Join host Elise White as she sits down with Chef T and his beautiful wife Mia, the powerhouse couple behind Phenomenal Seafood in Austell, Georgia. From their humble beginnings with a franchise to building their own phenomenal brand, this is a story of love, faith, and incredible food that brings the community together.

In this episode, discover how Chef T and Mia transformed their passion for seafood into a thriving restaurant that survived COVID-19 and is now looking toward franchising. Learn about their signature dishes named after family members, their secret ingredient (spoiler: it's love!), and why people drive from as far as Columbus, Georgia just to taste their food.

🍤 What You'll Learn:

• The evolution from Smacking Good to Mighty Good to Phenomenal Seafood
• How they created a dining experience that goes beyond just takeout
• The story behind their family-named menu items
• Their business philosophy and future franchising plans
• Why consistency and love are their secret ingredients

📍 Visit Phenomenal Seafood: Address: 2495 East West Connector, Austell, Georgia Website: phenomenalseafood.com Instagram: @phenomenalseafood

🎵 Weekly Events:

• Wednesday: $2 Oysters
• Thursday: Karaoke
• Friday: Live Music
• Saturday: DJ
• Sunday: Brunch

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell! 🔔

Find South Cobb Live on all platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | and more!

#PhenomenalSeafood #SouthCobbLive #AustellGA #SeafoodRestaurant #BlackBusiness #FamilyBusiness #SoulFood

Welcome to another episode of South Cobb LIVE!, where we spotlight the heart and hustle of local business owners building community through service, storytelling, and soul. In this episode, Elise White sits down with Nick Hanratty, the co-owner of Varner's Restaurant & Tavern in Smyrna, GA. What started as a post-Taco Mac venture is now a community staple serving wings, burgers, and family vibes for over 17 years. Nick shares his journey from part-time employee to co-owner, how Varner's became a second home for Eagles fans (Fly, Eagles, Fly!), and the powerful impact of building real relationships with guests and staff alike. You’ll hear how this beloved tavern survived the 2008 crash, created generational customer loyalty, and became a local legend—one lemon pepper wing at a time. 🍋🐔

⚠️ Stick around till the end to learn how YOU can unlock a 15% discount on your next dine-in visit just by dropping one word in the comments! 📌

SHOW NOTES: 00:00 – Intro to South Cobb LIVE & today’s guest

01:15 – The origin story of Varner Tavern

04:45 – Surviving the Great Recession & finding Smyrna at just the right time

07:30 – From employee to co-owner: Nick’s story of grit and growth

10:20 – Building a culture of excellence and real community

13:05 – Eagles fan club, karaoke nights, trivia, and kids eat free Fridays

16:40 – The secret sauce: customer relationships & service-driven leadership

20:55 – Giving back: school PTAs, Milford Youth, and using space for fundraisers

23:00 – Elise’s rapid-fire “South Cobb Spotlight Sprint”

24:15 – Special offer just for YOU — don’t miss it! 👀

📍 Connect with Varner Tavern

🌐 varnerstavern.com 📸 @varnerstavern (Facebook & Instagram)

🎧 Follow South Cobb LIVE!

📲 @SouthCobbLive | @SouthCobbMedia

📍 Bringing community stories to your feed and your heart.

In this inspiring episode of South Cobb LIVE!, host Elise White sits down with Sharmaine Thomas, the franchise owner of Project Lean Nation Cumberland. Discover how Sharmaine and her husband turned personal loss and a passion for health into a thriving business that delivers nutritious, delicious, and convenient meals right in the heart of South Cobb.

Tune in as Sharmaine shares:

- The heartfelt story behind launching Project Lean Nation Cumberland

- How their meals cater to busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and families

- Why this health-focused franchise is exactly what Cobb County needed

- Favorite meals like the Maple Bacon Burger and Italian Chicken

- Stories of transformation and community connection

- How YOU can get involved and jumpstart your wellness journey

Special Offer compliments of South Cobb LIVE!

Get a free protein shake and a complimentary consultation when you comment the word LEAN on our Instagram @ProjectLeanNation_Cumberland.

It's our way of saying thank you for being part of the wellness movement.

Connect with Us

Visit: Project Lean Nation Cumberland, 2980 Cobb Parkway, Suite 168

Instagram: @ProjectLeanNation_Cumberland