Independence Insurance Agency

Learn How the Commercial

Trucking Insurance Experts at Independence Agency

Can Save your Company Thousands of Dollars!

Get A Quote

Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Augusta, GA

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

Service Areas

percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Augusta, GA You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Augusta, GA

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Augusta, GA

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Augusta, GA

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Augusta, GA

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

phone Call Now
 Trucking Insurance Augusta, GA

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
phone Call Now
 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Augusta, GA

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

phone Call Now
 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Augusta, GA

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Augusta, GA phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Augusta, GA phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Augusta, GA phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Augusta, GA that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Augusta, GA

Latest News in Augusta, GA

Pastry shop in North Augusta makes fans of mochi donuts

A new donut shop has drawn a following in North Augusta.You will need a subscription to The Augusta Press to view this content. Log in below OR subscribe.Username or E-mailPassword Remember MeForgot Password...

A new donut shop has drawn a following in North Augusta.

You will need a subscription to The Augusta Press to view this content. Log in below OR subscribe.

Username or E-mail

Password

Remember Me

Forgot Password

0 Comments

← Previous: Trial of couple accused of murdering Janell Carwell on hold for appeal

Golf | News

Masters traffic plan includes temporary stoplight, GPS app

News

Jones cites achievement by Glenn Hills grads as district plans to shutter his high school

News | Politics & Government

News | Politics & Government

Health, Science & Technology | News

Human Interest | Lifestyle | Opinion | Something You May Not Have Known

Something you may not have known: Southernisms

Skyler Andrews is a bona fide native of the CSRA; born in Augusta, raised in Aiken, with family roots in Edgefield County, S.C., and presently residing in the Augusta area. A graduate of University of South Carolina - Aiken with a Bachelor of Arts in English, he has produced content for Verge Magazine, The Aiken Standard and the Augusta Conventions and Visitors Bureau. Amid working various jobs from pest control to life insurance and real estate, he is also an active in the Augusta arts community; writing plays, short stories and spoken-word pieces. He can often be found throughout downtown with his nose in a book, writing, or performing stand-up comedy.

The Augusta Press encourages and welcomes reader comments; however, we request this be done in a respectful manner, and we retain the discretion to determine which comments violate our comment policy. We also reserve the right to hide, remove and/or not allow your comments to be posted.

The types of comments not allowed on our site include:

2024 Masters Survey: We had questions and Gary Player had answers

Welcome to #GolfweekMastersSurveySzn.The annual Golfweek Masters survey always gets to the heart of the matter. Leave it to Matt Kuchar to explain the joy of making the turn onto Magnolia Lane during the second week of April."I get goose bumps every time," he said. "That turn down Magnolia Lane is like coming down the stairs as a kid at Christ...

Welcome to #GolfweekMastersSurveySzn.

The annual Golfweek Masters survey always gets to the heart of the matter. Leave it to Matt Kuchar to explain the joy of making the turn onto Magnolia Lane during the second week of April.

"I get goose bumps every time," he said. "That turn down Magnolia Lane is like coming down the stairs as a kid at Christmas. You just know something awesome is around the corner."

We spoke to past Masters champions, major winners, Hall of Famers and competitors past and present for this year's edition. As an appetizer of sorts, we're giving you a sneak peek into the questions still to come with the full survey of none other than Gary Player, the three-time champion. We had questions and he had answers. Our favorite?

Here’s Player explaining the best help he ever got from a caddie at Augusta National that helped him succeed.

"That was Nipper in 1961 when I beat (Arnold) Palmer to win my first green jacket. On the fourth hole, I had a six-footer for par. He said right lip and I thought left lip. We conversed and Nipper said, 'If it's not right you don't have to pay me.' So, I hit it right lip and it went in. We went on to win."

How about that confidence in the read from Nipper. With the Masters set to begin on April 11, we’ll be dropping new survey questions nearly on a daily basis so keep checking Golfweek.com for the best answers from more than two dozen pros. We're confident you’ll be entertained and learn a few new things along the way about some of your favorite Masters competitors, including their picks to win this year.

Gary Player: The enthusiasm by the galleries and the fact that the tournament is played at the same venue every year. Augusta National knows how to make it better and better.

GP: If the flag is on the front left at No. 6 and you push your ball to the top plateau, you might think you have three chances. But in reality, you have absolutely none.

GP: At the moment, 18.

GP: A Master pin flag you can get signed by past champions.

GP: You will never, ever find a weed. I'm sure the greenskeeper would be fired if anyone found a weed.

GP: I've kept some but I believe the first was donated to charity.

