• Founders from the Geekz Ventures GROWTH Inaugural Pre-Accelerator Program

    10 Startups Announced In Geekz Ventures Inaugural Pre-Accelerator Program

    6 Min Read

    Tech pre-accelerator Geekz Ventures recently announced its class of 10 startups for its inaugural cohort program, including some with ties to Atlanta.

    The city’s tech industry continues to be one of the most progressive in the nation on many fronts.


    The Growth pre-accelerator program supports Black and Latinx-led early-stage companies from any industry, with a focus on MediaTech, Entertainment, and Mobile Technology. Applicants were assessed on their product, video pitch, potential impact, and capacity to build a scalable business.

    Kicking off in March 2023, the highly competitive 10-week program offers training, mentorship, and resources to help founders build successful businesses. Geekz Ventures provides access to world-class mentors and coaches, peer-to-peer networking, and an equity-free grant with the possibility for follow-up funding.

    Topics such as branding, scaling operations, knowing your numbers, product market fit, and emotional intelligence in leadership will be covered.

    In addition, founders participate in workshops and one-to-one office hours. They will also gain media exposure, including opportunities to be featured on the digital news platform, UrbanGeekz.

    Geekz Ventures is founded by award-winning BBC-trained journalist-turned-serial entrepreneur Kunbi Tinuoye. Former WeWork Enablement executive Brandon Wilkins will serve as the program manager.

    “We were inundated with applications,” said Tinuoye.” After a rigorous application process, we have selected founding teams that we truly believe can build sustainable and scalable brands.”

    Geekz Ventures program manager Brandon Wilkins said, “What’s exciting me the most is being able to witness up-and-coming black-founded tech startups. Black people still represent the tech space in low numbers, and I’m excited to see the innovation and growth.”

    Speaking about one startup that has caught his eye, Wilkins cites The Barter Shop. Aimed at creating an inclusive micro-economy for small businesses and solopreneurs, the startup was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the home of Black Wall Street. For Wilkins, “with the history of what happened there, this takes determination and great bravery.”

    Mentors and coaches include Mandela SH Dixon, the former CEO of All Raise, a non-profit on a mission to accelerate the success of female and non-binary investors, founders, and operators in tech.

    Gary Stewart, MD of Techstars NYC powered by J.P. Morgan joins Hodge Dixon alongside other high-profile leaders in the media or tech startup ecosystem.

    Other mentors include Kathryn O’Day, partner at Atlanta Ventures; Marguerite Pressley Davis, founder of Finance Savvy CEO, Aniyia L. Williams, Principal at Omidyar Network, and Terry (Kojo) Oppong, Creator Manager at LinkedIn, among others.

    “I am impressed with the cohort of early-stage founders that Geekz Ventures has assembled and proud to serve as a mentor,” said Danielle Nicholson, Geekz Ventures coach, and founder and CEO of BuilderBloc, a legal and business advisory firm that works with early-stage founders in emerging markets. “I look forward to providing these founders with the legal guidance required to build a solid foundation for future success.”

    Geekz Ventures also provides an outlet for its entrepreneurs to work on their emotional health, professional relationships, and stress management.

    “Our mission is to empower business owners and entrepreneurs of color to create the lives they always imagined for themselves,” said Geekz Watch coach Chantel Cohen and founder of CWC Coaching & Therapy, which provides therapy and coaching services to entrepreneurs and professionals alike. “We are excited to work with Geekz Ventures. Through this partnership, our goal is to promote prosperity for underrepresented founders on a global scale,”

    Meet the 10 Startups:

    1. Hayti

    Hailing from North Carolina, Hayti is the largest Black-owned app that aggregates digital content from newspapers, magazines, videos, and podcasts highlighting content from Black content creators around the world. Founded by Cary Wheelous, Hayti is the first mobile app to feature over 200+ Black publishers and over 1,000 Black Podcasters on both Android and iOS.

    1. Animteam

    Founded by Victor Williamson, Animteam is the first collaborative editing app for traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation. Animators can paint digitally, animate on a timeline, and collaborate in real time on their animated projects.

    1. visuEats

    Founded by Sophronia McKenzie, visuEats is a restaurant web and mobile app that provides photo and video menus creating an interactive and personalized dining experience. visuEats’ turnkey solution offers the restaurant industry a digital menu with reservations, online ordering, and delivery within one platform.

    1. InColorStock

    InColorStock’s membership-based model enables photographers to directly showcase their work to brands and companies looking to license racially diverse and culturally accurate stock content that gets it right. InColorStock is founded by veteran journalist and producer Claritza Jimenez.

