Podcast Show Notes — Episode 87

Get ’N Your Business Podcast
Host: Alison Shores
Guest: Executive Chef Chad — Locals Dockside
Location: St. Marys, Georgia

Episode Overview

In Episode 87, Allison Shores welcomes Executive Chef Chad of Locals Dockside for a deep dive into coastal cuisine, scratch-made cooking, and what it takes to deliver a standout waterfront dining experience in Camden County. Chef Chad shares his culinary journey, menu philosophy, ingredient sourcing, and the customer-first mindset that sets Locals apart.

What You’ll Hear

Chef Chad’s path from Jacksonville, Tallahassee (FSU), Miami, and Sandestin to Coastal Georgia

The “casual coastal” vibe paired with upscale, chef-driven food

Why everything is made from scratch—no pre-made shortcuts

Ingredient standards: Certified Angus Beef, local Brunswick shrimp, and fresh fish delivered weekly

Menu favorites: Bayou Blaze Tacos, Penne Alla Vodka, and Jacked Up Jambalaya

Weekly specials: All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp Wednesdays & Grouper Finger Friday

The science behind authentic Louisiana-style jambalaya

Above-and-beyond hospitality, custom menus, and private events

Rapid-fire Q&A and a jaw-dropping (and cautionary) kitchen mishap story

Reservations, holiday planning, and what to expect on busy days

Notable Quotes

“Everything in the kitchen is from scratch.”

“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”

“If the customer wants something, we make it happen.”

Restaurant Info

Locals Dockside
📍 307 W St. Marys St, St. Marys, GA
🕒 Wed–Sat 11am–9pm | Sun 11am–8pm (Closed Mon–Tue)
📞 Reservations recommended, especially for Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day

Listen & Subscribe

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In Episode 86 of the Get In Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores welcomes Baron from the Jacksonville North St. Marys KOA Holiday for a fun and informative conversation about one of Camden County’s most surprising destinations.

What starts with a story about Sprinkles, the campground’s biscuit-loving bunny mascot, quickly turns into a deeper look at how this family-owned KOA Holiday has become much more than a traditional campground. Baron shares how his family took ownership in 2021 and focused on creating a guest-first experience built around comfort, nature, and genuine customer service.

Listeners learn about the campground’s standout amenities, including cabins, RV and tent sites, a unique shipping container cabin, mini golf, a pool with a slide, disc golf, volleyball, dog-friendly spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and shaded walking paths. The episode also highlights the on-site restaurant and bar—open to the public—which features local beer, wine from nearby vineyards, and casual dining favorites.

Baron discusses the future of camping, blending outdoor simplicity with modern conveniences, and shares how traveling across the United States in a small camper shaped his vision for what guests truly want. The episode wraps with rapid-fire questions covering sunset campfires, Georgia heat, and unforgettable camping memories.

Whether you’re a local looking for a staycation, a traveler passing through on I-95, or just curious about modern camping, this episode offers a great look at a hidden gem right here in Camden County.

🔑 Episode Highlights

Meet Sprinkles, the campground’s unofficial bunny mascot

Why this KOA Holiday is more than just camping

Cabins, RVs, tents, and a shipping container cabin

Family-friendly amenities including a pool with a slide

On-site restaurant and bar open to the public

Real customer service from a family-owned operation

Convenient I-95 location with big-rig-friendly sites

📣 Call-to-Action Links

🔗 Book a Stay or Explore Amenities
👉 https://koa.com/campgrounds/jacksonville-north-st-marys/

📍 Get Directions (I-95, Exit 1)
👉 https://maps.google.com/?q=Jacksonville+North+St+Marys+KOA+Holiday

🍽️ Visit the On-Site Restaurant (Open to the Public)
👉 https://koa.com/campgrounds/jacksonville-north-st-marys/

🎧 Listen to Episode 86
👉 https://camdenchamber.com/north-jaxstmarys-koa-holiday

🏛️ Learn More About the Camden County Chamber
👉 https://camdenchamber.com

👍 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help support local business stories in Camden County.

Podcast Show Notes

Podcast: Get In Your Business Podcast
Episode: 82
Host: Allison Shores (Camden County Chamber of Commerce)
Guest:Jill Gay-Garay, owner of Salon Ella + Spa + Boutique Ella (St. Marys, GA)
Presented by: Chairman Circle Sponsors (as mentioned in episode)

Episode Summary

Allison Shores sits down with Jill Gay-Garay longtime Camden County local and founder of Salon Ella, to talk about how Jill built a true “one-stop shop” in St. Marys—salon, spa, and boutique all under one roof. Jill shares the meaningful story behind the name Ella, how the business has grown since opening in 2007, how her team keeps the experience welcoming and stress-free for clients, and what it’s really like to run a growing business while still working behind the chair.

They also get into fun real-life topics like boutique buying (and why it’s a gamble), hair changes with age, and Jill’s best tips for “sleep hair” when hormones and night sweats are doing the most.

Key Topics Covered

The story behind the name “Ella” (Ella + Parker) and why it matters

How Salon Ellar grew from a small team into a larger operation

What Salon Ella offers: salon services, spa services, and boutique shopping

Creating a “walk in and feel at home” experience (greeting, layout, retail convenience)

Boutique buying: balancing styles, ages, body types, and trends

Jill’s reality: owner + stylist (25 years behind the chair)

Team culture: “work family,” low drama, high respect

Hair + hormones: simple solutions like a silk bonnet

Favorite Camden County spots + go-to hair product

If handed $1,000… Jill’s spending it on a reset trip

Quick Highlights

Salon Ella Par opened in 2007 with Jill’s kids still tiny—and has steadily expanded ever since.

The salon’s layout is intentional: easy retail access without walking through the entire salon.

Jill says boutique buying is “shopping with other people’s eyes,” so they buy as a team to cover more styles.

Hair changes as you age? Jill says 100% yes—just like skin.

Best sleep-hair fix: silk pillowcase + silk bonnet.

Full Show Notes: https://camdenchamber.com/getnyour-bis/salon-ella-par

00:00 Opening Banter

02:52 Ellar Overview

05:26 Boutique Strategy

09:33 Owner Life

12:10 Community Gratitude

15:44 Rapid Questions