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- Growing Our Kids, Growing Our Community
Growing Our Kids, Growing Our Community
Celebrating Locals, Culinary Delights, and Keeping Our City Accountable

Dear Stewards
This week, we're celebrating community spirit and local excellence. From a bookstore that fosters connections to a burger joint that elevates a classic, Smyrna is brimming with individuals and businesses making a real difference.
We also take a closer look at local health and safety, and provide you with a variety of family-friendly events and community discussions.
In Today's Edition
🪴 Difference makers: Local residents form amazing partnership
🦸🏻 Local Legend: Burger Crush
💎 Hidden Gem: Sincerely Yours Bookstore
🛡️ Stewards Watch: Doc's Food & Spirits Under Scrutiny
🧬 Family Friendly: Get Creative at Home with To-Go Craft Kits
📣 Community Voices: Grocery Shopping in Smyrna
🎟️ Events: Coffee & Connections Wednesday
Quote of the Day & more
— Your Voice for Local Prosperity
🪴 Difference Makers
Showcasing prime examples of stewardship in action
Growing our kids, growing our community @ KOS
In the heart of Smyrna, James and Elaine are making a profound impact on the lives of children and families through their organization, KOS (Knowledge of Self), Inc.
They’re not just offering programs; they’re building a foundation for lifelong skills, personal growth, and community strength.
"Just wow! This place is absolutely astounding! It's slightly difficult to explain. It is definitely an experience. As soon as you walk through the doors, there's a welcoming energy that immediately engulfs you."
KOS, Inc. began as a simple carpentry class during the pandemic, but under James and Elaine's vision, it has blossomed into a vital community resource.
They saw a need for creative exploration and unconventional learning, especially during school breaks when many families struggle with childcare.
Empowering Youth, Enriching Lives:
James and Elaine’s commitment to stewardship is evident in their hands-on approach and the diverse curriculum they've developed. KOS, Inc. offers:
Diverse Learning Opportunities: From STEM and carpentry to theatre, music, and yoga, they provide a wide range of engaging activities.
Confidence Building: Their programs focus on developing essential life skills and fostering a sense of autonomy in learning.
Community Support: They address the critical need for affordable childcare during school breaks, especially for single-parent and low-income families.
A Vision for the Future:
James, an army veteran and former firefighter, and Elaine, a seasoned children’s theatre educator, bring a unique blend of skills and passion to their work.
Their dedication to fostering creativity and sharing knowledge is transforming lives. Their goal is to expand KOS, Inc., offering scholarships and reaching an even wider audience.
By emphasizing values like truthfulness, kindness, and responsibility, they’re not just teaching skills; they’re shaping future leaders.
Join the KOS Community:
Learn more about their programs and how you can support their mission.
Volunteer your time and skills to enrich the lives of Smyrna’s youth.
Help KOS, Inc. build a stronger, more confident community.
KOS Inc.:
Learn more: https://www.kossmyrna.org/
Instagram: @smyrnakosinc
🦸🏻 Local Legend
Highlighting stories from hometown heroes
Burger Crush: Crafting the Perfect Bite in Smyrna
In the midst of Smyrna's growing culinary scene, Burger Crush has quickly established itself as a local legend.
This restaurant has redefined the burger experience, proving that even a classic can be elevated to new heights with quality ingredients and a passion for perfection.
"The best burger in Atlanta. Period. So juicy and flavorful. I had the triple and it was a huge portion. Fair price. Friendly and fast service. Not only are the burgers great, I also had the best BLT ever. Our kids devoured the griled cheese."
Burger Crush isn't just another burger joint; it's the culmination of a local visionary's experience.
Founded by Jack Huffey, a father and the former founder and owner of Jack's New Yorker Deli, this restaurant brings years of culinary expertise and a deep understanding of local tastes to the burger scene.
Jack's success in building a local favorite at two locations, Buckhead and Smyrna, laid the groundwork for the exceptional quality and customer focus that defines Burger Crush.
Crafting Perfection, One Burger at a Time:
Jack and his team understood the power of simplicity and quality. They prioritize:
Premium Ingredients: Sourcing high-quality meats, fresh produce, and artisan buns to create exceptional burgers.
Handcrafted Excellence: Meticulously preparing each burger with careful attention to detail, ensuring a consistently delicious experience.
Customer Loyalty: Building a loyal following through their rewards program, showing appreciation for their dedicated customers.
Community Engagement: Fostering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making Burger Crush a local favorite.
Economic Impact:
Burger Crush's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has a positive impact on our locaal economy:
Culinary Excellence: Raising the standard for burgers in the area, attracting food enthusiasts.
Local Employment: Supporting local jobs in the restaurant industry.
Community Attraction: Drawing in customers from surrounding areas, benefiting local businesses.
Visit Burger Crush:
Location: 871 Concord Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Rewards Program: Crush Rewards
Instagram: @burgercrushsmyrna
Experience the Crush: Savor their handcrafted burgers and experience the difference.
