-
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was on hand to join Shaquille O’Neal and Papa Johns CEO Steve Ritchie to cut the ribbon on O’Neal’s new Papa John’s restaurant near Georgia Tech in Midtown Atlanta.
Shaq is on the Papa John’s Board of Directors and the company uses him as a spokesman.
Shaq buys Papa Johns in Midtown Atlanta
According to security filings, the pizza chain is paying the NBA great $4.1 million in cash over three years. Shaq is also getting 87,136 shares of stock that vest between 2020 and 2022, according to restaurantbusinessonline.com.
Those shares are reportedly worth $4.4 million.
The deal also includes Shaq appearing on the company’s social media accounts once a month and other partnership plans.
On Sunday, the City of Atlanta’s Twitter account posted about the ribbon-cutting in Midtown.
Mayor @KeishaBottoms joined Shaquille O’Neal and @PapaJohns CEO Steve Ritchie to cut the ribbon on @SHAQ’s new Papa John’s restaurant near @GeorgiaTech. Congrats, @SHAQ! pic.twitter.com/F91GLZPgLi
— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) August 25, 2019
Shaq owns several Midtown Atlanta establishments in the food industry, including the iconic Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon Avenue.
In 2016, the TNT analyst paid $1.1 million for an estate in McDonough. The property is spread out across 14 acres and features two homes, a basketball court, a theatre and a three-stall barn.
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.
-
The Georgia Tech Yellowjackets are ready to play for ACC football in 2019. Georgia plays at legendary Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field in Midtown Atlanta.
Head coach Geoff Collins and the gang are looking to challenge for the ACC crown by taking on venerable schools such as Clemson and the University of Miami. The Yellowjackets regular season looks like they will be able to turn in an eight-win season.
Let’s take a look at the Georgia Tech 2019 football schedule:
Here is the Georgia Tech 2019 football schedule
Date Opponent Location Time Thursday, Aug. 29 At Clemson 52-14 Clemson, SC 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 USF – Whiteout Atlanta, GA 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 The Citadel Atlanta, GA 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept 28 At Temple Philadelphia, PA TBA Saturday, Oct. 5 North Carolina – HOF Atlanta, GA TBA Saturday, Oct. 12 At Duke Durham, NC TBA Saturday, Oct. 19 At Miami Miami Gardens, FL TBA Saturday, Nov. 2 Pitt – Homecoming Atlanta, GA TBA Saturday, Nov. 9 At Virginia Charlottesville, VA TBA Saturday, Nov 16 Virginia Tech Atlanta, GA TBA Saturday, Nov. 23 NC State Atlanta, GA 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 Georgia Atlanta, GA TBA Georgia Tech has always played great games against Clemson and Miami, and this year is shaping up to be no different as the Tigers enter the season ranked #1.
Inside the state, Tech’s biggest rival is the Bulldogs, who annually match up at the end of the year.
-
The grand opening of Stacy’s Chicken Salad Chick restaurant in Rome is set for Tuesday, August 27, 2019. The celebration will include a week of giveaways, incentives and special guests. Stacy Brown, “The Chick” behind Chicken Salad Chick, is returning to her hometown of Rome, Georgia to bring her acclaimed Southern, fast-casual eatery to the masses.
The new restaurant is located at 800 Martha Berry Blvd. by Floyd Medical Center. The grand opening will begin with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. and doors will open at 10 a.m.
On August 23 and 24, the restaurant will host two Friends & Family events benefiting the Ruth and Naomi House. Chicken salad enthusiasts interested in visiting the restaurant on either of these days are encouraged to message the eatery’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/ChickenSaladChickRome, and they can enter to win a year of free chicken salad by liking the restaurant’s Facebook Page.
On opening day, visitors are in for a treat as they will be able to meet Stacy Brown and the real chicks who inspired some of the brand’s popular flavors—including Kickin’ Kay Lynne, Classic Carol, Rockin’ Rita, Jazzy Julie, Nutty Nana, Sassy Scotty, Cranberry Kelli, Buffalo Barclay and Jalapeno Holly.
Also on Opening Day, the first 100 guests will receive FREE Chicken Salad for a year! To celebrate this affair all week long, locals can experience the southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for with giveaways and specials at the new restaurant:
- Tuesday, August 27 – Free Chicken Salad for a Year: The first 100 guests will receive free Chicken Salad Chick for an entire year, equivalent to one free large Quick Chick per month for 12 months. *Line begins at 6 a.m. on opening day. Guests on premise prior to 6 a.m. will not be eligible for the giveaway* Any guests unable to join for the morning first 100 giveaway may enter throughout the day into a special drawing for Free Chicken Salad for a year.
