Running a restaurant can be a daunting task, and sometimes the only people who truly know what it’s like are other people in the business. David Maiolo, operating partner of Sweet Auburn BBQ, and Patrick McHugh, owner of 15th St. Pizza & Pub, had some mutual friends and started talking about work and the Henry County community as Maiolo began to frequent the pizza establishment. The topic of collaborating on a dish started soon after they struck up a conversation. “I thought about a brisket pizza,” said Maiolo, as Sweet Auburn BBQ is well-known for its brisket, but there was...
A Winning Recipe
When you pass Piedmont Henry Hospital these days, you can’t help but see the construction of a brand-new patient tower. In 2026, the hospital will have 96 new patient rooms, as well as a brand-new kitchen, cafeteria, and doctor’s lounge. Until then, the dietary department, with its recently doubled staff, will continue to provide three meals a day for both patients and staff with a renewed focus on quality service and compassionate care. “Last year, we prepared over 274,000 meals for patients and more than 256,000 meals for staff,” said Carol Stringer, Director of Nutrition Services for Piedmont Henry. “We...
Healthy Eating Around Town
A local primary healthcare group wants residents to realize that healthy options exist in town when they want to go out to eat. While some doctors may recommend eating at home more to stay healthy, Dr. Priya Shah, a physician and Aylo Health’s clinical director also wants patients to be realistic. “Having healthy eating habits is important, but you also have to be nice to yourself,” notes Shah, who joined Aylo Health out of residency at Emory University in 2018. “We focus on prevention through proactive approaches to a healthy lifestyle and not just giving a pill for everything.” The...
Placing Food on Tables and Hope in Hearts
For nearly 35 years, the Helping in His Name Ministries Food Pantry has been a crucial area of support for Henry County residents in need, providing necessary grocery assistance. Currently serving just over 1,100 families by appointment only once a month, the nonprofit organization distributes more than 220 pounds of meat, bread, fruit, vegetables, canned goods, milk, and more five times a week. In total, they receive and hand out about 220,000 pounds of food items each month. The overarching goal of the organization is to “help people have food on their table and hope in their hearts.” Prior to...
The Heart of Healthy Living
Women tend to be the caretaker, the nurturer, the “make it all better” person in families. Many times, neglecting their own health in the process including their heart health. As February is American Heart Month, all of us are reminded to pay attention to our cardiovascular health as heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and men in the United States. “It is important to start healthy living – the earlier, the better – that way you can remain healthy,” advises Isaura Cabrera, nurse practitioner with Atlanta Heart Associates, P.C. Healthy living includes diet, exercise, managing stress,...
Home Cooking
The Green Front Cafe has been a part of Stockbridge history since 1947. Originally owned and operated by Carrie Mae Hambrick for over 50 years, the restaurant was purchased by Diane Miller, and her daughter, Malana, in 2018. “We purchased the Green Front Cafe because this is a landmark in the community,” said Miller. “This place matters.” What was a family business for the Hambrick family has become one for the Millers as well. Malana is known around the restaurant as the big boss, while Diane’s husband, Tony, and her son, Jordan, are the primary cooks. The Green Front Cafe...
Firehouse Kitchen Ablaze
Although retired from the fire department after 28 years, former Henry County Fire Department Captain Jorge Rodriguez can often be found at various Henry County Fire Department locations, visiting with former coworkers or, sometimes, cooking them dinner. His presence in the kitchen is not uncommon as that was one of his specialties when on the clock, in addition to his Special Operations firefighting duties. “Everybody has love languages, and one of mine is cooking,” said Rodriguez. “It’s a way of showing how we care about each other.” Cooking was an integral part of his childhood that became more enjoyable over...
Path to Good Eats
Antonio Patterson has taken a somewhat roundabout path to his current position as owner of a successful Henry County restaurant. “The Lord works in mysterious ways,” he said. “It was all in God’s plan because I didn’t plan on owning a restaurant or even cooking. I was just trying to figure things out.” After high school in his native Florida, Patterson briefly pursued college football. While that did not pan out, he graduated from college and ultimately got a job at the post office. Meanwhile, people at the church he attended told him repeatedly that he was destined to do...
Nutrition Tips for Kids to Make the Winter Season Healthy, Fun and Stress-Free
Winter nutrition for kids can be a tricky shift for parents to navigate. That’s why it’s important to give yourself grace and understand it’s completely normal if nutrition takes a back seat here and there. There will be times when we all feel powerless to say no to an extra helping of pumpkin pie or mashed potatoes. These challenges, however, also offer kids a chance for growth and exploration with their mindset around food. “This time of year gives parents and caregivers a great opportunity to work towards building a positive and pressure free food atmosphere in your family,” says...
Meet the ‘Homegrown’ Future of Henry County’s Culinary Scene
It’s 9:30 a.m. on a Monday, and Henry County Schools’ dual enrollment culinary arts students are preparing for classroom instruction at the Academy for Advanced Studies (AAS). However, it is not a typical day. Chef Tricia Vera introduces two guests interested in learning about the program and instructs students to change into cooking gear and relocate to the adjoining kitchen. Then, she announces the menu item for the day. Eggs. The students appear surprised at Vera’s choice. However, bewilderment quickly gives way to a sense of urgency as they gather cookware and ingredients. Vera explains they are learning different ways...