    1. Lyricster

    Founded by Summer “Soulstress Williams, Lyricster is a collaboration matching app and social network for music creators. We are the solution to organic discovery, networking, and relationship building for songwriters, producers, and composers around the world.

    1. Spawnn

    Spawnn is an AI highlight reel detection and data analysis platform for gamers. By finding gamers’ most viral moments, we are focused on building for the over 1 billion people that watch video gaming content every day. Spawnn is the brainchild of the University of Southern California grads Buchi Obi and Will Hollingsworth

    1. ALIVE Podcast Network

    Consider us the black Spotify for podcasts. We educate our hosts and entertain our listeners all while building a robust interface to interact and engage with the hosts you love. We’re the media tech company that’s helping black content creators monetize their content, and amplify their voice, all while maintaining ownership of their IP. ALIVE Podcast Network is founded by Angel Livas.

    1. Seed At The Table

    Seed At The Table is a tech-enabled Financial Ecosystem operating as an LLC (not a fund) that’s committed to providing its community of diverse professionals and entrepreneurs with equitable access to capital, opportunity, and resources. Seed At The Table LLC, provides three primary solutions in the form of access to a resource-rich and affinity-aligned network, financial literacy education, and capital access. Founder Pierre Le Veaux is the brains behind the brand.

    1. The Barter Shop

    Founded by Shanice Brown, The Barter Shop mobile app is a revolutionary marketplace that empowers small businesses and individuals to thrive in times of need. The Barter Shop platform allows users to exchange services without the need for money, creating a micro-economy that is community-focused and inclusive.

    1. PrimoStats

    Founded by Shayla Price , PrimoStats is a searchable database of curated marketing statistics. We help content marketers find and cite relevant statistics to add credibility to their content. That way, content marketers can work smarter, not harder.

    Final Word

    The tech industry has tightened its belt as of late, but continues to churn out incredible ideas and talent. Atlanta plays a big role in that and will continue to do so.

    Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

    Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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  • Best date night restaurants in Atlanta

    Best Date Night Restaurants In Atlanta

    5 Min Read

    When it’s date night in Atlanta, where you take the person you care to wine and dine is something you need to get right. 

    In this article, we’ll go over the best restaurants in Atlanta to take a date.

    The most romantic restaurants in Atlanta all have top-notch wait staffs, excellent food and intimate settings. Date night restaurants in Atlanta are not scarce, but relatively few at the same time.

    Here Are The Best Atlanta Restaurants For Date Night

    Here are the best date night restaurants in Atlanta:

    2 Urban Licks

    820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

    best date night restaurants in Atlanta

    2 Urban Licks is a great date night restaurant for a number of reasons: It’s a chi chi spot, the drinks are amazing and it’s a people-watching place.

    Here is what one Google reviewer says about 2 Urban Licks: “It was a great casual place to celebrate our anniversary! Food was great! Beware though, the quantities are large! We decided to share 3 apps and an entree…even that was too much food.”

    Coalition Food & Beverage

    Coalition Food & Beverage - Best date night restaurants in Atlanta

    Coalition Food and Beverage is spread across 3,331-square-feet of space and seats approximately 150 diners, including a bar, outdoor dining and private dining.

    While not as stiff and contemporary-looking as many of the restaurants you’d see in Midtown, Coalition at 50 Canton Street in Alpharetta strives for a more urban aesthetic and community feel.

    White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails

    270 Peachtree St NW, 100, Atlanta, GA 30303  (404) 524-7200

    Best date night restaurants in Atlanta

    Here’s what one Google reviewer says about White Oak Kitchen: “I was staying in a hotel adjacent to this restaurant and went in for a late night bite and drink with my wife. We just wanted an appetizer and drinks but, what a creative selection, it was hard to choose just a few things. We got some wine and a couple of cocktails and the charred broccoli and carrots.”

    Paschal’s

    180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 30313

    Intl Airport, Concourse B, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, N Terminal Rd Suite T120, Atlanta, GA 30320

    best soul food restaurants in Atlanta

    Known as the kitchen of the civil rights movement, Paschals has had the most continuous success of any soul food joint in the city.