- Wednesday, August 28 – Free Chick Tumbler: The first 50 guests at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. who purchase the Chick Trio will receive a free stainless steel 32 oz. Chicken Salad Chick tumbler.*
- Thursday, August 29 – Free Rome Chick t-shirt: The first 100 guests to purchase the Chick Trio will receive a free commemorative Rome Chick t-shirt while supplies last.*
- Friday, August 30 – Morning and Afternoon Giveaways: The first 50 guests at 10 a.m. will be given the opportunity to join the Scoop of the Month Club. Members will receive one free scoop of chicken salad each month. In addition, in the spirit of keeping Rome green, the first 50 guests at 6 p.m. who make a $25 purchase will receive a one-of-a-kind Chick Planter!*
- Saturday, August 31 – Free Large Chick Cooler: The first 100 guests to purchase two Quick Chicks To-Go will receive the perfect picnic present – a free Chicken Salad Chick cooler!*
This restaurant is just one of many that make up the vast metro Atlanta food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
-
The Georgia State University Panthers are ready to play for Sun Belt football in 2019. Georgia State Stadium is just south of downtown Atlanta, a perfect place for some gridiron.
The Panthers football team has only been in existence since 2010, but it has made strides since then and been able to recruit some quality athletes from inside and outside the state.
Here is the Georgia State Panthers 2019 football schedule
Date Opponent Location Time Saturday, Aug. 31 Tennessee 38-30 Knoxville, TN 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 Furman 48-42 GSU Stadium, Atlanta, GA 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 At Western Michigan Kalamazoo, MI 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept 21 At Texas State San Marcos, Texas TBA Saturday, Oct. 5 Arkansas State GSU Stadium, Atlanta, GA 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 At Coastal Carolina Conway, S.C. TBA Saturday, Oct. 19 Army GSU Stadium, Atlanta, GA 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Troy GSU Stadium, Atlanta, GA 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 At ULM Monroe, LA TBA Saturday, Nov 16 Appalachian State GSU Stadium, Atlanta, GA 2 p.m. Georgia State’s biggest rival is Georgia Southern, which is located in Statesboro. Although the teams have squared up quite a few times in basketball, they meet in football only so often until a few years ago.
That’s when both schools joined the Sun Belt Conference. Since then it has become a heated in-state rivalry that brings out the best in fans.Week 1: GSU 38- Tennessee 30
The party was in downtown Atlanta on Aug. 31 after the Georgia State University Panthers shocked the Tennessee Volunteers 38-30 at Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee, a former powerhouse team in the SEC, was supposed to mop the field with the Panthers, who were three-score underdogs. Instead, GSU handed the Vols their first home opening loss since 1983.
Week 2: GSU 48- Furman 42
In a thrilling game that saw Georgia State get behind after leading for most of the way, the Panthers scored late to beat Furman University 48-42.
-
In celebration of the culinary yardbird, the can’t-miss event of 2019 is the Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown.
The festival takes place on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at The Fairmont. The summer festival pays homage to the Southern staple and creative ways to present and cook it.
Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown: Everything you need to know
The showdown, which this year is sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms and Big Green Egg and produced by Taste of Atlanta, will feature chefs from 30+establishments throughout the prolific Southeast.
Some of the kitchens represented will be Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Now in its fourth year, the Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown will feature acclaimed chefs coming up with dishes using Springer Mountain Farms chicken.
The farm’s chicken is raised without antibiotics, steroids, growth stimulants or hormones, so attendees can focus on the unique recipes crafted by the chefs.
Those who attend can enjoy wings and sides along with beer, wine and cocktails that go well with the food.
Which ever chef takes home the top prize of “Best Wing” gets to take home a Big Green Egg.
Where does the Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown take place this year?
Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown 2019 is happening at 1429 Fairmont Ave NW, Atlanta, Ga 30318. Here is a map to help you find it.
celebrating unique takes on a Southern staple, will return for its fourth year on Sunday, August 25 at The Fairmont (1429 Fairmont Ave NW) in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood from 1pm to 5pm. the event will feature creative talent from over 30 prominent Southeastern chefs hailing from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 5 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.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Check out some of AtlantaFi.com’s best Atlanta restaurant stories
-
One new Atlanta restaurant pulling in some consistent crowds is Krab Queenz Seafood & Daiquiri, which opened in Midtown Atlanta on Friday, August 17, 2019.
