Unwrap Smyrna-Vinings: From Himalayan Bites to Bold Downtown Plans

Dear Stewards,

This week, we invite you to embark on a flavorful journey: from the savory Momos (we’ll explain later) of Himalayan Kitchen to the shifting landscape of Cobb Galleria’s specialty shops.

These stories are more than just places to eat or shop; they are reflections of our community’s resilience, culture, and vibrant future.

As Smyrna evolves, your voice and your footsteps shape what comes next. Whether it’s savoring new tastes or speaking up for safer railways and better downtown spaces, every action counts.

Let’s celebrate what makes Smyrna-Vinings unique, and boldly step into the future together.

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

In Today's Edition

• 🍽️ Hidden Gem: Authentic Tibetan Cuisine in Smyrna

• 🏬 Local Legend: Cobb Galleria’s Specialty Shops Close After Decades

• 🕵️‍♂️ Stewards Watch: Ossoff Demands Rail Reform After Two CSX Derailments

• 💼 Job Board: Leadership & Sales Roles Open in Smyrna-Vinings

• 🎉 Event Horizon: Your Week of Food, Art, Markets & Family Fun

• 📊 Public Pulse: What Smyrna Really Thinks About Downtown

HIDDEN GEM
A Taste of the Himalayas: Hidden Here in Smyrna

Nestled in the heart of Smyrna, Himalayan Kitchen is your go-to destination for authentic Tibetan and Himalayan cuisine: the only restaurant in town proudly serving these rich and flavorful dishes.

Founded and run by passionate women, Himalayan Kitchen brings a warm, cozy dining experience filled with genuine hospitality and care.

It even caught the attention of a local foodie with over almost 70k followers on instagram, check out the video below.

thatredheadedfoodie

69K followers

View more on Instagram

Why Himalayan Kitchen?

• Authentic Flavors: Every Dish Celebrates Himalayan Culinary Tradition

  • Renowned momos 

  • Steamed or fried dumplings bursting with fresh ingredients

  • Comforting Chicken Thukpa and spicy fried fish

• Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly: A menu that thoughtfully caters to all, featuring plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

• Warm, Attentive Service: Guests praise the friendly staff who share stories about the culture and food origins, enhancing the dining experience.

• Cozy Ambiance: Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere perfect for savoring your meal, with options for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating.

Customer Favorites

• Momos: The butter chicken momos and Tibetan spicy momos with potato filling are a must-try, often hailed as the best dumplings in the Atlanta area.

• Chicken Thukpa Soup: A flavorful and hearty noodle soup loved for its comforting qualities.

• Special Chow Mein & Fried Rice: Well-seasoned, filling, and perfectly cooked.

• Combo Plates: Great value with a bit of everything to introduce you to Himalayan flavors.

Visit Himalayan Kitchen

Address: 1651 Roswell St Suite C, Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: (678) 217-4443
Email: [email protected]

Whether you're a longtime fan or trying Tibetan cuisine for the first time, Himalayan Kitchen promises a memorable meal that feels like home.

LOCAL LEGEND
Cobb Galleria’s Specialty Shops Close Doors After Decades, Making Way for Bold New Renovation

For years, the Cobb Galleria was the place to be for high-end shopping and dining in Cobb County.

Specialty shops thrived here, drawing visitors with unique gifts, tasty pastries, and memorable experiences.

Sophia David, owner of the beloved Galleria Newsstand since 1993, opened her doors seven days a week, offering souvenirs and treats that kept customers coming back.

But after more than 30 years, the pandemic and changing shopping habits took their toll.

Cobb Galleria Centre CEO Charlie Beirne remembers the Galleria’s heyday as the “mall, the shopping area to go to,” but acknowledges how online shopping and other factors caused foot traffic to dwindle.

Key Takeaways:

• Cobb Galleria specialty shops closed after decades, impacted by changing shopping trends and the pandemic

• Renovation will add outdoor spaces, hotel, and upgraded convention center facilities

• The transformation shows the area’s need to evolve while supporting small businesses

Sophia David is already looking ahead, hoping to relocate her gift shop with the help of investors and community support.

“We are here to work,” she says, eager to keep serving Cobb County in new ways.

The Cobb Galleria’s transformation is a reminder that even beloved local landmarks must evolve, and that community spirit and small businesses are key to every new beginning.

_{Thumbnail Credit: 11 Alive}

STEWARDS WATCH
🕵️‍♂️ Ossoff Demands Rail Reform After 2 CSX Derailments in Georgia

Two train derailments; one in Fayette County, the other right here in Smyrna—have sparked a federal investigation by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff.

His message to CSX Transportation: fix your tracks before someone gets hurt.