    Founded by the Paschal brothers, James and Robert in 1947, this CastleberryHill eatery has long enjoyed strong support from Atlanta’s black community. Since 1947, James and Robert Paschal, The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy and Hosea Williams all planned protests in the back room while collard greens and corn bread baked only feet away from them. Today,  Elby Marshall Slack is the only original member of the staff still there. Paschal’s has morphed into a mid-upscale eatery with a cosmopolitan clientele. But it still has some of the meanest soul food in the ATL. Best dishes include Gulf shrimp, chicken and Andouille as well as the Caribbean Fish Tacos.

    Sweet Auburn Seafood

    171 Auburn Ave NE P, Atlanta, GA 30303

    best date night restaurants in Atlanta

    Venture down Auburn Avenue and you’ll run right into an oasis of seafood, courtesy of Sweet Auburn Seafood, the largest restaurant in the corridor. Owner Paul Williams cut his teeth in the restaurant industry as a Wendy’s franchisee for more than two decades. When he opened Sweet Auburn Seafood, he wanted it to pay homage to the area’s rich African-American past.

    Menu favorites include the shrimp and grits and biscuit-size crab cakes.

    The Consulate

    10 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

    best date night restaurants in Atlanta

     

    Interior designer Douglas Hines and his wife Mei Lin, a chef with global influences, teamed up to open The Consulate in 2016 in Midtown. Before that, the Atlanta power couple opened Honey Bubble Tea in Poncey-Highland.

    Make online order for delivery

    If you want to experience different cultures through food, this couple has you covered. They plan to open as many as eight restaurants across the city.

    Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours

    1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318

    Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta - Twisted Cookhouse & Pours - Ways To Help Furloughed Federal Workers In Atlanta - Twisted Cookhouse & Pours

    This relatively new eatery has quickly stolen the hearts of soul food lovers in the city. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is run by Executive Chef and Owner Deborah VanTrece has become a culinary force in Atlanta. She also runs her own catering company Catering by VanTrece. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours has become known as an eatery that offers creative versions of Southern classics such as Jack Daniels Pecan Honey Chicken Wings and Sweet Tea Baby Back Ribs. Their Blue Plate Specials are great.

    Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint

    200 Peachtree St. NW L05, Atlanta, 404-230-5853

    black-owned restaurants in Atlanta, Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint

    Housed in a former Macy’s department store in downtown Atlanta, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is a favorite spot for tourists and business travelers. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is owned by Terry Harps, a former CPA who also presides over Global Concessions Inc., a multi-concept operator involved in dining options at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The restaurant opened in 2011 and is known for its live music on weekends.

    Read more: 15+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta

    Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.

    If you want to check out some other romantic restaurants in Atlanta, these are hard to beat. But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
     
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  • chef Kevin Gillespie to open Nadair restaurant in Atlanta.

    Chef Kevin Gillespie Opens New Atlanta Restaurant Nàdair

    2 Min Read

    Prolific restaurateur Kevin Gillespie just opened a new Atlanta restaurant concept that will show off his culinary talents. The eatery opened its doors on May 24, 2024.

    Open Now in Atlanta: Nàdair

    Gillespie, the owner of Gunshow, opened the new restaurant called Nàdair in DeKalb County.

    “So the wildcat is finally out of the bag! It’s true, we are currently working on a new restaurant slated for next year. Nàdair (from the Scots Gaelic “Dòigh Nàdair” meaning “the way of nature” and pronounced “nuh-DARE”),” Gillespie said in a post on social media. 

    He said that the eatery will be “the next chapter in a story we began many years ago at Woodfire Grill. I have been hoping to one day be able to return to the rustic elegance of live fire cooking, paired with a service style marked by intentionality and humility.”

    Where Will Nàdair Be Located?

    Nàdair will be housed in the space formerly occupied by Floataway Cafe at 1123 Zonolite Rd, NW Ste. 15, Atlanta, Ga. 30306. Here’s a map to help you find it.

    It will be an honor to steward the next generation of restaurants in Asana Partners’ former Floataway Cafe space, a restaurant we admired and one that helped develop the Atlanta dining scene we see today.”

    Gillespie said that more details about the new joint, including images and menus, will be revealed after the new year.

    More Food Coverage:

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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  • D'juan's New Orleans Bistro opens in Atlanta

    New Restaurant Alert: D’Juan’s New Orlean’s Bistro Opens In Vinings

    3 Min Read

    A new New Orleans-inspired restaurant is bringing that Cajun and Creole persuasion to Atlanta. D’Juan’s New Orlean’s Bistro opened its doors on Thursday, March 16. The early reviews are stellar and all you have to do to see for yourself is to make the short trip to Vinings to get that ‘Nawlins experience.

