Norcross's beloved restaurant and community gathering spot has until December 31st to make $11,000 in required facility upgrades—or Nona and Briana will have to close for good. Chef Nona (yes, the Hell's Kitchen Season 8 winner!) and her wife Briana have put everything into this place, but right now they need US.

If you've been to The Local Peach, you know. It's not just a restaurant—it's where our community comes together. It's the place that actually walks the walk on supporting local farmers and minority-owned food producers and artisans. It's where Nona cooks up incredible farm-to-table food and Briana makes sure everyone feels welcome the second they walk in. They host our events, they stock products from the small businesses we love, and honestly, Downtown Norcross wouldn't be the same without them.

Here's the situation. When The Local Peach opened, they ran it as a market and catering company under Department of Agriculture rules. As they grew into a full restaurant, they came under Georgia Department of Public Health regulations instead—totally different requirements for the actual building.

The good news? When the Gwinnett County Health Department came through, they found zero problems with how Nona, Briana, and their staff handle food. Everything about their actual operations is perfect!

The problem is the building. Renters, specifically The Local Peach, are responsible for making the health department's required facility updates to bring the restaurant up to code. Nona and Briana have been doing every single thing they can do themselves—staying up late, recruiting volunteers, you name it. But some of this work legally requires licensed contractors and commercial equipment they just can't swing on their own.

What Needs to Happen by December 31st. The County gave them a deadline. Here's what has to get done:

1. New commercial hot water system ($6,500): The two tankless heaters they have can't keep up with restaurant demand, and all the fixtures need specific aerators. One bright spot—if they ever have to move the business, this equipment goes with them.

2. Approved wall and ceiling finishes ($3,500): All that painted drywall in the restrooms, coffee area, and storage spaces? Has to be upgraded to commercial-grade finishes that meet code.

3. Cove base installation ($1,000): They need sealed baseboard where the walls meet the floors in the kitchen, prep areas, bathrooms, and storage—health code requirement.

Total: $11,000

What Happens If We Don't Hit This Goal?

They'll have to close. First temporarily, but let's be real—small restaurants don't usually come back from that. Nona and Briana would be looking at bankruptcy. The Local Peach would probably have to leave Norcross entirely. And WE would lose them. Not just the restaurant, but the people who've invested so much in making our community better.

How You Can Help!

Whatever you can give helps. Seriously. Ten bucks, a hundred, a thousand, whatever works for you right now!

Just to put it in perspective:

$25 buys materials for the wall finishes

$100 covers a good chunk of the cove base work

$500 gets us way closer on that water heater

All donors will be recognized on a community supporters section in the restaurant. And when we hit our goal? Nona and Briana will host a celebration event in the New Year for everyone who helped save The Local Peach. More details to come!

If you've ever had one of Nona's biscuits, if you've enjoyed a meal there, if you've been to an event they hosted—this is the moment to show up for them. And if you somehow haven't been yet, go. 125 Lawrenceville Street, Suite 400. Then help us make sure they're still around next year!

Please give what you can, and please share this. We can get to $11,000 if enough of us chip in.

Thank you!

Local Peach Regulars

P.S. Just so you know—this GoFundMe goes directly to The Local Peach's business bank account. Every dollar goes to these specific repairs!