GP: My church minister from South Africa, who was touring America, asked me for a ticket. I made the mistake of giving him my own badge. When he came to the gates, the security guards grabbed him to question how he obtained Gary Player's badge. Fortunately, the chairman at the time, Bill Lane from Texas, who was the ultimate gentleman, took care of the matter.

GP: I suppose you know the story about when I took the green jacket home after my first win.

GP: Never had to worry about that because I've never been a cell phone user.

GP: Any room that's got President Eisenhower or Bobby Jones in it. Though the Champions Locker Room has an ambiance like no other.

GP: I would walk them all.

GP: The changes were necessary because the players are hitting the ball so far now. I'm not sure how much more they can take the tee back.

GP: That was Nipper in 1961 when I beat Palmer to win my first green jacket. On the fourth hole, I had a six-footer for par. He said right lip and I thought left lip. We conversed and Nipper said if it's not right you don't have to pay me. So, I hit it right lip and it went in. We went on to win.

GP: When I was competing, I preferred the most ordinary house but as close to the club as possible. It was a reminder every day how lucky I am.

GP: Most of the advice I received and took came from my late wife, Vivienne. She was a talented golfer herself and knew the swing well.

GP: Senator Sam Nunn visited me in South Africa on my farm and we had many discussions about Augusta and my success at the Masters.

GP: Augusta really suits the games of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. I hope to welcome both of them as fellow Masters champions one day.

Baltimore bridge collapse could bring more freight traffic here

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The CSRA could soon see more freight traffic as a result of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.A cargo ship plowed into the bridge early Tuesday, sending people and cars plunging into the water and closing a major U.S. port – causing a backlog of cargo ships seeking to unload their goods.Georgia and South Ca...

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The CSRA could soon see more freight traffic as a result of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.

A cargo ship plowed into the bridge early Tuesday, sending people and cars plunging into the water and closing a major U.S. port – causing a backlog of cargo ships seeking to unload their goods.

Georgia and South Carolina ports may see more ships, trains could be carrying more freight and major highways like Interstate 20 could be bearing part of the load.

MORE | Here’s how upcoming Masters traffic will affect your drive

“It’s an incredibly complex system that exists out there that we kind of take for granted. And it takes something like COVID or this horrible tragedy in Baltimore to remind us that we have to constantly invest in that infrastructure,” said Chris Clark, the CEO and president of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Supply chain experts say other ports up and down the East Coast are likely to absorb much of Baltimore’s traffic, avoiding a crisis. But not without some longer shipping times and upheaval.

Baltimore is the No. 1 port for roll-on/roll-off cargo – or vehicles and other things with wheels, like construction and agricultural equipment.

Brunswick is the No. 2 roll-on/roll-off port, so it’s natural for much of Baltimore’s cargo to be diverted to the Georgia port, Clark says.

The Georgia Ports Authority, which owns ports in Savannah and Brunswick, said it has capacity to take on more cargo – although it can’t make up for Baltimore by itself.

Once products are ashore, there has to be a way to them to their final destinations.

Major highways and railroad lines through Georgia would be top candidates – routes like Interstate 20 and the Norfolk Southern rail lines that pass through Augusta.

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

A cargo ship rammed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Bridge early Tuesday, causing the span to collapse and the presumed deaths of six people.

Investigation into Baltimore bridge collapse picks up speed as divers search for missing workers

The investigation picked up speed as the Baltimore region reeled from the sudden loss of a major transportation link that’s part of the highway loop around the city.

Man whose camera caught Baltimore bridge collapse expresses loss: ‘You thought it would always be there’

“I can hardly talk about it right now,” said Mike Singer, owner of Baltimore & Chesapeake Bay Ship Watchers, whose camera caught the collapse.

A 38-year-old father of two was one of eight people doing maintenance work on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when a ship collided with it, causing it to collapse on Tuesday.

“Which train do I put it on, which distribution center do I send it to? So it will take time for all of that to work itself out,” said Clark.

Georgia-based companies will be the answer to some of those questions.

Companies like Norfolk Southern.

The railroad said it’s working directly with affected international customers, port partners and state officials to help maintain the integrity of the global supply chain.

“Our network touches every major port on the Eastern Seaboard, and we proactively reached out to help our customers and provide alternate routing solutions,” said Norfolk Southern’s Heather Garcia.

“Significant supply chain events demand a rapid-response approach, frequent communication, and innovative solutions, and Norfolk Southern is doing all three of these things to help our customers and partners navigate through this challenge,” Garcia said.

Then there’s DHL, a global parcel delivery service whose new hub is near Atlanta’s airport.

The company said the accident caused immediate disruptions.

MORE | License plate readers raise concern for some S.C. lawmakers

“We are actively collaborating with our customers to assess the situation and explore alternative routes, such as New York, Norfolk and nearby ports, to ensure a smooth flow of shipments,” said DHL’s Constanza Gantes.

