Barrow County has 'Arrived'

With news coming at us from all sides during the election, someone suggested they would be glad when the election is over so we can hear other news. While it is true during the campaign we do hear about one position or candidate or another. After the election, with the twenty-four hour news cycle we will continue to hear about governments, worldwide, small and large.

In the middle of the news during this presidential election cycle, I have been given great hope with the announcement about expanded business openings in Barrow County. I am in the crowd of folks who love to drop by a fast food establishment and grab a quick meal to eat in the car on the way to my next speaking engagement, or just take it home for a  quick lunch or dinner. Great delight was mine when the folks who say they “did not invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich” came to our county. With the opening of new retail outlets at the intersection of 316 and 81, it is no surprise to see more eateries opening on the other end of the county from where I live. Much is being said about the expansion of the Winder City Limit and the increased revenue that is available to the city and county governments in and around the expansion of businesses in that part of the county. Increased excitement is being shared around town with the announcement that the Varsity hotdog restaurant is opening in the same area. There are many memories that have been made over the years at the various locations of the famous hotdog establishment.

Upon moving into this area many years ago, one of the first encounters east, over into Athens, was to stop off on the way home from shopping to load up with a Varsity hotdog. Over the many years since then, as often as possible, I have made it to several of the other locations of the Varsity in order to get to know other items on their menu. During this time there has always been the hope that one day we would “arrive” in Barrow County and get our very own Varsity. It was truly exciting for me when Chick-fil-A opened and I frequent them, but knowing that every menu needs variety I look forward to driving only a few feet up the same drive to get my needed fix from the Varsity. Please don’t think I am just singling out these two fine eating establishments today by ignoring others. To list all my favorite eating places in Barrow County would take more room than allowed in my column.

Now I can shop and eat in Barrow County without having to drive east, west, north or south to find what I need. From where I stand, it is good news that I can shop and eat in Barrow County without having to go into other counties as we continue to have good growth.

Will having the Varsity restaurant in Barrow County help our local economy? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Follow Ray Newman on Twitter — @RayNewmanSr.