A smile is such a simple gesture, yet it holds so much power. It is innately human - a universal way to convey happiness, greet one another and signal that we're nice people. Smiles communicate how we're feeling and are great for breaking the ice or awkward moments. A good-natured smile moves mountains, but if you're like the average person, it may not be perfect. And that's okay. But is it healthy?
Studies from the CDC show that 1 in 4 U.S. adults from 20 to 64 have cavities. Perhaps even more surprising is that approximately 34 million school hours are lost every year due to emergency dental care. For children, missing time could mean the difference between moving forward and being held back.
If you're one of the many people who feel ashamed about their teeth, need preventative oral care, or suffer serious issues like tooth decay, it's time to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, Merchants Walk Dental is here to serve you with the highest quality dental work in East Cobb, from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry.
At Merchants Walk Dental, your healthy teeth and gums are our passion. Our dentists and hygienists are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible in a comfortable, stress-free setting. Since opening in 2017, we have become the premier dentist in Powder Springs, GA, offering many dental services such as:
As experts, we know how important oral hygiene is for your health. We feel that it's important to go the extra mile to speak with our patients about the best practices involved with brushing, flossing, and healthy gums. We know what an impact a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are so dedicated to providing our patients with cleaner, straighter teeth than ever before.
Having served Georgia and East Cobb for years, we understand that no two patients will ever have the same needs. That's why we provide personalized services like cleanings and root canals tailored to each patient's unique needs. We also know that money doesn't grow on trees, so we accept most major dental insurance plans to ensure you can keep your teeth clean and healthy all year long.
If you're searching for an expert team of friendly dentists and hygienists, look no further than Merchants Walk Dental. We pride ourselves on the best dental care coupled with warm, engaging customer service. You can rest easy knowing you're in capable, welcoming hands whether it's your first or fortieth visit to our office.
Here at Merchants Walk Dental, we understand that getting your teeth cleaned isn't something everyone looks forward to. However, getting regular teeth cleanings performed by a trustworthy dentist is the best way to maintain a healthy smile and avoid serious oral hygiene issues. And while it's easy to avoid the dentist, doing so for too long can be bad for your overall health.
Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and strokes. If you're flossing and brushing at home twice a day, that's great. Doing so is the best way to get a leg up on critical oral hygiene problems. However, getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist helps ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, healthy, and protected.
It's a question we get all the time - what is periodontal treatment? This treatment focuses on your gums and preventing the common diseases that attack them. When left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens, forming hard-to-remove tartar. This tartar irritates your gums and will eventually lead to a litany of problems like tooth decay, tooth loss, and more.
During your teeth cleaning session at Merchants Walk Dental, we'll examine your gums closely to ensure they're healthy and functional.
Each of our teeth cleaning appointments has comprehensive check-ups, including:
The only surefire way to prevent tartar buildup and, by proxy, gum disease is by brushing and flossing diligently at home. If you have been slacking on regular brushing and have not visited a dentist recently, your gums could be suffering. If you have any of the following signs of gum disease, contact Merchants Walk Dental to schedule a dental exam in Powder Springs, GA:
If you have had a cavity filled before, you're not alone. Tooth decay affects more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 - a stunning statistic that, in many cases, is entirely preventable. At Merchants Walk Dental, we use composite resin fillings to keep our patient's teeth healthy and functional. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more discreet, match the color of your teeth, and are free of mercury.
While fillings can have a few uses, our doctors typically use fillings to “fill†a part of your tooth that is decaying. This hole of decay is called a cavity. Sometimes, fillings are also used to fix broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth from grinding and nail-biting. Fillings are a great way to restore decaying teeth to their normal shape and function while preventing sensitivity and inhibiting further decay.
During your dental exam at our office in East Cobb, your dental hygienist will check for signs of cavities and tooth decay to ensure your oral hygiene remains in peak condition.
Abscesses- Without professional dental treatment, infected teeth lead to dental abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Nerve Pain- When your tooth is cracked and left without treatment, it can make its way to your nerve, resulting in extreme pain and damage.
Substantial Decay- If you leave an infection to fester without having a root canal, the infection can spread to other teeth in your mouth. If you don't address the initial signs of decay, you'll have to undergo treatment for multiple teeth.