    D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro features an authentic New Orleans-style cuisine which includes some of the Crescent City favorites you’d expect like Gumbo, Mardi Gras Pasta, Bread Pudding, and more. 

    D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro: What To Know Before You Go

    Owner Donald Williams is a longtime Atlanta resident and owner of Williams Accounting & Consulting, an accounting firm with offices in Atlanta and New Orleans. Recently, his book, The Suitless CEO: How Becoming Unconventional Transformed My Life & Business hit the Amazon Best Seller list, after being endorsed by former Shark Tank cast member Kevin Harrington.

    “I love Atlanta, but it’s hard as a New Orleans native to get that taste of home in Metro Atlanta,” 
    Williams said in a news release. “There’s not that many places where someone can go and get those classic New Orleans flavors, which is why I decided to open D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro.”

    What’s On The Menu At D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro?

    D'juan's New Orleans Bistro menu
    Photo credit: D’juan’s New Orleans Bistro

    The menu at D’Juan’s takes a major page out of the New Orleans cuisine cookbook. Entrees on the menu include:

    • Gumbo
    • Cajun Rice and Catfish
    • Etouffee and Catfish
    • Jambalaya and Catfish
    • Red Beans and Fried Chicken Wings
    • Lamb Chops
    • Crawfish Mac and Cheese
    • And more!

    Williams said he is used to bringing that Louisiana flavor to those that know him.

    “Not only is it difficult for me to find the types of cuisine that I grew up with, but also when I cook New
    Orleans-style cuisine at home, I always have to make a lot because all of my family and friends here in
    Atlanta will want those flavors.”

    After you taste it, D’Juan’s is sure to be one of the best New Orleans-style restaurants in metro Atlanta.

    Where Is D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro Located?

    D’Juans New Orleans Bistro is located at 3300 Cobb Parkway Suite 104, Atlanta, GA 30339. Here’s a map to help you find it.

    Final Word

    “D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro is finally here and I’m so excited to share our food and culture with all of
    Atlanta,” Williams is quoted as saying. “The best part about Atlanta is that the city really embraces all of the different foods and restaurants. So, I’m happy that I get to share a piece of me, my family, and my culture with all of Atlanta.”

    D’Juan’s will no doubt soon be one of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are plenty others. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.

    As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.

    The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s  food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.

    Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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  • The Resident TV show canceled on Fox

    Props, Furniture From Atlanta-Filmed TV Show For Sale

    2 Min Read

    Equipment, furniture, props and other items used in the filming of Fox’s The Resident has gone on sale in metro Atlanta.

    According to the City of Conyers, Georgia, where much of the popular series was filmed before it was canceled, the items all come straight from the set. The items will be available through Sunday, March 26 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    How to Buy Items From The Resident TV Show

    To purchase the items, you’ll have to go to the following places:

    • Building 1 (Furniture & Props) – 1003 Sigman Road
    • Building 2 (Designer Wardrobe & Jewelry) – 2050 East Park Drive NE
    The buildings are approximately a half mile from one another, according to Conyers. Shop early for best selection and pricing! Check out the website for photos of some of the items available.
     
    After six successful seasons on Fox, The Resident was renewed for a seventh season. 
    Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.
     
    Coming 2 America is just one of many films filmed in Atlanta. See our Movies Page for more.
     
    Are you interested in becoming an actor in Atlanta? You’re in the right place!   
     
    With nearly 1,000 movie and TV projects produced in just the last few years, Georgia’s film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
    There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
     

    Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls

     
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  • Superica Dunwoody menu

    Tex-Mex Restaurant Superica Opens In Dunwoody

    2 Min Read

    The Superica empire continues to grow in metro Atlanta. The latest addition to the portfolio is a 6,000-square-foot restaurant at the Ashford Lane development in Dunwoody.

    Acclaimed Chef Ford Fry has built his Superica brand, which specializes in Tex-Mex with a twist, into five restaurants now in the Atlanta area.

    Have you ever been to a Superica? It is one of Atlanta’s best Tex-Mex restaurants for sure.

    What Should I Order At Superica?

    While the hours of operation vary depending on which Superica you go to, the menu doen’t change that much. That means you can find your favorite tacos, including cool variations of street-style tacos, fajitas al carbon and a great brunch.

    Here are some dinner faves of mine, which I always recommend to others.

