When the state of Georgia came along and built a concrete barrier along Killian Hill Road near U.S. Highway 29, Tony Rattansi knew something would have to give.
His business -- Wilkes Meat Market -- was down inside a shopping center, and the barrier made it even more difficult to see the shop. Poor visibility made it difficult to grow the customer base.
Having dedicated 10 years to the meat shop, Rattansi did not want to see his dream vanish. Him and his wife, Nafisa, thought many days and nights about what to do.
"It was actually, a pretty long, drawn out decision as to whether we should move or should not move," said Nafisa Rattansi. "We had been looking for a location for well over six months."
The dilemma: Moving a meat market would not be cheap. There was plumbing and electricity to consider, along with other costs, she said.
"He loves the business," Rattansi added about her husband. "He knew he wouldn't be happy doing anything else."
When the couple did find a new location, now situated at 4050 Five Forks Trickum Road, long-time customers stood behind Tony Rattansi. They urged him to do what he needed, and that they would follow him.
Much to the couple's surprise, some customers even helped them set up the new shop. So, it's no surprise that Tony Rattansi did not want to leave Lilburn.
"He just feels like the community has backed him all the way," Nafisa Rattansi said. "It's been amazing."
Although shoppers will get the same service from a man they've known for 10 years, a few things have changed besides the location.
The name changed to Tony's Meat Market, and the shop is now open on Sundays. It's been open since the end of August.
Thankful for the Lilburn community, Rattansi said the family can look back on the challenge before them, and rest easy in their decision to relocate.
"Most of our customers have come to this new place, and we are also seeing a lot of new customers, as well," she said. "I think we made a good decision all around."
For more information on Tony's Meat Market, check them out on their website, on Facebook or on Twitter.
