Every town has its landmarks, but it’s the people who give a place its spirit. In Norcross, community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s part of the everyday rhythm, shaping how neighbors live, gather and grow together.
From the business owners behind the counter to the volunteers behind the scenes, neighbors play a central role in shaping the city’s warmth, creativity and character. These are a few of the faces who help make Norcross special.
Jimmy Costas
Jimmy Costas felt something familiar the first time he walked through Historic Norcross.
“Norcross reminded me of where I grew up,” he said. “Old houses, a real downtown and a community that feels like it has a soul.”
That sense of place quickly sparked something more. Jimmy began imagining how he might contribute to the town’s story. He found himself talking often with Wayne Epps, longtime owner of B&W Auto Parts. Over coffee and quiet conversations, a new chapter began to take shape.
Wayne had run the store for more than five decades. When he decided it was time to sell, he had offers, many higher than what Jimmy could afford. Still, he gave Jimmy a chance.
“He told me to just get close,” Jimmy said. “He liked my family and what we wanted to do. That meant everything.”
Jimmy took over the B&W storefront, which he crafted into a restaurant named B&W Burgers, Buns & Brews, with a deep sense of gratitude. A former DeKalb County police officer, he brought with him years of experience serving and connecting with people from all walks of life.
“My time in law enforcement taught me how to talk to anyone,” he said. “That helps when your dream is to create a space where everyone feels welcome.”
Jimmy is also building a speakeasy attached to the restaurant, inspired by Norcross history. The space will include a tribute to Mr. Epps. There’s a replica of his counter, a vintage register and even a life-size figure behind the glass.
“I want people to remember him,” Jimmy said. “He gave his life to this community, and we want to honor that.”
The project has encountered a few speed bumps along the way, but Costas has stayed focused on the vision. With help from neighbors and city leaders, he has kept things moving forward.
He also ran for city council, an experience he describes as humbling and eye-opening. “It gave me a better understanding of the work it takes to serve,” he said. “And a deeper respect for the people doing it.”
For now, he’s focused on building a place where people feel known. “We want that ‘Cheers’ feeling,” he said. “A spot where neighbors can relax, share stories and feel like they belong.”
Norcross, he says, makes that kind of dream feel possible.
Monica White
Monica White still remembers the day she discovered Norcross. She came to take photos for a friend and stopped by 45 South Café for coffee. The charm of the shop and the streets around it made an immediate impression.
“I immediately fell in love with the downtown Norcross area,” she said. “I told my husband I could see us here.”
Today, Monica and her husband, Ralph, do more than live here. They run 45 South Café, one of the city’s most cherished gathering spots. Locals stop in for a cup of coffee, a familiar face and the kind of easy conversation that builds community.
“The best part of running it is the people,” Monica said. “Getting to know folks, their families, even their grandkids. Those relationships mean everything.”
Together, Monica and Ralph have kept 45 South Café at the heart of the community. It has hosted live music, open mic nights, city meetings and private celebrations. It also frequently serves as a backdrop for television and film. You might recognize it from NBC’s “Grosse Pointe Garden Society,” one of several productions shot inside.
But the memories that stand out most for Monica are the ones that bring people together just for fun. Witches Night Out is a favorite.
“It’s amazing to see so many women from the community just come out and enjoy themselves,” she said. “Everyone’s dressed up and laughing. It’s one of those nights where you really feel how special this town is.”
Over time, 45 South Café has helped Monica grow in ways she didn’t expect.
“I wasn’t always as outgoing,” Monica shared. “But this place, this community, helped me open up. It’s taught me how far a simple smile or hello can go.”
While she’s always happy to serve guests at 45 South Café, Monica is quick to recommend other local favorites, too.
“Bleu House has amazing food,” she said. “Their beef brisket sandwich is my favorite.”
For Monica and Ralph, 45 South Café is more than a business, it’s their way of staying connected to the town they now call home. And for the people of Norcross, it’s a place where those connections begin.
Chuck Paul
Chuck Paul has a knack for bringing people together. On Wednesday mornings, you’ll find him welcoming neighbors, pouring coffee and leading Norcross PDC (People Drinking Coffee).
The long-running meetup started in 2002 as the Progressive Development Committee. It was a response to what some residents saw as a lack of momentum in the city. Chuck stepped in as a leader in 2016, helping shape it into the casual, come-as-you-are forum it is today.
“What started as six or seven people is now closer to 30 each week,” he said. “We’ve had guest speakers from all over — politics, education, local business — but what really keeps people coming is the connection.”
Chuck’s always had a feel for what makes people tick. He built a career in hospitality with Steak and Ale, Houlihan’s and Grady’s before co-founding A Closer Look, a customer insights company that works with brands nationwide. He also served on the Norcross City Council from 2018 to 2020 and continues to serve on the board of the YMCA in Peachtree Corners.