    Hamburguesa at Superica
    Photo credit: Superica

    • CHILE RELLENO crispy poblano pepper filled with corn, mushrooms, and Chihuhah cheese
    • CARNITAS DE PUERCO twice-cooked heritage pork belly, tomatillo salsa
    • HAMBURGUESA* (pictured) 8 oz. double meat, American cheese, chili con carne, mustard, lettuce, pickles, onions, steak fries
    • MESQUITE GRILLED QUAIL served with two tamles smothered in chili con carne and cheese
    • El LOPEZ two cheese enchiladas, crispy beef taco, guacamole salad, puffy tostada con queso, rice and beans

    Who Owns Superica?

    Superica is owned by restaurateur Ford Fry, a James Beard-nominated chef who’s culinary portfolio includes a who’s who of Atlanta bangers such as JCT Kitchen, The Optimist and of course, Superica.

    “I want to create restaurants that strike a timeless emotional chord – restaurants that don’t pander to trend, but draw generations of families together,” says Fry.

    Where Is Superica In Dunwoody Located?

    The Superica in Dunwoody is located at 1220 Ashford Crossing. Here’s a map to help you find it.

    Final Word

    If you love contemporary Tex-Mex with a twist, you’ll love Superica. Like many a waistline in the South, Atlanta’s foodie scene seems to be bursting at the seams. Ready to try something new?

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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  • Marcus Samuelsson opens restaurant in Atlanta

    Marcus Bar And Grille Opening In Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward

    3 Min Read

    A multiple James Beard Award-winning chef is set to open a new Atlanta restaurant in the city’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Renown chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Marcus Bar & Grille will open its doors on Tuesday, March 21, the eatery said.

    Samuelsson is well known in culinary circles worldwide. In addition to his eateries, Red Rooster, MARCUS Montreal and Marcus B&P, he has also appeared on numerous food shows and reality TV series. Now he has turned his attention to Atlanta, where he joins a growing list of celebrity-owned restaurants.

    Marcus Bar & Grille Opening In Old Fourth Ward

    Back in February, Samuelsson posted on social media that he was opening a spot that specializes in wood-fired cuisine.

    “Atlanta, let’s do this!” Samuelsson posted. “We are thrilled to announce that Marcus Bar & Grille is opening soon in Old Fourth Ward! Get ready for a vibrant and funky neighborhood bar and grill serving up some incredible dishes. We’ve got a giant wood oven and wood-fired grill at the heart of the restaurant.”

    What’s On The Menu At Marcus Bar & Grille?

    The menu at Marcus Bar & Grille, which is helmed by Executive Chef Hannah Young, features some outstanding dishes including:

    • Fried Chicken & Cornbread Waffles, which include  chili butter, maple glaze and pickles.
    • Seafood Piccadilly, which comes with bucatini, jumbo lump crab, shrimp and chili crunch.
    • Wood Fired King Salmon, including coconut rice, cola beans and kale-apple salad.
    • Miso Striped Bass, which has corn, bok choy, mushrooms and blistered tomato.
    • Poppa Ed’s Shrimp & Grits, which comes with cheddar grits and chorizo gumbo.
    • Dry Aged Smashburger with fontina, fixins and fries.

    “We’ve got oysters, steaks, and barbecue, plus an extensive selection of wines, local craft beers, and creative cocktails. This new restaurant combines a little bit of everything I love: food, culture, art, and community,” Samuelsson posted.

    The restaurant also has a beverage program that features some Atlanta-sourced beers, creative cocktails, and an expansive wine list.

    Where Is Marcus Bar & Grille Located In Atlanta?

    Marcus Bar & Grille is located at 525 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312. Here’s a map to help you find it.

    Final Word

    What are you doing this weekend in Atlanta? Come on out to Old Fourth Ward and the Edgewood corridor to check out the latest dining spot from Samuelsson. You won’t be disappointed. 

    If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Atlanta Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.

    If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.

    More From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Mary J. Blige performs in Atlanta

    Mary J. Blige On Strength Of A Woman Festival: ‘This Is Our Day To Celebrate’

    2 Min Read

    Songtress Mary J. Blige recently sat down with Atlanta radio station V-103 ahead of the Strength of the Woman Festival and Summit, which will take place in the city during Mother’s Day weekend.

    Blige caught up with Big Tigger of The Big Tigger Morning Show, where she shared new details about the festival, slated for  May 11-14, and what she’s looking forward to.

    Mary J. Blige Performing In Atlanta For Strength of the Woman Festival And Summit

    “It’s Mother’s Day, what better way to celebrate the strength of a woman in every woman, every woman whose persevered through so much… this is our day to celebrate,” she said.