• On March 25, six CSX cars derailed in Tyrone after law enforcement had already warned the company about broken tracks.

• On May 9, 17 CSX cars derailed overnight in Smyrna, just feet from homes. We covered the local impact and community reaction in a previous issue.

📄 Ossoff’s official letter to CSX CEO Joseph Hinrichs demands:

• A full explanation of what went wrong

• Concrete steps to prevent future derailments

• Accountability for putting Georgians in harm’s way

💡 This isn’t Ossoff’s first push for safer rail. He and Senator Warnock have:

• Delivered $12M for eliminating risky railway crossings

• Helped fund projects in Chatham, DeKalb, and Gwinnett through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program

• Submitted testimonials from Georgians impacted by blocked crossings to the Federal Railroad Administration

🗣️ Why it matters for Smyrna:
This wasn’t a rural mishap, it was our backyards. With federal pressure mounting, now’s the time to demand answers, upgrades, and accountability. We’ll keep watching.

EVENT HORIZON
Your Week in Smyrna-Vinings 

• 🚚 Food Truck Tuesday: Savor gourmet bites, sweets, and music every Tuesday night. 📍 Taylor-Brawner Park | 🗓 Tuesday, June 10 | ⏰ 5–9 PM

• 🎨 Adult Art Juneteenth Workshop: Gelli Plate Printmaking: Celebrate Black culture through vibrant, hands-on gelli plate printmaking. 📍 Smyrna Public Library, Meeting Room, 100 Village Green Circle SE | 🗓 Friday, June 13 | ⏰ 10:30 AM–12 PM (Ages 18+)

  • Update - registration for this event filled up fast, but you can join a waiting list here 

• 🛍️ Smyrna Market: Shop 40+ vendors with food, crafts, local goods, and fresh finds. 📍 City Hall, 2800 King Street | 🗓 Sunday, June 15 | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM

• 🎨 Make-it Mondays - Four Leaf Clovers: Pick up a fun to-go craft kit for kids ages 3–7 📍 Smyrna Public Library, Youth Services Desk, 100 Village Green Circle SE | 🗓 Monday, June 16 | ⏰ 10 AM–7 PM (While supplies last. Glue and crayons not included.)

• 🧱 LEGO Club Drop-in: Kids build, create, and display their LEGO masterpieces, no registration needed. 📍 Smyrna Public Library, Meeting Room, 100 Village Green Circle SE | 🗓 Monday, June 16 | ⏰ 2–4 PM (For ages 5–10, DUPLO for under 4. Drop in anytime. Adult supervision required.

  • Theme: “Color Our World.” Creations stay on display until the next club meetup.

• 🏃 Monday Night Run Club - Run Smyrna: Meet fellow runners for a relaxed 3–5 mile run📍Smyrna Beer Market (by Stout Brothers, SW of the fountain). 🗓 Monday, June 16 | ⏰ Meet at 6:30 PM, run starts shortly after (Run at your own pace, and your own risk.)

PUBLIC PULSE
🧭 What Smyrna Really Thinks About Downtown

In a recent community survey and feedback map, Smyrna residents painted a clear picture of what’s working downtown, and what’s not.

Thousands of comments centered around Market Village, the First Baptist Church site, and Spring Street traffic.

🔥 Top 5 Things We Heard:

1. Market Village has major potential. Locals want more things to do: restaurants, bars, nightlife, and events.

2. The old First Baptist Church site is seen as a major opportunity for new businesses and vibrancy.

3. More family-friendly green space is needed. The Village Green is a step in the right direction, but not enough.

4. Parking feels disjointed. Especially the lot behind Main Street, which some say makes downtown feel “disconnected and unwelcoming.”

5. Spring Street traffic makes walking unsafe. Parents especially voiced concern about crossing near the fountain.

🛠️ What’s Next?

City leaders are using this input to shape the future of downtown. The redevelopment of the church site and changes to Spring Street could be major turning points. Expect public workshops and opportunities to weigh in again soon.

Your Move, Smyrna-Vinings Residents!

💌 Share the intelligence: Forward this to someone whose always asking you whats going on in town

🧭 Support our local businesses! They're the ones supporting the community and hiring your neighbors in Smyrna & Vinings
📣 Got a local gem or listing? Send it our way
💬 Chat with your neighbors: CobbTalk Forum

📬 Stay in the loop: Sign up for Smyrna-Vinings news delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday @ 8 AM

We’re honored to have you here. See you next week.
— The Stewardship Group

P.S. Stewardship Challenge of the Week
Try a local gem this week and enjoy something new in Smyrna!
👉 Share your favorite find with us, we’d love to hear your recommendations!