Tampa-based community bank expands to Atlanta region

Central Bank, a community bank headquartered in Tampa, has opened a new branch in Suwanee, Georgia, about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta.

According to a news release, the bank’s board of directors chose Suwanee “after years of study.” Not only does the move grant the bank a foothold in the Atlanta metro area, but also Suwanee is an area in need of a community bank.

The new Central Bank branch, located at 3893 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, will be led by Vice President Darryl Workman, the release states. He will work alongside Sagar Patel, who will serve as the bank’s Atlanta and Georgia market president.

“We believe there is a gap in the banking industry when it comes to having true community banks serving the local population,” Central Bank President and CEO John Thompson states in the release. “We started Central Bank in North Tampa in 2007. We then identified markets in Winter Park and St. Augustine and created new branches there. The response from those communities has been great and we have seen financial success in each market."

Thompson adds, "We think the Suwanee community is a place where our personal banking service will work well, both for individual banking accounts and for the area’s small businesses.”

As of Dec. 31, 2022, Central Bank had $255.465 million in total assets and 52 employees.