But it’s not the titles that define him. It’s the energy he brings to everyday life. Whether chatting with a new neighbor downtown or recommending a favorite lunch spot, Chuck is one of Norcross’s most recognized and approachable faces.
“Norcross is the kind of place where walking a mile takes an hour,” he said. “You run into someone, catch up, maybe change your plans. It’s a good kind of interruption.”
He documents his dining adventures on Instagram at @chuckeatsatl, spotlighting restaurants across Gwinnett and beyond. But he always comes back to Norcross staples. The Crossing, Dominick’s, Zapata, Savage Pizza, B&W’s rooftop and Bleu House are among his regular picks. For something unique, he points to A Taste of Britain, tucked along the shops downtown.
When the weather’s nice, you’ll likely find him at the Summer Concert Series or Jazz in the Alley. “You grab a blanket, sit in Thrasher Park, and the whole town shows up,” he said. “It’s easy, it’s joyful, and it’s exactly what community should feel like.”
To Chuck, Norcross is more than beautiful homes and charming shops. “It has character,” he said. “People here care about each other.”
And if you’re looking for Chuck, just follow the conversation. You’ll find him there.
Jorge Granados
Jorge Granados has built a life around service, shaped by early challenges and a deep sense of gratitude.
He was raised in Gwinnett County by a single mother who worked tirelessly to care for seven children. During the 2008 housing crisis, Jorge remembers facing weeks without power and the threat of losing their home.
“It was school counselors who helped us stay afloat,” he said. “They connected us with resources and made sure we felt seen.”
That support stayed with him. In high school, he landed a job scooping ice cream at Bruster’s. It started as a way to help out at home, but the relationships he built through that job opened unexpected doors. One customer, a state representative, offered him an internship at the State Capitol.
“That’s where I first saw how local decisions affect real people,” Jorge said. “And I knew I wanted to be part of that work.”
Today, Jorge manages two Bruster’s locations, where he continues to invest in people. The shops host voter registration drives, support school fundraisers and offer a space for conversation. “It’s more than just ice cream,” he said. “It’s where community happens.”
He also holds leadership roles in seven local organizations. He serves as vice president of communications for the Lilburn Middle School PTSA and sits on the school’s local council. “Being an alum, it means a lot to give back,” he said. “I see myself in the families we serve.”
In 2020, Jorge ran for public office. Much of his support came from the very neighbors he’d connected with through school events and his Bruster’s stores. Though he didn’t win, the experience deepened his commitment to service.
Jorge also finds ways to give back through direct outreach. In 2019, he helped collect and donate thousands of socks to local schools. Earlier this year, he joined the Norcross United Protest in support of immigrant families, including his own.
When he needs to recharge, he heads to Lillian Webb Park. “There’s something about the breeze in the evening and the sound of the fountain,” he said. “It helps me feel grounded again.”
Jorge believes Norcross can continue to grow while staying connected. “I’d love to see more access to transit and resources,” he said. “Because more connection means more opportunity.”
Janine Kays
When Janine Kays and her husband, Chuck, moved to Norcross in December 2021, they were ready for a new chapter. Their daughter, Alexa, had just started her junior year of college. With more flexibility ahead, they searched for a walkable, dog-friendly neighborhood with character. Norcross quickly stood out.
They felt connected from the start. Neighbors welcomed them warmly and introduced them to friends around town. Local shop owners were present in their businesses and spoke highly of the community. “We loved the fact there were summer concerts, festivals and events right here in this little community,” Janine said.
Soon after, Janine became the director of Creation Kids Preschool. Her role deepened her appreciation for the town’s diversity. “I love hearing all the different languages and tasting the foods that reflect the people here,” she said. “Everyone has been so supportive in helping us deliver quality education to a diverse population.”
She also stays busy outside of school. Janine helps organize welcome bags for new neighbors and serves on her neighborhood’s social committee. She’s part of two book clubs and enjoys trivia nights with Chuck at local breweries and restaurants. “There’s always a club or committee to join,” she said.
When it’s time to relax, she and Chuck head to the rooftop at B&W, the patio at The Crossing or sidewalk tables at Zapata with their golden retriever. “And you can’t beat an ice cream cone at Butter and Cream to end the night,” she said.
She often hikes the trail at Johnson Dean Park or takes long walks through town, waving to neighbors along the way. One of her favorite traditions is the Summer Concert Series in Thrasher Park. “We grab a pizza from Savage, dance a little and enjoy the night with friends,” she said.
Janine is grateful for the life they’ve found here. “I want to keep building our preschool and supporting Norcross families,” she said. “Making new friends and connections is the spice of life for me.”
