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Welcome to Real Forsyth! Here, you’ll be able to keep up with the latest developments and growth happening in Forsyth County, Georgia. If this landed in your spam, please move it to your inbox so you don’t miss any future issues. Also, make sure to share it with your friends in FoCo. Now here’s what happened recently:

A new breakfast option has officially opened along the Bethelview Road corridor. Jeff’s Bagel Run opened its Cumming location on Oct. 2 at 5610 Bethelview Road, Suite 700, in Steeplechase Plaza.The company announced that Cumming and Brandon, Florida, became its 40th and 41st locations, bringing the fast-growing chain to 41 shops across 10 states. Jeff’s specializes in scratch-made bagels that are mixed, boiled and baked throughout the day, along with house-whipped cream cheese spreads, coffee and specialty drinks. The Cumming shop is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.and is the company’s second Georgia location, joining Acworth. Local reporting says the roughly 1,200-square-foot space previously housed Bethelview Pharmacy, giving the former pharmacy storefront a new use along one of west Forsyth’s busiest commercial corridors.

Source: Jeff’s Bagel Run Location List

After years of planning and construction, Southard Exchange has its first business open to customers. Chick-fil-A Bethelview & Castleberry opened Oct. 1 at 5580 Wren Street, becoming the first tenant to begin operating in the new commercial development at Bethelview and Castleberry roads. Chick-fil-A says the restaurant created approximately 110 jobs and offers dine-in, drive-thru, mobile pickup, third-party delivery and Mobile Thru service. The opening marks a significant milestone for the roughly 17-acre Southard Exchange, which was approved by county commissioners in 2024 and is planned for about 59,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and office space. Other announced tenants include Maepole, Shake Shack, 7 Brew and Fifth Third Bank, with additional space still available. Chick-fil-A also marked the opening with a $25,000 donation to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Source: Official Chick-fil-A

A major new residential development is taking shape beside Cumming City Center. Toll Brothers recently announced that site work is underway on Cloverhill at Cumming City Center, a new luxury community at 519 Canton Road featuring both townhomes and detached single-family homes. The company expects sales to begin in spring 2027.

The project will include three home collections. The Alder Collection will offer townhomes starting in the mid-$500,000s, while the larger Juniper townhomes are expected to start in the mid-$600,000s. Detached homes in the Wildflower Collection are anticipated to start in the upper $600,000s. Floor plans will range from roughly 1,900 to more than 2,600 square feet. Residents will also have access to a clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness center, tennis courts, playground and community gathering spaces.

The location is a big part of the pitch: Toll Brothers is marketing Cloverhill as a walkable extension of Cumming City Center, putting new residents within walking distance of its restaurants, shops, entertainment and events.

Source: Official Toll Brothers

Forsyth County will open its new Thrive Center on Oct. 15 with a 2 p.m. ribbon cutting at 595 Dahlonega Street, followed by drop-in family activities. Created from the former Charles Place facility, the center will become the county’s dedicated hub for therapeutic recreation programs for residents with varying abilities. The renovation includes upgraded activity spaces, offices for the county’s Therapeutic Recreation division, and several new outdoor amenities. Those additions include a sport court designed for basketball and pickleball, a covered outdoor patio, and an accessible backyard with improved landscaping. Forsyth County says the programs are designed to help participants build skills, form connections and enjoy recreation in supportive settings.

Source: LDI Official Bidding Portal

A new mission-driven thrift and consignment shop is opening in downtown Cumming. Grace Restored, located at 216 Atlanta Road, Suite F, will hold its grand opening open house on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 4:30–6:30 p.m., according to Ministries of Grace and the Forsyth County Chamber. The store focuses on home goods, kitchenware, décor and select furniture, with inventory coming from donated and consigned items. What makes it different from a typical thrift store: all proceeds support Ministries of Grace, the Cumming nonprofit behind Meals by Grace and other programs helping North Georgia families facing food insecurity and financial hardship. The grand opening will include store tours, free ice cream and a 25% off coupon for attendees.

Source: Ministries of Grace

Thank you for reading this week’s issue of Real Forsyth. It’s exciting to see all the new development and growth happening in this county of ours. Have suggestions for the newsletter? Reply to this email; I read all responses. Know someone who’d enjoy this newsletter? Forward them this email! And if you’re a local business interested in sponsoring the next issue, visit this page for information. See you next Sunday :)

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