Bulk and car carriers will especially be affected, Gantes said.

“Our priority is the safety and security of our customers’ cargo, and we remain committed to providing reliable logistics solutions during these challenging times,” Gantes said.

On the other hand, Seth Millican, executive director of the Georgia Transportation Alliance, expected minimal effects in the Peach State.

“We’re continuing to work closely with the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia Ports Authority to monitor the situation in Maryland and offer any assistance we can to ensure uninterrupted freight and logistics services for the businesses operating here in Georgia,” Millican said. “Our prayers are with the individuals impacted by this tragedy and the heroes working around the clock to recover those still missing.”

Across the Savannah River, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said the Palmetto State can expect to see more traffic because of the bridge’s collapse.

McMaster said the shutdown of the Baltimore port will cause some detours to Charleston.

“We can expect some more ships to come into the harbor and that will mean more traffic on the roads to unload and load. So, I ask everyone if and when that happens, and it most likely will, to have patience and realize it’s because of the tragic situation in Maryland,” McMaster said.

The South Carolina Port Authority said it’s reviewing harbor operations, procedures and state infrastructure needs as a result of the accident.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

Love Language Kitchen And Lounge serving fine dining to the CSRA with love

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – When it comes to food, it’s all about the love, and Love Language Kitchen and Lounge makes sure that each and every customer feels and tastes the love when they walk through their doors.Owners Chef Tony and Ashley Bradburn sit down w...

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – When it comes to food, it’s all about the love, and Love Language Kitchen and Lounge makes sure that each and every customer feels and tastes the love when they walk through their doors.

Owners Chef Tony and Ashley Bradburn sit down with WJBF to discuss how they met, what brought them to the city of Augusta, and how they incorporate the 5 love languages in their food.

Plus, we get the opportunity to taste some of their delicious menu items including The Dirty Bird, Get Your Roll On Philly, and The Philly Of The Sea.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule and allowing us to be here in your establishment for Celebrating Black Excellence. Let’s get started. Now, we have to start with the love. How did you two meet?

We actually went to the same high school, but we didn’t actually meet and started dating until after high school. We were introduced by a mutual friend. Then, it’s been just us ever since.

ALSO ON WJBF: Whipped Creamery Treats providing a variety of gourmet desserts to the CSRA

Where are you all originally from?

I was born in Roanoke, Virginia, and Ashley is from Philadelphia.

What brought you out here to Augusta?

My dad was military, and this is where he kicked his feet up at. So, that’s how we got here.

What’s the meaning behind the name of your establishment?

Well, cooking is my love language. That’s how I show people that I love or care about… that’s how I can express it to them because I love to cook. Here, we practice the five love languages: affirmations, physical touch, acts of service… so on and so forth. Y’all can look it up if y’all want the rest. (Laughs) It’s really about changing the trajectory of somebody’s day. Everybody is going through something; it’s hard out here right now. So, when you come in this building, we try to change your outlook on the day. When you leave out of here, you leave here differently than you came in through love.

I’m the older sibling. In my era, when we came up, the older sibling is the parent while they are not home. So, I got tired of following instructions on the side of boxes, and I started experimenting with different seasonings, flavors, and sauces. Once my little brother and sister said it was good, I knew I was on to something.

So, what made you want to open an establishment here in Augusta?

Just sharing food with people that we know and strangers from our hometowns.

How has the reception been since you have opened Love Language Kitchen and Lounge?

I’m loving the experience. It is slowly picking up, which is kind of what I want. I didn’t want to get overwhelmed at first, and then, kill your buzz. I want to continuously build that. I want repeat customers. We don’t want you to just come one time and say, “Oh, we tried that.” I want you to be like, “I go there every Wednesday, or I try something every Thursday.” So it’s really about patience. Patience is key. You can’t rush anything. You have to take your time with it. That’s how you put the love in to it. If you rush, how you really love it, you know? I mean, you have to enjoy the journey.

CBE365: Speak Out with Miss Mai

So, what type of food do you all serve here?

What type of food you like? (Laughs) We serve everything. I was trained classically in French cuisine, Asian cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine, etc. So, we definitely dibble and dabble. We put flavors together and put in your stomach.

What is the most popular dish? What do most people like to order?

So, we have an appetizer, which we call The Dirty Bird; it’s a deviled egg topped with bacon and shrimp. Then, we have a pasta that’s called the Bob Marley; it’s a spicy jerk Alfredo with grilled chicken, smoked sausage, onions, and peppers. We have another one called The Philly of the Sea; it’s a salmon Philly. It’s made like a Philly cheesesteak, but without the ground beef or chicken. It has salmon instead.