Gene Ramsay
Gene Ramsay has spent the last 17 years helping Norcross connect with its past. As a researcher, author and guide, he’s uncovered stories, led walking tours, contributed to the city’s historical exhibits and helped shape how residents see the town they call home.
“I had been active with the Atlanta Historical Society before moving here,” Gene said. “That interest just continued once I arrived in Norcross.”
Soon after settling in, he was invited to coauthor “Norcross (Images of America),” a visual history book published as part of Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. Former Mayor Bucky Johnson brought him into the project. He worked alongside Edie Riehm and Cate Kitchen to compile photos and research.
Gene worked closely with the Norcross Welcome Center & History Museum. He also helped launch the city’s Virtual Museum (norcrossga.net/2199/virtual-museum), a growing archive of stories, photos and records. Many discoveries came from longtime residents who shared family documents and memories.
Gene’s research over the years has led to many fascinating discoveries, but one source stands out — a descendant of a former city clerk shared a handwritten ledger of Norcross City Council minutes, dating from 1915 to 1926.
“One of the most meaningful items I’ve come across,” Gene said. “It tells you what they were facing. Building a water system, providing schools. One passage details how they created a school for Black children when the system was still segregated.”
The book now belongs to the city’s historical archives. It’s a rare primary source that offers a window into the town’s civic challenges and evolving values.
“Knowing the history helps you see how the town came to be,” Gene said. “And it gives us a reason to be thoughtful about how we grow.”
Among the stories he’s uncovered, a favorite is the home at 218 Thrasher Street, built by Homer and Mollie Jones. Their silver wedding anniversary in 1901 was described by newspapers as the largest celebration ever held in Norcross. All three of their sons went on to serve in the military for decades.
For Gene, Norcross’s charm lies in its ability to preserve the old while making room for the new.
“Unlike many railroad towns in the area, Norcross has kept many of its original buildings,” he said. “That’s part of what makes the village feel so special.”
And thanks in large part to Gene, so do its stories.
Jalia Killings
Jalia Killings didn’t just find a job in Norcross, she found a place where her passion for sustainability could thrive. Her first role came through an internship with the Atlanta Regional Commission, which matched her with the City of Norcross. She’s been there ever since.
“Of course, I was impressed that Norcross was a Platinum Certified Green Community,” she said. “But as a recycling fanatic, I was excited to join the project team for a city-wide recycling education campaign called ‘Feet on the Street.’”
Now the city’s sustainability lead, Jalia works closely with schools, businesses and residents. Through events like Recycle and Clean-Up Day, Pedal Norcross and pollinator workshops, she helps connect everyday community life with long-term environmental goals.
“I enjoy it when I get the opportunity to engage with the community,” she said. “It’s great to give and get insight on citywide sustainability goals and programs.”
What keeps her inspired is how much of the momentum comes from others. She’s proud of the bars that compost, the restaurants that switched to compostable straws and the schools with student-led gardens and recycling clubs.
“There are so many people, businesses and teachers committed to sustainability efforts and starting their own projects in the community,” Jalia said. “I love it so much.”
This fall, she’s especially looking forward to Pedal Norcross. The annual group ride features safety lessons, bike tune-ups and this year, free rentals so everyone can join in.
When she needs to recharge, Jalia often runs through Lillian Webb Park or visits the Norcross branch of the Gwinnett library. “The building is beautiful,” she said. “Each month they feature themed book displays, and the staff has been amazing partners for events.”
Her approach to sustainability always comes back to something simple and doable. “I’m a firm believer that waste isn’t waste until it’s wasted,” she said.
For Jalia, small changes matter, especially when shared by a community that’s willing to act together.
Lisa Lancaster
Lisa Lancaster and her husband, Britt, didn’t have to look far to find Norcross. Both grew up in nearby Dunwoody. While Britt was finishing his degree at Georgia Tech, he moved into the home they still live in today.
“Over time, we really fell in love with the charm of this small town,” Lisa said. “It has such a welcoming, tight-knit feel, yet it’s still so close to everything in Atlanta. It’s the best of both worlds, and it just felt right to make it our home.”
Lisa is the director of operations at Cultivation Brewing, which Britt co-founded in 2021 with Tate Clements and Paul Bennett. From the beginning, the group imagined a space that would feel easy, open and connected to the community. Lisa has helped bring that to life.
“We lived here for years before opening the brewery and didn’t realize how many wonderful neighbors we had. Once the doors opened, we were overwhelmed by the support and warmth we received. It really felt like the entire town showed up to welcome us. That kind of encouragement made all the difference.”
Lisa is a steady presence at the brewery, often with her kids nearby. Her role as both a mom and part of the team has helped make Cultivation especially welcoming to families. The fenced-in turf area, stocked toy box and kid-friendly snacks weren’t part of a strategy, they’re the result of someone who understands what parents need to feel comfortable when staying awhile. It’s a space where families can relax, and neighbors can settle in for an easy afternoon with friends.