Tooth Loss- Extensive decay and trauma often cause damage to your tooth's pulp. Our root canal treatments in Powder Springs remove this infected pulp. However, if you choose to ignore the problem, the infected pulp will rot your entire tooth, causing you to lose it forever.
One mention of the word root canal can send shivers up the spine for many people. Root canals get a bad rap, but the treatment has come a long way over the last decade.
When tooth decay and infection are left to fester, it can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene. Often, root canals in cityname, GA, are the best choice for patients with extensively diseased teeth. The goal of a root canal is to save and repair teeth by removing the infection from the pulp and nerve of the tooth.
Signs of tooth decay that may require a root canal include:
When a substantial cavity threatens a person's tooth and fillings aren't working, many dentists will use crowns to fix the problem. A crown is an aesthetic cap or a tooth-shaped covering placed over another tooth or implant for stability. Typically, crowns improve appearance and strength of a patient's teeth.
Crowns are also used to restore the size and shape of damaged or chipped teeth. When used for this purpose, dental crowns are usually bonded to the tooth using dental-grade cement.
During your dental exam and cleaning, your hygienist will keep a sharp eye out for signs of tooth decay, which may require a crown. Benefits of dental crows from Merchants Walk Dental include:
Restorative dental treatments can be complicated, but dental crowns are straightforward and minimally invasive. During the process, your tooth's enamel is cleaned, and your damaged tissue is removed. Once that process is complete, we'll cast a custom crown for your tooth. While the crown is created, Dr. John Bishara or Dr. Milli Patel will provide you with a temporary crown for normal functionality.
Damaged enamel or structural damage can cause pain and sensitivity. Having a dental crown installed will help alleviate a good amount of your pain.
Our dental crowns are made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. With proper care and regular check-ups, they can withstand years of chewing, biting, and grinding.
When you lose one or more teeth, whether due to decay or another factor, it's important to fill the space where the tooth is missing. That's where dental bridges come in. Bridges are essentially fake permanent teeth used to fill holes caused by missing teeth. The false tooth is fused between two dental crowns giving it the bridge concept. Dental bridges are then typically anchored to healthy teeth using resin and cement.
The health of your teeth, their position, and the state of the surrounding bone will help our team determine if bridges are right for you. If not, dentures in Powder Springs, GA, might be a better option. Dentures come in two forms: partial and complete. Dentures are best for patients who have missing teeth but aren't able to use bridges. Complete dentures all your missing teeth, while partial dentures replace one or two teeth.
Getting cosmetic dentures can be a life-changing experience. It often requires physical and emotional preparation. At Merchants Walk Dental, our team will take as much time needed to consult with and prepare you for your denture procedure.
Whether you need dental bridges or cosmetic dentures, we're here to help make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Dental implants are needed when you have missing teeth, but you cannot or will not get crowns, bridges, or dentures. Failing to replace a lost tooth will cause a bevy of problems as time goes on. For many patients, dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant serves as a permanent artificial root anchored into the jawbone.
When our team puts a dental implant in place, your jawbone grafts itself to the titanium post making it as strong as your original root and tooth. The result is a natural, beautiful, fully-functional set of teeth that lasts for years.
Establishing healthy dental habits early in life is key for long-term oral health and confidence. The best way to learn those habits is at home and in a dentist's office.
At Merchants Walk Dental, our goal is to foster long-lasting relationship with the families in our community who trust us to care for their children's dental health.
When you choose Merchants Walk Dental as your child's dentist, you can rest easy knowing we treat your loved one just like ours. Our professional hygienists and experienced doctors are trained and certified to give your kids a comfortable dental experience. We like to mix fun with education, putting your child at ease while helping them understand the importance of proper dental care.
Common habits like teeth grinding and thumb sucking can have profound effects later in life. Our doctors are keenly aware of these habits, and work hard to help you and your child develop creative solutions to halt that behavior.
Our pediatric dental services improve the health of your child's teeth and gums with:
Having served the East Cobb and Powder Springs for years, we know your dental needs are unique and different from your neighbor. That's why we offer a variety of dental services to address each patient's special circumstances, from standard cleanings to complex root canals. By using the latest innovations and techniques in dentistry, we can better serve each client on an individualized level, leading to better comprehensive dental care.
