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Business Spotlight

 

We are excited to celebrate the heart and soul of our community—Clarkston’s locally owned and operated businesses that help make our city a thriving hub of innovation and opportunity. Each month, we spotlight a local business that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication that drives Clarkston’s growth.

 

From beloved eateries to unique retailers, cutting-edge service providers to dynamic startups, the businesses featured here are living proof of our city’s motto: Where Possibilities Grow. These businesses not only fuel our local economy but also play a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant community we all cherish.

 

We invite YOU to join us in celebrating these remarkable businesses by casting your vote for the Clarkston's Home Grown Business of the Month. Your vote helps highlight the businesses that are making a difference and contributing to our city’s success.

Thank you for supporting our local entrepreneurs and for being part of a community where opportunities thrive. Let’s continue to nurture and grow what makes Clarkston unique—together! 

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Business of the Month program, or if you would like more information about local business opportunities in Clarkston, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am happy to assist you!

You can contact me directly via email: JBouie@cityofclarkston.com

 Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making Clarkston a place where possibilities grow.

The City of Clarkston is excited to spotlight Kuku Ethiopian Coffee as the October 2024 Business of the Month. 

Join us in shining a spotlight on this vibrant café that brings a unique blend of Ethiopian and French coffee culture to our community, founded by Bethlehem Bidiglen.

Kuku Ethiopian Coffee isn’t just a café—it’s a reflection of one woman’s journey and her love for community, culture, and connection, making it a vital part of Clarkston’s growing business landscape. Bethlehem Bidiglen, the owner, grew up in Ethiopia but spent her years studying in Paris. When her child started calling her “KuKu,” it stuck, and soon it became the perfect name for her new coffee shop. In Ethiopia, “KuKu” is also a greeting—fitting for the warm, welcoming space she envisioned.
 
 
 
Bethlehem’s passion for business runs in her blood. Growing up the daughter of entrepreneurs, she’s always been an opportunity seeker, ready to take on new challenges. That’s exactly what she did with Kuku Ethiopian Coffee. Her goal wasn’t just to brew coffee, but to create a space where people from all backgrounds could come together, share stories, and experience the unique flavors of Ethiopian and French coffee traditions. Whether you’re savoring a cup of Ethiopian iced coffee or indulging in a scoop of salted caramel ice cream, Kuku Ethiopian Coffee is more than a café—it’s a cultural experience that adds value to Clarkston's diverse economy.
 
Now, a little over five months since opening, Kuku Ethiopian Coffee has become a key player in Clarkston’s local economy. The café draws a loyal customer base during busy morning and afternoon hours, contributing to the foot traffic that supports other nearby businesses. Like any entrepreneur, Bethlehem has faced challenges—finding reliable staff being one of them—but through persistence, she’s learned to overcome these hurdles. By focusing on self-improvement and competing with herself rather than others, she’s built a strong foundation that will help Kuku Ethiopian Coffee continue to grow as a local business.
 
 
Choosing Clarkston as the location for Kuku Ethiopian Coffee was a natural decision for Bethlehem and her husband, long-time residents of the area. Clarkston’s rich diversity and welcoming spirit made it an ideal place to establish a business that mirrors these values. As the city has evolved—adding new walkways, bike paths, and improving accessibility—Kuku Ethiopian Coffee has thrived in this improved business environment, adding to the community’s economic vibrancy.
 
Bethlehem is also committed to collaboration and growth, exploring partnerships with other local businesses and supporting community initiatives. Her desire to contribute to Clarkston’s local economy runs deep, and she sees Kuku Ethiopian Coffee as more than just a café—it’s a small business that’s helping shape the future of Clarkston. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Don’t let barriers stop you. If you have a dream, go for it.”
 
 
Supporting local businesses like Kuku Ethiopian Coffee is an investment in Clarkston’s future. As the city continues to grow and develop, enterprises like Kuku Ethiopian Coffee not only foster community connections but also strengthen the local economy, ensuring a prosperous future for all.