She also helps coordinate a wide range of events. From birthday parties and engagement celebrations to work happy-hours and morning yoga or Pilates classes, there’s always something happening. With Lisa involved, every gathering feels easy, thoughtful and rooted in community.
In 2022, the team launched the Cultivation Foundation to expand their impact beyond the brewery. It now supports local nonprofits and leads community-focused initiatives like collecting sports gear for underserved kids.
Lisa and Britt’s children are growing up in the heart of a community that values connection. Whether they’re tagging along to local events, playing with friends at the brewery, cruising downtown in the family golf cart or spending time together at Pinckneyville Park, they’re seeing firsthand what it means to show up and give back.
“I hope they remember how good it felt to be part of a close-knit, supportive community,” Lisa said. “And the pride that comes from giving back to it.”
Cindy Flynn
From her front porch on North Peachtree Street, Cindy Flynn has spent the past two decades watching Norcross grow, connect and come alive.
She and her husband moved into their 1930s home in 2004, planning only to renovate and flip it. But that plan changed quickly.
“Within two weeks of living in Norcross, the spirit of this great town took over,” she said. “We had no idea we had moved into a ‘Mayberry’ community.”
While finishing the renovations on their house, neighbors began stopping by to introduce themselves. Many shared stories about the families who had lived there before. “Many of our porch conversations allowed us to learn about the descendants of the individuals who lived in our house,” she said.
That same year, Cindy volunteered at a local fall festival in Thrasher Park. There, she met Frances Schube, who had been hired to give the event a more artistic feel. Their collaboration sparked what would become one of Norcross’s most beloved annual events.
“Norcross Art Fest truly began in 2004 by my now business partner, Frances Schube,” Cindy said. “We changed the name to ‘Norcross Art Splash Festival’ to better reflect our goals of creating fun and colorful art shows.” This year’s festival is planned for October 11-12, 2025.
Not long after, Cindy joined the city’s Architectural Review Board, where she helped shape the look and feel of Norcross during a time of major revitalization. At the time, downtown was dotted with vacant storefronts. Two decades later, those spaces are filled with businesses, restaurants and life.
“Vacant downtown stores became occupied with thriving businesses and restaurants who have ridden the wave,” she said.
At home, Cindy created another Norcross tradition: Halloween on North Peachtree Street. Her house has become a full production, complete with lights, music, a live fortune teller and hot cider. “My house is known as ‘the Halloween house,’” she said. “Somehow, it grew into a major attraction.”
Whether lighting up downtown or her own front yard, Cindy Flynn has helped make Norcross more vibrant, connected and a little more magical.
Thad Thompson
Thad Thompson’s connection to Norcross runs deep. His family first settled in the area in the early 1800s, and he’s spent his life surrounded by the stories and places that shaped generations before him.
One of his greatest influences was his grandfather, Harold Medlock, a gifted storyteller and unofficial town historian. “He was an unbelievable historian of our community,” Thad said. “Growing up, it was really special to be in the setting of the stories and facts he so vividly shared.” Those stories helped Thad see Norcross not just as a place, but as part of his identity.
Now, Thad and his wife, Emily, are raising their three children here, watching them build memories of their own. “Seeing my children growing up in the same community I did is something that brings me an unbelievable sense of peace and excitement,” he said.
Living in the same town your whole life means a lot becomes familiar, but for Thad, certain things never lose their magic. One of those is Norcross’ annual July 3 celebration. “The excitement and anticipation of that day is like no other for me and my family,” he said. It’s the kind of tradition that brings the entire town together, year after year.
Another constant is Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, just outside the city limits. “Our church is the place in my life where I feel the greatest sense of belonging,” he said. “If you see me there, I will be smiling.”
He also cherishes the fun and wisdom shared by longtime residents like his late friend Evelyn ‘Bud’ Norman. On her 100th birthday, Thad and his daughter stopped by to visit.
“In Bud spirit, she was looking for a way to entertain Mary Frances, our daughter who was two at the time. She decided it would be fun to put fake fish in the fountain in her front yard, and they fished them out with a net. At that moment, I realized I was living in my own version of one of her timeless Norcross stories,” he said.
He once asked Bud what she hoped for the town’s future. Her answer was simple: “A place where families thrive.”
It’s a vision Thad carries forward. “In honor of my late friend Bud, I have the same dream,” he said, “that Norcross continues to be a place where families thrive.”
These are just a few of the people who help make Norcross feel like home. Their stories are rooted in connection, care and love for this town. But they’re not alone. Across Norcross, neighbors are shaping what makes this place special. The beauty isn’t just in the parks, porches or events, it’s in the people and the stories still being written every day.
This article can also be found in the June/July issue of Southwest Gwinnett magazine. Available in print and digital edition.