    During the festival, Blige will be reunited with her Uptown Records label mates, Jodeci. “I’m a fan of Jodeci, and we realize how important we are to each other,” she said. The singer also used to be romantically involved with Jodeci singer K-Ci.

    This year’s festival promises to make even more of a splash than last year’s, which featured Usher and Summer Walker. “Last year was big but this year is bigger,” she said.

    Fans can also look forward to Blige performing a special, never before seen set, in celebration of #HipHop50 with guests Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, and more.

    Audio credit: Audacy’s V-103 (Atlanta) / The Big Tigger Morning Show

    How To Attend

    The summit is free and will include two Lifetime movie premieres, live podcasts including Don’t Call Me White Girl and more. “The summit is about uplift and build and strengthen and encourage and inspire people,” she said.

    Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

    Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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  • Mary J. Blige concert in Atlanta

    Mary J. Blige To Perform At Strength of a Woman Festival In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Queen of hip-hop Mary J. Blige is headlining the second annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.

    The star-studded event is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.

    Who Is Performing At The Strength Of A Woman Festival in Atlanta?

    The event, which will be held at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, features an all-star musical lineup and will include MJB B-Sides” set; and a special R&B night with performances by the following:

    • Mary J. Blige
    • Lauryn Hill
    • Summer Walker
    • Robert Glasper
    • Mike Epps
    • Jodeci
    • Busta Rhymes
    • Jeezy
    • Method Man
    • Jadakiss
    • Lucky Daye
    • Coco Jones
    • Saucy Santana
    • Sunday Service Collective
    • Muni Long

    When Is The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit In Atlanta?

    The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is taking place in Atlanta on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13, 2023.

    For tickets to the concert on Friday May 12 and Saturday, May 13, visit: soawfestival.com and Ticket Master.

    Created and curated by Grammy-award-winning R&B songstress Mary J. Blige, Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is the only festival experience in the market brought to you exclusively by an all-Black, female team.

    Final Word

    Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:

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  • Angry Crab opens in Atlanta

    Angry Crab Shack Opening First Atlanta Location

    3 Min Read

    Angry Crab Shack, an Asian-Cajun cuisine restaurant, is set to open its first location in Georgia and it’s going to be at Midtown Atlanta’s Atlantic Station.

    The restaurant is throwing a grand opening on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EDT. The event is open to the public.

    Angry Crab Shack To Hold Grand Opening In Atlanta

    The New Atlanta restaurant will be run by owners Mia Scott, and Darlene and Gregory Morris. Mia is Darlene’s daughter and Gregory is Darlene’s nephew. 

    The eatery has been ramping up expansion plans since the pandemic subsided.

    What’s On The Menu At Angry Crab Shack?

    The dinner menu at Angry Crab Shack includes these delicious dishes:

    FRESH OYSTERS Raw* oysters from east and west coast. Served with fresh lemon and cocktail sauce.
    FRIED OYSTERS Lightly breaded and cajun dusted. Served with fresh lemon and cocktail sauce.
    CHARRED OYSTERS Oysters with garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper, and a side of soppin bread.
    ONION RINGS Golden crispy and served with ranch.
    CALAMARI Fried light and crisp, with cocktail sauce and fresh Lemons.
    FRIED SAMPLER Wanna Share? Choose three of your favorites! Cajun Fried Pickles, Battered Shrimp, Hush Puppies, Calamari, Onion Rings, or Jumbo Wings
    LOBSTER CROSTINI Succulent and sweet lobster meat with celery, green onions and Cajun mayo.
    CHARITY FRIES Crispy fries benefiting local charities
    EZ PEEL AND EAT SHRIMP Tender boiled shrimp, chilled and served with fresh lemon and cocktail sauce.
    HUSH PUPPIES Crispy jalapeno cornbread and served with ranch.
    ANGRY EDAMAME Whole edamame boiled and smothered in Trifecta sauce.

    Where Is Angry Crab Shack Located In Atlanta?

    Angry Crab Shack will open in Atlantic Station at 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30363. Here is a map to help you find it.

    “We are overjoyed to come together as a family to open this unique, fun seafood restaurant that is known for its delicious food, charitable endeavors and family-friendly dining experience,” Darlene Morris said in a written statement. “Great food, bringing families together, and giving back – these were our main priorities for us when we looked at different businesses to invest in. Given its strong profit margins and steady growth nationwide, the Angry Crab Shack brand is the perfect fit for our first family business.”

    Final Word

    Opening the first Angry Crab Shack location to the Peach State is exciting news. 

    Read more: 20+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta

    The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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