Hobby Lobby, Panda Garden, Ulta, Academy Sports, Organic Nails.
Names of restaurants and retail shops looking to open stores in the two new shopping centers coming to Dawson County on Ga. 400 and Dawson Forest Road continue to roll in.
"There is rumor that Krispie Kreme is coming," Dawson County Commission Chairman Mike Berg said last week when he gave his annual State of the County report to the local Rotary Club.
"There's just a lot going on around there. There's one more big box store that they're still working on. I know one that they've talked to a lot is Lowe's."
Dawson Forest Road's intersection with Ga. 400 has quickly become one of the most sought after areas for developers interested in Dawson County.
Kroger announced earlier this year plans to build a super store on the property west of Ga. 400, while Publix continues to be rumored as the anchor for the mixed-used development being cleared across the highway on the east corner of Dawson Forest Road.
"While Publix hasn't announced, there's been enough talk about that. They've brought plans," Berg said.
Chili's, Great Clips, Brooklyn Joe's Pizzeria and Lee's Nails have already committed to move into the center with openings expected to begin in early 2016.
Larger scale developments like the two planned on Ga. 400 take years to come to fruition, but when they do, the community benefits, according to Berg.
"Once they're here, we're looking at having $100 million of construction and over 500 new jobs," he said.
Those figures could eventually equate to lower taxes for Dawson County citizens.
"It's our anticipation, because we are a sales tax based county, where we collect more sales tax than property tax, that in the next couple of years, we'll be able to lower the millage rate based on all [the new development]," Berg said. "And that's quite an accomplishment."
Officials with the Development Authority of Dawson County have spent several years talking to developers eyeing the area.
Development Authority of Dawson County Executive Director Charlie Auvermann said he could only comment on businesses once they have truly committed to opening locations.
"There are contract negotiations that are extremely sensitive, and I can't comment on any of those because they are private party negotiations," he said Friday.
Two new restaurants have recently announced their intention to open local eateries.
Burgers and Shakes is planned to open in the Ingles Shopping Center and Culver's, a Midwest burger joint, has purchased property next to Captain D's.