pm–4pm
Ages 50+
This volunteer-led crafting session is a wonderful way for our active adults to connect, create, and share some time together. Spots are limited, so if you or someone you know would enjoy this, give them a call to reserve your spot.
225 Bethesda Church Rd, Lawrenceville
Phone: (678) 277-0179
COFFEE BREAK: Break Coffee Roasters — Lawrenceville and Duluth
Duluth: 3122 Hill St, Duluth, GA 30096
Monday–Thursday: 7am–5pm | Friday: 7am–6pm | Saturday: 8am–6pm | Sunday: 9am–6pm
Here's a locally owned gem roasting their own beans right here in Gwinnett. Break Coffee Roasters opened in Duluth in 2019 and just expanded to Lawrenceville in 2024. They're all about creating space for slowness in everyday life, from how they source their coffee to the lattes they serve.
My top pick: It’s drip coffee, but yesterday when I was there, went for the Cortado!
Pro tip: Try one of their signature lattes like the orange lavender. The atmosphere is inviting with natural light and plenty of seating for working or catching up with friends.
Source: Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center — County-Wide
405 N Perry St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: (678) 664-9100
If you're an entrepreneur or thinking about starting a business, you need to know about this free county resource. The Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center is a hub for startups and small business owners with coworking space, workshops, one-on-one coaching, networking events, and tons of resources to help you launch or grow your business.
What they offer:
Free coworking space and meeting rooms
Business workshops and training
One-on-one coaching with experts
Networking events to connect with other entrepreneurs
Access to resources, tools, and programs
Support for all stages of business development
Whether you're just starting out with an idea or you're ready to scale, this is your go-to spot in Gwinnett. The center helps entrepreneurs navigate everything from business plans to funding to marketing strategies.
Pro tip: Stop by or give them a call to learn about upcoming workshops or to schedule coaching. It's all free for Gwinnett residents and business owners.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT: Family Sensory Swim Night — Bogan Park
Friday, January 30 at 6:30pm–8:30pm
Cost: $3.25 per participant
Looking for something calm and family-friendly tonight? Bogan Park's aquatic center is hosting a sensory-friendly swim session with dimmed lights and reduced noise. It's perfect for kids of all abilities to splash around and have fun in a welcoming environment.
2723 N Bogan Rd, Buford, GA 30518
Phone: (678) 277-0853
WEATHER WARNING: Winter Storm This Weekend
Just a heads up—there's a Winter Storm Warning in effect for this weekend. We could see 2-4 inches of snow on Saturday with gusty winds and wind chills dropping to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can stay in and stay warm, that's the safest bet. Make sure you've got supplies, check on your neighbors, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Stay safe out there, neighbor.
SIMPLE FRIDAY ACTION
Check on a neighbor this weekend, especially with the cold weather coming in. A quick text or knock on the door can make all the difference.
Have a safe and cozy weekend, neighbor.
Know someone in Gwinnett? Forward this email to them—they'll thank you.
