Jason A. Smith | The Valdosta Daily TimesAshley DeLoach owns and operates Ellianos Coffee Company.

VALDSOTA — The entrepreneurial spirit is a gift that inspires others to become the best they can be. Celebrating the local spirit of entrepreneurship is what keeps our city fresh and growing. From passion and positivity to leadership and ambition, here is the weekly entrepreneur that best defines the entrepreneurial spirit here in Lowndes County:

Ashley DeLoach, owner of Ellianos Coffee Company in Valdosta, was born and raised in Valdosta. He left to attend Augusta State University and came back to Valdosta and opened his own mobile home manufacturing dealership.

After 17 years of owning the dealership and at the age of 50, he changed his direction in life.

“I completely changed my career and got into the coffee business,” he said.

In his spare time, DeLoach said he enjoys fishing and watching sports.

As advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs, DeLoach said: “Find one thing that you are really passionate about and really focus on that. And, when you open your business concentrate on two things: The quality of your product and the quality of your employees. Start there and you are well on your way.”

Ellianos is a franchise specializing in Italian coffee and espresso with a two-sided drive through, DeLoach said. It brings Italian quality at an American pace.

Businesses are continuously opening, closing, moving and renovating in Valdosta and Lowndes County overall.

VALDOSTA

• Spirit Halloween is a seasonal chain that has Halloween and fancy dress costumes for all ages, plus accessories & decor. It is located at 1737 Gornto Road. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

• Book and Table, 120 N. Patterson St., is currently under construction and has suspended its lunch operations in the meantime. However, the book portion of the restaurant is still operating.

• The old Rutland’s Music building, 2541 Bemiss Road, is being remodeled. It has several holes in the wall, and the building permit outside lists the business as a liquor store with a drive through. The store is anticipated to be open around Thanksgiving.

• The Party Place on Bemiss at Sharper Plaza is officially open. It is located at 2151 Bemiss Road. Call (229) 251-5328 for more information.

• Wendy’s, 1609 N. Ashley St., is currently under construction and has the majority of the walls on the outside built.

• Zacadoo’s, 1501 N. Ashley St., is remodeling inside; the drive-thru is still open.

LAKE PARK

• CORRECTION: Smiley’s Buffet & Grill, 1015 Lake Park Boulevard, is under construction and is not currently open. More information to come soon. 

Got a business tip? Email Business Reporter Jason A. Smith, jason.smith@gaflnews.com.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.