What are the hours for Love Language Kitchen and Lounge?

So, we’re closed on Mondays. Tuesday, we open from 5 P.M. to 10 P.M. Wednesdays and Thursdays, we open from 11 A.M. to 10 P.M. On Friday, we open from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M. Saturday, we do branch only from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M., and then, we close and open back up from 5 P.M. until midnight. Then, our Sundays are our Soulful Sundays, and we are open from 5 P.M. to 11 P.M. We have a live band every Sunday, and it’s a different band every Sunday.

ALSO ON WJBF: GRAMMY Winner, Davidson Fine Arts alum Robert Boone, Jr. talks musical family and importance of education

If people want more information, how can they access that?

So, we’re on Facebook as Love Language Kitchen And Lounge. You can also email us if you want to inquire about anything at lovelanguagekitchenandlounge@gmail.com.

Love Language Kitchen And Lounge is located at 1721 Gordon Highway in Augusta, Georgia.

Videography by Gary Nipple

Music Produced by Danny Ray Smith, Jr.

Eight ways you can play golf at the Augusta National course that hosts Masters without being a pro

THE MASTERS is deemed by the many to be the pinnacle of golf.And part of what makes it so special is the fact that it is staged at Augusta National every April.Plenty of the greatest players in history have struggled their way around the iconic golf course in Georgia.Every golfer would love the ...

THE MASTERS is deemed by the many to be the pinnacle of golf.

And part of what makes it so special is the fact that it is staged at Augusta National every April.

Plenty of the greatest players in history have struggled their way around the iconic golf course in Georgia.

Every golfer would love the chance to see how they fare around the 18 gruelling holes at Augusta.

And that dream could be a reality thanks to these eight ways...

1. Become a member

Augusta National only has a total of 300 members.

READ MORE ON GOLF

MASTERS 2024

But if you think there may be a chance of joining, we’ve got bad news for you.

It’s virtually impossible.

The general rule of thumb is that if you have to ask about becoming a member then you’re probably not welcome.

In other words, it’s strictly by invitation only and those invites only tend to go out when a membership lapses - ie when someone dies.

Do you have to be minted to join?

Not necessarily, although when you consider that some of the current members include billionaires like Microsoft founder Bill Gates and the investor Warren Buffett, it clearly helps.

And you don’t have to be that good at golf either.

According to one caddie, the average handicap is around the 15 mark.

Previously women were not permitted to become members but they bowed to public pressure in 2012 and accepted their first two female members at Augusta, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the billionaire investor Darla Moore.

2. Be invited by a member

This is your best chance, as long as you know one of the members and they sign you in as a guest.

But the Augusta National’s membership policy is a closely guarded secret - so finding a member who will invite you is not as easy as it sounds.

The good news is that any guest expense gets billed to the member.

And the member does not have to play with their guest - but does have to be on site.

3. Work as a volunteer

Though it’s never been confirmed by Augusta, it’s believed that if you volunteer to work at the Masters in April you’re entitled to come back a month later and play a round at Augusta.

That’s play a round, not play around.

That’ll just get you thrown out. So don't do that.

4. Win the media lottery

Getting media accreditation for the Masters is hard enough itself, but not impossible.

Then on arrival at Augusta, all media are invited to enter the media ballot.

If you come out of the hat, you'll be one of about 20 media members allowed to play Augusta National on the Monday following the Masters.

5. Play college golf nearby

Aside from being able to boast that you're a high-level college golfer, one of the perks of going to nearby Augusta University is that once a year the golf team will be invited to play.

But the chances of getting into the university and then making the golf team are nigh on impossible, understandably.

6. Write a book

They say everyone has a book in them, and if you get a game at Augusta out of it too, then even better.

If you can convince the Augusta National to officially sanction your opus, you may be able to play the course... for research purposes, of course.

Author David Owen, who wrote The Making of The Masters, revealed he was once playing Augusta when one of his group desperately needed to finish, so they skipped the famous Amen Corner holes.

He said: "By that point I'd played there so often that I didn't think anything of it."

7. Become a caddie

If you fancy hanging out in white overalls and carrying a golf bag for four or five hours, this could be the job for you.

And you get to play the course once a year.

What's not to love?

Pros often draft in friends and family for the Par 3 contest ahead of the main event with the likes of Niall Horan and Paulina Gretzky having a go for Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson.

8. Get another job at Augusta National

Augusta National advertize online for green keepers, admin staff and other jobs.

If you get through the selection process, you'll be eligible to play the course once a year.

But don’t turn up in the summer and expect to play.

The course closes in late May, after the Masters, and doesn’t open again until October.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.