is not simply a backdrop for civic life, but one of a community’s most valuable assets. While large shopping centers and national retailers can be found in almost any city, a distinctive historic district provides something far harder to replicate: locally owned businesses, one-of-a-kind storefronts, and the sense of place that gives residents pride and draws visitors to stop, explore, and spend time. For Villa Rica, that philosophy is translating into a deliberate strategy to support local entrepreneurs and elevate the downtown experience. The Mayor points to businesses that combine character, story, and quality as examples of what makes the city’s historic area special. One such standout is Chat and Choo, a diner located just off the railroad tracks in a building shaped by a significant moment in local history. Originally a pharmacy, the structure was impacted by a gas explosion in 1957. Restored to reflect its historic look and role in the community’s story, it now operates as a local gathering place offering a mix of traditional Southern cooking and dinner options that keep the space active throughout the day. Downtown energy has also been strengthened by newer additions and strategic wins that reflect the city’s broader revitalization efforts. Leadership highlighted the arrival of Café Bloom and emphasized the successful return of a popular Cajun-Creole restaurant, Gabe’s Downtown, to the historic district. Bringing the restaurant back into the downtown core, in a substantially larger space than its previous location, has been viewed as more than a business recruitment success. It has served as a signal that Villa Rica’s downtown is moving in the right direction, with local businesses regaining confidence and residents and visitors responding to new options. Behind these visible changes is a deeper municipal focus on becoming more business friendly. The Mayor is clear that this does not mean offering incentives that rely on public dollars, but rather removing friction that makes it difficult to open and operate a business. In practical terms, the city has been collecting direct feedback from business owners to better understand where processes feel 49 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 VILLA RICA, GA
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