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Business & Tech

Small Business Q & A: Grubb Junction Hummus

Mark Needle talks about the foundation of Grubb Junction Hummus, chick peas and a 30-year, lifelong, love of good 'grub.

Mark and Stephanie Needle cook up Mark's grandmother's hummus recipe fresh every week. Three flavors are sold at local farmers' markets.

Q. What's the best thing about your job?
A. The people. Meeting different vendors and customers. I'm a people person.

Q. What is the best thing about Northeast Cobb?
A. I've grown up here; lived here for the past 24 years. The community is inviting. My wife and I live about five minutes from the Marietta Square. There are lots of young people where we live. There's a warm feeling.

Q. Why did you choose to open your business in Northeast Cobb?
A. Convenience. I live in between the Marietta and Woodstock squares. My wife and I both work full time, so we wanted to do something that was easy. The Saturday market inspired us to start our own business. We talked with Johnny Fulmer, the market organizer, and he told us about the business license, need of a commercial kitchen, and an agriculture license. We rent time at the Collective Kitchen run by the Fat Lady Baker family. It's about 10 minutes from the house.

Q. Why did you pick this kind of business?
A. I love food. I love hummus. I would make hummus for parties and my friends would tell me that I could sell it. I think that you need to have passion for your business. I love to cook.

Q. What are some of the services you offer that people don't know about?
A. You can order our products on line. You can 'like' us on Facebook and visit our website.

Q. How long have you been in business?
A. Three months. We're fresh like our hummus.

Q. How did your business get started?
A. We got the idea last year and did our research and decided to try it this summer. Our package design and logo were created by Tom Sapp of Real Characters, Inc. I met him when I was the mascot for the University of Georgia. He designed the costume and maintained the suit. We needed a graphic look before we could start selling to the public. Tom really helped us out and worked with us because he loves helping small businesses.

Q. Do you have advice for anyone who'd like to start a small business in this area?
A. Get an idea and go for it. Don't just think about it. Do it.

Q. Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?
A. Don't be afraid to explore new tastes. That's what the farmers' markets are all about. You're able to taste a grower's tomato or a vendor's product. Experience things. And, support local vendors.

Grubb Junction Hummus. Visit www.GrubbJunction.com to see farmers' market dates and locations. For more information, call 678-431-0080.

The Grubb Junction Hummus Facebook Page.

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