I believe that I laughed the entire time listening to the stories shared by Chris Yoder, possibly one of the funniest people in Suwanee. Mayor of Suwanee from 1998-1999, Chris is very outspoken and passionate about the city he watched grow from a very small town to the fastest growing city in Gwinnett.
What inspired you or led you to your current career?
I was on City Council from 1994-1999 and Mayor in 1998-1999, taking over for Richard Trice. My career was an installer for Southern Bell and had me traveling all over. I saw the good, bad and the ugly. I wanted to be involved to help Suwanee have good zoning with as low densities as possible.
What is your favorite restaurant in Suwanee and what do you love there?
Hammerheads. I love the food and the owner, and I go there with great friends. I have never had bad food there.
How long have you worked or lived in Suwanee?
30 years, off and on.
What has kept you here?
Friends and family. I presently live in Cumming but will always care deeply for Suwanee.
How big is your family?
My wife, my daughter and myself. I have two cats: Ozzie & Harriett.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Suwanee?
David Pierce. I think of him as the “soul of Suwanee”.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel the Pacific Northwest in a nice van to see all the sights in between here and there.
What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
The Angry Red Planet
What advice would you give a crowd of people?
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
What is something on your bucket list?
Watching my daughter throughout her life and keeping my wife happy, and my two cats.
If you could take anyone to lunch (dead or alive) who would that be and where would you go?
Here with you, Julie Perdue, at Reveille Café in Buford!
What is your favorite music? Name three bands you would like to see.
’60s and ’70s rock. I would love to see Billy Joel, Carlos Santana, and The Eagles all again.
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
I loved the heartfelt little place that Suwanee was and hope it still is.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Retired still and enjoying life.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
At 21 years old, I hitchhiked from New Orleans to Midtown Atlanta. I also gave the first speech for the Suwanee Business Alliance at the State of the City in 1998.
