The Local Spot on schedule to open this month
Born and raised in Oglethorpe County, Stephanie Nation’s goal is to embody the saying “good laughs, good food, good people” with her new restaurant.
“I really want it to just be somewhere fun that people can come, and if they're having a bad day, it will turn upside down,” Nation said. “I want it to be enjoyable and where everyone feels welcome.”
She has plans to open The Local Spot, located at 1185 Athens Road, later this month. Foods like Philly cheesesteaks, wings, burgers and quesadillas will be served, along with beer in bottles and cans.
Nation's goal is to have lunch items at $10 or less and full meals under $15, in addition to wing combos.
UFO burgers will also be available, providing a new option for the county. The Korean-style burger is sealed and pressed into a sandwich to allow no spillage.
The restaurant will feature tabletop games and TVs, and the plan is to have occasional live music and karaoke nights.
Nation, 33, graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in 2011, but started working at Blazer’s Hot Wings in Lexington and Statham in 2008 and stayed until 2018.
“I have always wanted my own restaurant, and it started because of Blazer’s,” Nation said. “I love the food industry, but I love people.”
Brad Anglin, co-owner of Blazer’s Hot Wings in Statham, said Nation was a ray of sunshine and treated customers like family.
“When she told me she was opening The Local Spot, I was very excited. No doubt in my mind she will do very good,” Anglin said. “She will treat the community like family, and go out of her way to make sure every customer is satisfied.”
Once the opportunity presented itself for the space next to Peach Express in Crawford, Nation jumped on it.
She and her husband, Rocky, also own Nation's Power & Soft Wash Cleaning Solutions, LLC, which launched in 2023.
“I just learned that I do see some people, but I don't see a lot of people on a day-to-day basis anymore, because a lot of the houses are empty or people are at work,” Nation said. “I’ve just really missed social interaction and just talking to people day-to-day.”
Nation said the most rewarding part is seeing it all come together and the community’s reactions.
“There’s so much that you don’t even see. I didn’t even realize what actually goes into it behind the scenes,” Nation said. “Just being up there working day-to-day, people are stopping in and are so excited for it.”
Renovations to the building are being completed by Travis Hill, owner of Hill Renovations.
“One of the biggest changes (to the building) is the custom bar and bar platform we built,” he said. “Customers will be able to sit down and watch a Braves or Georgia game and enjoy a cold drink.”
Hill mentioned growing up and being neighbors with Nation in Oglethorpe County their entire childhood.
“It’s been awesome working with Stephanie,” Hill said. “I’m just happy to see someone local that is in the position to help the county, and I can’t think of someone else that deserves more.”
Once renovations and inspections are finished, there will be a soft opening for family and friends. Later, there will be a grand opening with live music and a ribbon cutting.
Nation said she’s been asked by many people why she didn’t open a restaurant in Athens or Oconee County. She said staying in Oglethorpe County was an intentional choice.
“Oglethorpe is my hometown. I want to be here, where I can bring something fun to where I’m from,” Nation said. “I don’t want it to just be about people hanging out at the bar. I want it to be fun for the families.”