(From left to right) Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Court Judge Phiniea Aten, Rockdale County Chairman and CEO Richard Oden, Conyers City Councilman Cleveland Stroud, Coaxum's Low Country Cuisine President and CEO Harry Coaxum, Rockdale County Clerk or Courts Ruth Wilson, Coaxum's Low Country Cuisine Executive Chef Charlie Hatney.

Owner Harry Coaxum (holding the scissors) cuts the ceremonial ribbon to his new business, Coaxum's Low Country Cuisine, 1300 Iris Dr., Conyers, Tuesday afternoon. Coaxum has experience working in the restaurant industry from his years working as regional vice-president for McDonald's corporate office.One of the reasons Coaxum chose to open Coaxum's in Conyers is because he got to know the business owners of the McDonald's, 1320 Klondike Rd., Conyers, and the Darden-owned Longhorns Steakhouse, 1294 Iris Dr., Conyers, which sit on the left and right side of his business, very well, he said to the crowd that packed his restraint for the celebration.

The restaurant offers cusine with a blend of American, European and Caribbean influences along with West African food styling, seasonings, ingredients and preparations.

"[Coaxum's] allows the community to peek into the low country culture through a unique culinary experience," said Coaxum, who was born in South Carolina and created recipes reminiscent of the Gullah community and West African culture. "You can find everything from crab cakes to succotash and even homemade bread pudding and our signature crab boil on our menu."

"The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Coaxum's Low Country Cuisine to the area and look forward to this great establishment joining our ever-growing food service community," said Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Director Fred Boscarino. "Not only does Coaxum's bring amazing food options to the area, but also a number of service and professional jobs right to our community."

Coaxum said he has plans to build out a private room for parties, corporate gatherings and events within the existing 6,500 square foot facility.

For more information, visit www.clccuisine.com or call (770) 648-8677.