We're taking new patients and accept most major forms of dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy and clean without breaking the bank. Contact our office today to schedule your dental exam and learn more about our history!
770-691-5051
Chuma Edoga has found a new home with the Cowboys this offseason after spending last season with the Atlanta Falcons. Edoga is a 6-foot-3, 308-pound offensive lineman who could play either guard or tackle but will likely be used as a tackle. The signing gives Dallas some much-needed depth with a young veteran.Thanks to that flexibility, the 25-year-old could even be in the mix to compete for a starting job at left guard and replace Connor McGovern. McGovern signed a three-year, $23 million deal with the Buffalo Bills this offseason....
Chuma Edoga has found a new home with the Cowboys this offseason after spending last season with the Atlanta Falcons. Edoga is a 6-foot-3, 308-pound offensive lineman who could play either guard or tackle but will likely be used as a tackle. The signing gives Dallas some much-needed depth with a young veteran.
Thanks to that flexibility, the 25-year-old could even be in the mix to compete for a starting job at left guard and replace Connor McGovern. McGovern signed a three-year, $23 million deal with the Buffalo Bills this offseason.
The #Cowboys have signed former #Jets and #Falcons OT Chuma Edoga to a 1-year deal.
Edoga was drafted in the third round in 2019 by the New York Jets. The USC Trojans coaching staff put the Powder Springs, Georgia, lineman in at right tackle twice in his freshman year. He played in 13 games overall in a season that ended with him getting wrist surgery.
Edoga played in just nine games in his sophomore season and 12 games at right tackle as a junior, missing two games with a sprained ankle. Edoga was the starting right tackle for all 12 games of his senior season.
In his three seasons with the Jets, Edoga played disciplined football, getting just three penalties in his starts. He was signed by the Falcons before last season, starting just one game. Not seeing much on the field much for the Atlanta Falcons was a bit of a shock given his experience.
However, he ended last season on injured reserve due to a knee injury. The Dallas Cowboys are hoping that Edoga can stay healthy as the team has had injury concerns at the position.
Tackle Terence Steele is coming off an ACL injury while two-time All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith has missed time due to ankle and neck injuries. Edoga could see some time on the field should Steele not be at 100 percent following his injury.
Overall, Edoga is insurance for the Cowboys due to his flexibility on the offensive line. His NFL career has shown that he can step into a starting role if necessary and time will time if that is the case this season.
One thing is for certain, Edoga could wind up being a steal for Dallas if he stays healthy this upcoming season.
Chuma Edoga was given a one-year deal by the Cowboys as the value of the deal or any incentives were disclosed.
COVINGTON, Ga. — A Covington-area blueberry farm’s beverage product was among 36 selected for the final round of competition in an annual contest spotlighting Georgia-grown food products.Deer Creek Farm saw its Blue Harvest Tea product selected to compete Tuesday, March 28, in the Beverage category of the finals of the annual Flavor of Georgia contest in the final round of competition at The Classic Center in AthensThose entering the event were all based in Georgia and competed among 12 categories. Judges tas...
COVINGTON, Ga. — A Covington-area blueberry farm’s beverage product was among 36 selected for the final round of competition in an annual contest spotlighting Georgia-grown food products.
Deer Creek Farm saw its Blue Harvest Tea product selected to compete Tuesday, March 28, in the Beverage category of the finals of the annual Flavor of Georgia contest in the final round of competition at The Classic Center in Athens
Those entering the event were all based in Georgia and competed among 12 categories. Judges tasted 124 products entered by 82 Georgia businesses in the first round of the contest March 10.
Blue Harvest Tea earned the right to compete in the finals against Ginger Beer created by Yardie Beverages of Suwanee; and a product called “Energize Original” by HIBO of Bishop.
Deer Creek Farm has operated since 2007 on County Line Road in Covington. It is a farm operation that allows the public to pick their own blueberries.
Though blueberries are its specialty, it has expanded over the years to include muscadines, figs and a variety of garden vegetables, according to its website.
Merlon Harper, who owns and operates the farm with husband Joe, said she is excited to be a finalist in the contest.
“It feels really good to have our Blue Harvest Tea recognized and spotlighted,” she said.
“We married the flavors of two of Georgia’s favorites — blueberries and tea. The flavors will remind of a summer day, sippin’ tea on the front porch, enjoying a simple moment in time,” she said.
