Small-business owner, economist share what makes Georgia’s businesses boom

MACON, Ga. — On the far east end of Cherry Street, you’ll find a “very good taste” with some flavor from Little India.

“Some like mild, some like medium, some like spicy,” Anu Sharma said stirring a pot of lamb korma.

He’s been a chef for 22 years, previously working in a handful of Atlanta restaurants.

For the last seven years, Sharma, with a smile, has shared a slice of his life’s work with a fanbase loyal to his menu in Downtown Macon.

“Everybody likes me,” he said.

Sharma said he has customers coming from Warner Robins, Milledgeville and even some even come all the way from Florida or Savannah.

The chef said his purpose hasn’t changed since opening his restaurant in 2017, and neither has the cost of his menu.

“Prices are fixed,” he said.

Compared to other states, Georgia ranks well when it comes to successful businesses. 

In January,  Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia said Macon’s economy is stable and Warner Robins is on set to “outperform the U.S. economy.”

Economics professor Greg George from Middle Georgia State University explained that some studies, such as one conducted by a software company, Bookipi, could mislead you to believe that the state’s not doing as well as credible reports show.

The study ranks the Peach State as one of the worst states to start a business in, coming in at No. 9. It continues to say that, within five years, less than 49% of new businesses survive in Georgia.

However, George explains the context of what those numbers mean.

“If it’s easy to start a business in Georgia, it means a lot of people are going to be starting businesses,” he said. “Since it’s cheap to start a business in Georgia, you don’t need a lot of financial capital, but that also puts you at risk of not surviving in 5 years.”

In addition to the transportation and warehousing industries, the restaurant industry tends to be one of the most popular industries that affects economic data.

“The overall business climate and overall economy is a big part of it,” George explained. “That’s why things like low corporate income taxes really come into play. Those things really help you ride out those storms.”

Also, the study’s based on data between 2018 and 2023, but doesn’t take the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 into account, which were pivotal times for the country’s economy, George said.

“Only during corona (COVID-19) time, my price went down,” Sharma said. “Everywhere, price went up, but my price went down.”

Despite inflation affecting the prices of ingredients, utensils and other restaurant items, Sharma said the customers took care of his restaurant then and they still are.

He thinks his supply can still meet Central Georgia’s demand.

“God is my first customer,” Sharma said. “He likes the customer, the customer likes me.”