Discovering diamonds in the rough
Sincerely Yours Bookstore: A Love Letter to Readers
Smyrna has a new chapter, and it's written in pink, romance, and the promise of a cozy haven. Sincerely Yours Bookstore has opened its doors, becoming a beloved community treasure.
This bookstore is a testament to the passion of its owners, Mallory and Madison. Their journey, shared with warmth and enthusiasm on TikTok, transformed a simple space into a community treasure. You can feel their genuine excitement from the moment you step inside.
The atmosphere is undeniably inviting. Soft pink hues and comfortable seating create a sense of belonging, encouraging you to linger and explore. As one visitor noted, it's a place where you can comfortably "plop down" and immerse yourself in the world of books.
The selection is thoughtfully curated, focusing on romance, fiction, and fantasy – genres that resonate deeply with many readers. Whether you're seeking a beloved bestseller or a hidden gem, you'll find something to captivate your imagination.
But Sincerely Yours offers more than just books. It's a gathering place, a hub for connection. Mallory and Madison envision it as a space where "friendships flourish," hosting book clubs and events that foster a sense of community.
The glowing reviews speak to the genuine warmth of the staff and the welcoming ambiance.
"We really needed something like this in Smyrna," a customer shared, and it's a sentiment echoed by many. This bookstore is a refreshing addition, a place where stories come to life and where readers feel truly at home.
Mallory and Madison's mission is simple yet profound: to elevate reading from a pastime to an experience. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and enriching space is evident in every detail.
If you're looking for a new literary adventure, a cozy retreat, or a community of fellow book lovers, Sincerely Yours Bookstore is a must-visit. Its charm, curated selection, and the genuine passion of its owners make it a true gem in Smyrna.
Visit Sincerely Yours Bookstore:
Address: 2450 Atlanta Rd SE Suite 300, Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Explore their world on Instagram: @sincerelyyoursbookstore
See their story on TikTok: @sincerelyyoursbookstore
🛡️ Stewards Watch
Holding local businesses and officials accountable
Doc's Food & Spirits Under Scrutiny
Doc's Food & Spirits has faced repeated health inspection issues, raising concerns about their food safety practices. Here's a summary of the key findings from the last year:
November 2024:
Doc's received a score of 81.
Violations included a dirty ice machine, food held at unsafe cold temperatures, and the improper use of "time as a public health control" for chicken wings.
March 12, 2025:
Doc's received a significantly lower score of 55.
Major violations included:
Lack of a proper key drop agreement with their supplier.
An employee's failure to wash hands before food preparation.
No hot water at the bar handwashing sink.
Improper storage of raw meat, leading to contamination.
Dirty food contact surfaces and utensils.
Food held at unsafe cold and hot temperatures.
Improper cooling of chicken wings.
Meat being washed in the same sink as produce.
March 21, 2025:
Doc's received a score of 85.
While improved, violations regarding dirty food contact surfaces and improper cold holding temperatures were still present. The cold holding violations were repeat violations.
What This Means:
Doc's has demonstrated a pattern of issues with food safety, particularly concerning cleanliness and temperature control. While some violations were corrected during inspections, the repeated issues are concerning and warrant attention.
What You Can Do:
Read the full inspection reports on the health department's .
Ask Doc's management about their plan to address these ongoing issues.
Support businesses that consistently prioritize food safety.
This information is provided to keep our community informed and encourage local businesses to prioritize the health and safety of their customers.
🧬 Family Friendly
Fun for the little ones
Get Creative at Home with To-Go Craft Kits
Looking for a fun and engaging activity for your little ones? The Smyrna Public Library has you covered! The Smyrna Public Library is offering To-Go Craft Kits for children aged 4-7 years old. Each kit includes all the supplies needed (except crayons or glue) to create three exciting crafts
Location: Smyrna Public Library, Youth Services Desk 100 Village Green Circle SE Smyrna, GA 30080
Date: Monday, March 31st | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Note: Craft kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last
📣 Community Voices
What your neighbors care about
🛒 Grocery Shopping
“Hey guys. Young and new shopper here looking to find what’s the best place to shop for groceries (in Smyrna).”
→ Read the full discussion here
🏗️ Tolleson Pool Discussion
“Is it me or is nobody actually working on the Tolleson pool anymore? Demolition obviously has happened but I never see a work crew and nothing is getting done. Any info?”
→ We want to hear from you! Join the discussion over at the Smyrna Reddit
🎟️ Events
☕ Coffee & Connections Wednesday | Mar 26, 8AM - 9AM
Location: Osbourne High School, 2451 Favor Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30060 (Temporary Location).
Description: Networking event with 60-second business speeches.
Special Catered Breakfast : Provided by Osbourne HS Students.
7-minute speaker: Derek Chard, TWC Payments.
View our full calendar here
Send your event info to: [email protected]
Support our local businesses! Visit the directory on our websites:
Quote of the Day
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was ‘thank you,’ that would suffice”
Thanks for reading, and more importantly being a good steward of your community. We’ll see you next week!
— The Stewardship Group