Judges for the final round of the contest will include food brokers, grocery buyers and other food product experts. Entries are evaluated by category based on their Georgia theme, commercial appeal, taste, innovation and market potential.
Finalists in the competition — hosted by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences — will face a “Shark Tank”-style panel of judges to pitch their products, according to a UGA news release.
Contestants will provide samples to judges while pitching their products in a three-minute presentation.
Winners will be named for each category, the overall grand prize and a people’s choice award, which will be chosen by event attendees.
Manpreet Singh, head of the UGA Department of Food Science and Technology, said the Flavor of Georgia contest “is a unique opportunity for the Department of Food Science and Technology to engage with food entrepreneurs from around the state of Georgia.”
“The contest serves as a resource to assist the local food industry with product development and prepares entrepreneurs to have their products market-ready,” Singh said.
For the first time, the award ceremony and reception will be open to the public, the release stated.
“Attendees will get to sample the cream of the crop from the competition before the winners from each category and the overall contest winner is announced.”
The 16-year-old competition has acted as a launching pad for small businesses and as many as 1,650 products around the state since it began in 2007.
Past finalists report that participation in the contest boosts their annual sales by about 20% on average and may contribute to more than $5.6 million in annual revenue for the Georgia economy, according to a follow-up survey of previous finalists and winners from 2015 to 2019, a news release stated.
Isa Gutierrez, program coordinator for the Department of Food Science and Technology Extension office, plans the yearly event.
“It’s really good to connect with all these small businesses and see the innovation of some of these people,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez referred to the experience of a company that captured first place in the Jams and Jellies category at the 2022 finals.
“There was a company that made strawberry lemonade marmalade at last year’s competition called We Bee Jammin’ — now known as Christie B’s Jams and Jellies,” Gutierrez said.
“It was so fun to watch people come up and say, ‘Whoa, how did you think of this?’ … It’s great to see how these businesses bloom after the competition.”
2023 Flavor of Georgia finalists
This year’s finalists are listed by company, product name and hometown within the 12 competition categories. Each product comes from a company based in Georgia.
Beverages
• Deer Creek Farm, Blue Harvest Tea, Covington
• Yardie Beverages, Ginger Beer, Suwanee
• HIBO, Energize Original, Bishop
Baked Goods
• Lady Belle Macarons, Gritscuits – Smoked Gouda and Garlic, Stone Mountain
• Suga's Enterprises, Suga’s Pimento Cheesecake, Powder Springs
• Honey Specialties, Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake, Millen
Barbecue Sauces
• Savannah Bee Company, Honey Habanero BBQ Sauce, Savannah
• Oconee Creations, Oconee Gold White Gold, Statham
• Davis’ Sauces, Davis' 1929 Sauce, Peachtree City
Condiments, Sauces and Seasonings
• Jar Masala, Garden Masala, Snellville
• Braswell Food Company, Vidalia Onion Steak Sauce, Statesboro
• Amici Food Group, Honey Hot Sauce For Wings and other Things, Madison
Confections
• Maybird Confections, Dark Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Toffee, Alpharetta
• RoHo Bakery, Give Me S'more, Decatur
• Brittle Brittle Bakeries, Pecan Brittle, Fort Gaines
Dairy Products
• Dulce Gelato, Probiotic- Kefir Gelato, Woodstock
• Gatherings, Kimchi Pimento Cheese, Decatur
• The Cheese Plant at Hidden Creek Farm, Brasstown Bold – Double Blaze Appalachian Goat Cheese Peppered Honey, Blairsville
Honey and Syrups
• White Oak Pastures, Cane Syrup, Bluffton
• Barlow's, Peach Cobbler Syrup, Atlanta
• L. Franklin's Honey, Cinnamon Creamed Honey, Statesboro
Jams and Jellies
• Elusive Jams, PEARadise Jam, Carrollton
• Christy B’s Jams & Jellies, Peaches 'n Whiskey Preserves, Pooler
• Georgia Jams, Georgia Scorcher Pepper Spread, Williamson
Meats and Seafood
• Jensen Reserve, Biltong Style Bresaola Make Your Own Charcuterie Kit, Loganville
• White Oak Pastures, Beef Jerky, Bluffton
• Rocking Chair Ranch Cattle, Smoked Biltong, Forsyth
Miscellaneous
• Sweet Treats Cannery, Blueberry Lavender Pie Filling, Springfield
• Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm, First Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Glennville
• Tey's Southern Treats, Southern Fillings, Conyers
Pickled Vegetables, Relish and Salsas
• Point Blank Pepper Company, Hallow Rings, Marietta
• Crazy Nay’s, South Ga Redneck Caviar, Baxley
• Sully's Slammin Fresh Salsa, Mild Fresh Salsa, Roswell
Snack Foods
• All the Fixin’s, Burnin' Slap Up Spicy Pecans, Twin City
• CaJa Popcorn, Vadouvan Curry Popcorn, Smyrna
• The Savannah Cheese Straw Company, Cheese Straws, Savannah
To register to attend the reception and award ceremony and learn more about the competition, visit the Flavor of Georgia website at flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu.
