Old Town Gets New Feel

As August draws nearer and parents and children look toward back-to-school season, parts of Old Town are starting anew.

Following the closing of the Blue Rooster in December, a beloved community hub, and the Enchanted Forest last month many had begun to speculate that the area of Old Town was fledgling.

With three new businesses geared to open by the end of the summer, however, Old Town is getting a new feel. Joining the community are: Kids Fit and Tae Kwon Do, owned by Eddie Berrian; E'tali's Consignments, owned by Kimberly Kimbrough; and Music on Main Street, owned by Scott Mecredy. The businesses represented are a tae kwon do and fitness studio, an upcycling and eco-friendly consignment shop and a music studio providing lessons and events.

"I think that downtown Lilburn is the perfect spot for families," Berrian said. "For a martial arts and fitness school the best place to be is where there aren't just kids but also families who can all get involved."

Berrian, who is a ninth-degree black belt, has been teaching tae kwon do for more than 20 years. He envisions the martial arts and fitness studio as an international destination that will live stream martial arts classes over the internet and create a global community. Berrian also plans to offer pilates and yoga classes for adults. Kids Fit & Tae Kwon Do is currently open for lessons.

Kimbrough's decision to open a business in the Old Town area was less about demographics and more about a family legacy.

"My family was one of the original black families in Gwinnett County," said Kimbrough. "I've lived here my whole life so it just made sense to open a business here."

More than a year ago Kimbrough began a non-proft company called Kultural Love Fusion Inc. An idea that spawned from her own frustration over what she viewed as a lack of "meaningful help" that non-profit organizations provided. She decided to create an organization which would aim to show teens that they can pursue careers within the arts. After seeing the property in Old Town she knew she had found a home for Kultural Love Fusion.

"While the non-profit is one part of this business the other is the clothing and design. E'tali's, the name of my store actually means new beginning," said Kimbrough. "I just wanted to do something new and bring it to an area that I thought could benefit from that."

In addition to her non-profit Kimbrough hopes to open a tea room and host events and performances, she herself is a singer and currently has a single being released internationally. E'tali's officially opened on July 8.

Maintaing the artistic vibe is Scott Mecredy, whose business Music On Main Street sits across the street from E'tali's. The music studio's name is an acronym for MOMS, a dedication in memory of Mecredy's own mother who passed away last December after a nine-year battle with cancer. Mecredy envisions the studio as a family hangout spot, with a bluegrass, down-to-earth feel.

"When I began working at music studios that taught lessons to kids I realized how important a role moms play in a child's music education," said Mecredy. "I wanted to create a place that gave back to moms and their kids."

Mecredy hopes to open Music On Main Street by the last week of August. In addition to music lessons, he plans to put on weekend concerts and host wedding receptions and community events. He believes that more events will recreate a sense of connection for the community in Old Town.

"When the Blue Rooster was open the parking lot would be filled all the way onto the grass, which means people wanted to come to this area for entertainment," said Mecredy. "I think that we can create that feel for this area again."