Athens Power Couple Kate and Ken Cook

by Ashley Hanna

There’s no denying it. Athens is a town of movers and shakers and is unlike anywhere else. Taking a closer look at some of the people who make it so unique revealed that there seem to be quite a few couples that are hard at work making sure local businesses thrive in the Athens community.

Dr. Ken Cook of Chiropractic Works and Kate Cook, owner of ARTini’s, are not only two successful business owners in their own right, but they are quite the Athens power couple when you put them together.

Ken has a long-standing history with not only Athens, but also the University of Georgia. He was a scholarship gymnast here and graduated from the University in 1987 with a degree in exercise physiology. After graduating Life Chiropractic College in 1992, Ken stayed in Atlanta where he eventually met and married his wife, Kate. The two lived together in Alpharetta until the opportunity to take over a practice in Athens presented itself. Ironically enough, it was the practice Ken had first interned for when he was in college. The couple decided it was time for a change and found themselves back in Athens in 2009.

When talking to Ken about what he offers his patients, it’s hard to ignore the passion he has for both his work and people which is exemplified in that he still sees some of the same patients today that he treated as an intern. Having suffered injuries of his own as a college athlete, he provides his clients a unique blend of chiropractic, exercise physiology and rehabilitative techniques. He is also the only spinal decompression expert for non-surgical treatment of lower back disc conditions here in Athens. In addition to that, he’s also the only certified BrainCore clinic treating conditions such as ADD/ADHD, migraines, fibromyalgia, insomnia and weight loss.

As Ken was busy with his practice, Kate became the office manager for J House Media when they moved to Athens. Although she loved her job and the people she was able to be around everyday, she knew there was something missing. When a friend told her about a place she had visited in Denver that would combine Kate’s passion for art, her talent and what seemed like a lot of fun, Kate decided to take a risk and open her own business.

ARTini’s, which will be celebrating its 10 month anniversary this February, gives people a unique art-based experience here in Athens. Kate says, “being that there are a lot of these concepts out there, we’ve tried to set ourselves apart by being a gallery as well and hosting local art.” During an evening at ARTini’s, Kate, or one of her other two staff members, will instruct you step by step on creating your own work of art and then you get to leave with your creation at the end of the night. On top of that, you also get the opportunity to be exposed to some local artists you might not get to see otherwise. It’s definitely a fun and unique combination. The fact that you get to sip wine while you paint doesn’t hurt either.

As they seem to be completely invested in their growing businesses, a night off doesn’t come often, but when it does, they love the chance to hang out in Athens with friends. Some of their favorite restaurants include Farm 255, The National and The Royal Peasant. When they feel like dancing, Kate claims Go Bar is the best and only place to go, adding that they play the perfect mix of music.

It was clear talking to both Ken and Kate that they love what they do and the town they do it in, but also that they have tremendous love and respect for each other. Ever the team, Ken is Kate’s “free help” when she has a lot on her plate and he made sure to mention she logged long hours too, helping him get his practice going. An obvious power couple, they might just be the perfect couple too.

Tagged: kate and ken cook, artinis, chiropractic works, uga gymnastics, uga sports, power couples in athens, athens ga