 

Visit Kuku Ethiopian Coffee at the Clarkston Market, located at 980 Rowland St, Clarkston, GA 30021, to savor a delightful blend of Ethiopian and French coffee while supporting local businesses in our vibrant community! See more on KuKu's Instagram. 

 

 

Help us celebrate local entrepreneurship! 

NOMINATE A LOCAL BUSINESS 

Support Local - Buy Local

#Clarkston'sHomeGrown 

The City of Clarkston is excited to spotlight Fresh Harvest as the November 2024 Business of the Month. 

Join us in celebrating this innovative company, founded by Zac Harrison, which delivers fresh, organic produce and groceries to homes and businesses while championing sustainability, community connection, and workforce development in Clarkston since 2014.

 

 

Fresh Harvest began as an idea sparked by Zac’s visit to an organic farm in California more than a decade ago. Inspired by the deep sense of community and the connection people had under food, Zac returned home with the vision of creating Fresh Harvest. The name reflects their mission—providing fresh, organic food with a focus on sustainability and healthy living.

Like many businesses, Fresh Harvest faced its share of challenges at the beginning. Joe Spiccia, Content Director at Fresh Harvest, recalls logistical hurdles, route planning issues, and finding the right talent to help the business grow. Despite these early setbacks, the team has overcome these obstacles and continuously developed a strong presence in the metro Atlanta area. Today, their trucks can be found everywhere from Clarkston’s Market Street to Decatur, Midtown, Kirkwood, Roswell, and beyond!

 

 

Fresh Harvest is not just about delivering organic produce—it's about making a difference. Their mission includes three key principles: sustainability, health, and convenience. They believe in regenerative farming, local sourcing, reusable packaging, and minimizing food waste. Their goal is to make healthy, organic food accessible to everyone, while empowering customers to spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.

The number 100,000,000 is a significant milestone for Fresh Harvest, representing the amount of money they aim to invest in local food by 2032. This ambitious goal is driving their commitment to sustainable farming and community education, as they continue to grow and expand their reach.

 

 

Since moving to Clarkston in 2014, Fresh Harvest has become a key player in the local workforce development efforts. 70% of Fresh Harvest's staff consists of newcomers to Clarkston, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents. The company’s growth has been fueled not just by their products, but by their deep commitment to the community and creating meaningful connections with customers and partners.

Fresh Harvest also gives back through its nonprofit initiative, Share the Harvest, which provides organic food to Clarkston neighbors in need at subsidized rates. Through this program, Fresh Harvest operates three weekly markets, making fresh, healthy food more accessible to everyone in the area.

 

 

Looking toward the future, Fresh Harvest is focused on expanding their impact in Clarkston and beyond. They are dedicated to collaborating with more businesses, reducing waste, and engaging more with the community through education about the benefits of organic food and sustainable farming practices. The company’s leadership, including Zac Harrison, believes that connecting with the community and investing in people is the key to long-term success.

In addition to their work in organic food, the Fresh Harvest team enjoys supporting local businesses in Clarkston, often dining at the tasty Kathmandu Kitchen & Grill at 926 Montreal Rd E. They’re also passionate about seeing more green spaces in the city, particularly in the downtown area!

As Fresh Harvest continues to grow, their focus remains on sustainability, health, and providing high-quality, organic food to the community. Their long-term goal is to continue to create a healthier, more vibrant Georgia, one meal at a time.

 

 

Supporting local businesses like Fresh harvest is an investment in Clarkston's future. As the city continues to grow and develop, enterprises like Fresh Harvest not only foster community connections but also strengthen the local economy, ensuring a prosperous future for all! 

 

To connect with Fresh Harvest, visit their Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Blog. 

 

Help us celebrate local entrepreneurship!

NOMINATE A LOCAL BUSINESS 

Support Local - Buy Local 

#Clarkston'sHomeGrown

 

 

Coming Soon!