WASHINGTON – Attia Little, 43, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to steal more than $500,000 from the labor organization, using the money for parties, trips, furniture, and other personal expenses. U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta also ordered $399,450 in restitution and 24 months of supervised release to follow the prison term.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of t...
WASHINGTON – Attia Little, 43, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to steal more than $500,000 from the labor organization, using the money for parties, trips, furniture, and other personal expenses. U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta also ordered $399,450 in restitution and 24 months of supervised release to follow the prison term.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the Washington Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of the Inspector General, and District Director Mark Wheeler, of the Washington District Office of the Office of Labor-Management Standards.
Little, a former union officer, pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft from a labor organization. Little was the operations manager of the Property Services Division of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), headquartered in Washington, D.C. As part of her duties, she managed administrative support, booked reservations for SEIU employees, and paid vendor invoices for union-related purchases. She had a work-issued credit card and access to third-party discount travel booking platforms that were to be used for union business only.
A co-defendant, Melba Norris, was a close associate of Little’s, and had no affiliation with the union. According to plea documents, between November 2015 and October 2017, Little used her access to the credit card and travel booking platforms to embezzle approximately $503,600 from SEIU. In total, she kept approximately $460,900 in SEIU funds for herself, and Norris kept approximately $42,700.
Among other things, Little used the SEIU credit card to purchase personal items, including purchases for a baby, personal parties hosted at her residence, personal travel, furniture, watches, clothing, and video games. She also used the credit card to purchase gift cards for personal use. Little also used the credit card to pay funds to a company that she created and companies created and controlled by Norris, even though no work was performed.
Norris, 36, of Powder Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to charges of conspiracy and theft from a labor organization. On Oct. 5, 2022, Norris was sentenced to 6 months of incarceration, followed by 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $37,007 in restitution.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Springer, and District Director Wheeler commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Labor Department’s Office of the Inspector General and Office of Labor-Management Standards. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Financial Analyst Bryan Snitselaar, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gauri Gopal and Ahmed M. Baset, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
About 50 University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets embraced the opportunity to take part in a review by Gov. Brian Kemp marking UNG's 150th anniversary at Liberty Plaza across from the State Capitol in Atlanta on March 7.Retired Col. Joseph Matthews, UNG commandant of cadets, expressed gratitude that UNG's Corps of Cadets was able to shine on such a high-profile stage."The ...
About 50 University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets embraced the opportunity to take part in a review by Gov. Brian Kemp marking UNG's 150th anniversary at Liberty Plaza across from the State Capitol in Atlanta on March 7.
Retired Col. Joseph Matthews, UNG commandant of cadets, expressed gratitude that UNG's Corps of Cadets was able to shine on such a high-profile stage.
"The 150-year history of the UNG Corps of Cadets was possible due to the unwavering support of our state leaders. Because of their support, the Military College of Georgia will continue to have the resources to educate and train the best leaders for our state and nation," Matthews said. "The sampling of cadets who formed on Liberty Plaza did an excellent job of representing the entire Corps of Cadets. Their discipline and professionalism reflect the quality of military and civilian leaders UNG will continue to produce for the next 150 years."
Cadet Capt. Bellana Bradley, a senior from Powder Springs, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology as a pre-med student, said it was an honor to meet Kemp; University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue; and Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, '93, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard.
It is truly a blessing to have such strong support from our state officials, and it is important for our program to keep a strong relationship with those who directly impact our lives as students, cadets and Georgia residents.
Cadet Col. Warren Walker
Corps of Cadets brigade commander
"It was a day to absorb all my surroundings, make connections and open my eyes more in regard to the bigger picture," Bradley, Golf Company commander, said. "Social events, especially, are out of my comfort zone, but it's important to get uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is the best way to develop yourself because you get to try new things that may develop you personally and as a leader."
Cadet Col. Warren Walker, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, serves as the Corps of Cadets brigade commander.
"It was an honor to lead our cadets in front of such a prestigious audience that included Gov. Kemp, Chancellor Perdue, and Maj. Gen. Wilson," Walker said. "It is truly a blessing to have such strong support from our state officials, and it is important for our program to keep a strong relationship with those who directly impact our lives as students, cadets and Georgia residents."
About 200 UNG cadets serve annually in the Georgia Army National Guard while in college, and 40 of them per year commission as second lieutenants when they graduate. Wilson noted that more than half of the Georgia Army National Guard's company and battalion commanders are UNG alumni.
The state offers 42 Georgia Military Service Scholarships to incoming UNG freshman cadets annually. The scholarship, worth about $85,000 over four years, pays for room, meals, tuition, books, uniforms and fees. In addition, most awardees receive National Guard weekend drill pay, GI Bill, pay for attending Army basic and advanced training, and Army ROTC contract pay (beginning of sophomore or junior year, if offered a contract to commission as a lieutenant).
Kemp offered his thanks to the cadets for the role they play at UNG and in the state.
"They represent the values that both define Georgia and make us proud every day. One of those core values that UNG promotes among all its students is service," Kemp said. "The field of cadets before us is the perfect representation of that virtue."
UNG's Sesquicentennial serves as an opportunity to honor the university's heritage, celebrate its present achievements, and focus on where it will lead next.
By Lillian Dickens —the communications, public relations and program coordinator for the UGA Department of Food Science and Technology. Judges tasted their way through 124 products entered by 82 Georgia businesses in the first round of judging for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ annual Flavor of Georgia foo...
By Lillian Dickens —the communications, public relations and program coordinator for the UGA Department of Food Science and Technology.
Judges tasted their way through 124 products entered by 82 Georgia businesses in the first round of judging for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ annual Flavor of Georgia food product contest on March 10, selecting 36 finalists who will compete in the final round of competition on March 28.
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Since its inception in 2007, the competition has acted as a launching pad for small businesses around the state. Including this year’s group, as many as 1,650 products have been entered.
“It’s really good to connect with all these small businesses and see the innovation of some of these people,” said Isa Gutierrez, program coordinator for the Department of Food Science and Technology Extension office, who also plans the yearly event.
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Submitted food products are judged across 12 categories based on flavor, texture and ingredient profile. Judges also consider marketability, how the product appeals to the consumer and how well the product represents Georgia.
“There was a company that made strawberry lemonade marmalade at last year’s competition called We Bee Jammin’ — now known as Christie B’s Jams and Jellies,” Gutierrez said of the company that captured first place in the Jams and Jellies category at the 2022 finals. “It was so fun to watch people come up and say ‘Whoa, how did you think of this?’ … It’s great to see how these businesses bloom after the competition.”
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This year’s finalists are listed by company, product name and hometown within the 12 competition categories. Each product comes from a company based in Georgia.
Baked Goods
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Barbecue Sauces
Beverages
Condiments, Sauces and Seasonings
Confections
Dairy Products
Honey and Syrups
Jams and Jellies
Meats and Seafood
Miscellaneous
Pickled Vegetables, Relish and Salsas
Snack Foods
The final round of Flavor of Georgia will take place in downtown Athens at The Classic Center. Finalists face a full day of judging and networking with other finalists, including a “Shark Tank”-style panel of judges to pitch their products.
“The Flavor of Georgia contest is a unique opportunity for the Department of Food Science and Technology to engage with food entrepreneurs from around the state of Georgia,” said Manpreet Singh, food science and technology department head. “The contest serves as a resource to assist the local food industry with product development and prepares entrepreneurs to have their products market-ready.”
For the first time, the award ceremony and reception will be open to the public. Attendees will get to sample the cream of the crop from the competition before the winners from each category and the overall contest winner is announced.
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