I ventured into the restaurant located in the space formerly occupied by Gladys Knight Chicken & Waffles early in the day to beat the crowds, which form every weekend.
Krab Queenz Seafood & Daiquiri Review: Inside the Midtown Atlanta Restaurant
They’ve done a great job with renovating the place, which has an interior full of wooden tables, chairs and decor reminiscent of a college sports bar. But there’s no need to have plush furniture when you’re dealing with juicy crabs and delectable seafood: Things can get quite messy.
One of the first things you need to know about eating at Krab Queenz ATL is that you have to pay in advance. Not only does this save you time rather than waiting on the server to return with the bill after the meal, but this ensures a measure of quality control for the establishment.
In other words: Krab Queenz is making sure that everybody’s getting paid and they won’t chance the alternative.
My server was especially helpful: Advising me on getting the wet fries rather than the dry ones. I asked him what his favorite dish was and he immediately listed several of them that he enjoyed.
For fries, the restaurant offers three varieties: Original, Cajun and Lemon Pepper. For the latter, you have the option of getting them wet or dry.You can also pair your seafood with waffles. So, you can get Lobster & Waffles, Gator & Waffles and other combos.I tried the Gator Basket, which comes with a side of Cajun Ramoulade sauce and fries. The gator came in huge chunks and was delicious.Keeping with the Louisiana theme, Krab Queenz offers daiquiris, a New Orleans specialty. In the back of the restaurant, there’s a whole daiquiri bar that serves the frozen drinks.But here’s the best part: Krab Queenz sells seafood by the pound. If you want to pick up some crab and bring it to your home for a small food gathering, you can do that.After a hearty meal, I can see why this place has two other locations (Los Angeles and Houston). The food is the bomb, the staff is flawlessly attentive and Krab Queenz is offering one of the most popular cuisines in America: Louisiana seafood. I’ll be back.Where Is Krab Queenz Located In Atlanta?
Krab Queenz Seafood & Daiquiris is located at 529 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA. 30308. Here’s a map to help you find it.Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. If you want to know about more Atlanta seafood restaurants, here are the best spots to visit.Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 5 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.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
-
Popeyes has reupped on its version of the boneless chicken sandwich and it’s a runaway hit. Even in Atlanta, the practical backyard of reigning fast-food king Chick-Fil-A.
Frustrations are rising around the wait times at Popeyes around Atlanta, so in this article you can get the number to call the local restaurant near you to see if they still have chicken sandwiches in stock before you drive out there.
Here’s where you can get the Popeyes chicken sandwich in Atlanta
That’s not to say that Chick-Fil-A isn’t good, too. But the Popeyes chicken sandwich is bigger and comes with a pickle or two, juicy white meat and tangy sauce.
True to form for Popeyes, the chicken sandwich come in either Classic style or Spicy. So, what do you say? Are you ready to venture to a Popeyes near you?
These Popeyes locations in Atlanta are all selling the chicken sandwich. Click on the link to open a Google Map to the restaurant.
For more information on restaurant locations, go to Popeyes.com.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 5 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.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
-
Established and aspiring filmmakers are looking to screen their movies on a weekly basis in Atlanta. Here are the Atlanta movie screenings near you.
With hundreds of film projects being greenlit and produced in the state over the last five years, the filmmaking industry in Georgia has supplanted Hollywood.
Here are the Atlanta film screenings you don’t want to miss
A big part of the process is movie screenings, which help build buzz for the film and celebrates the filmmaker’s vision.
White Rose – Sept. 18
No, The Movie – Oct. 9
Agent X – Oct. 10 at Phipps Plaza
Communion – Oct. 27
Inspired by the toll of current events, “Communion,” will lift up the voices of women by celebrating our untold stories with all proceeds going to support the nonprofit, SisterSong, whose mission is to strengthen and amplify the collective voices of indigenous women and women of color to achieve reproductive justice by eradicating reproductive oppression and securing human rights.Chess Underground – Dec. 11 at Camp Creek
Up Next: BronzeLens Film Fest 2019 Opening Night Screening
Come out to the Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019 for the Opening nIght Screening of the BronzeLens Film Festival. See more.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
-
It’s that time again, yall. The 2019 MEAC/SWAC Challenge comes to Atlanta’s Georgia State Stadium on Sunday, September 1. The game will feature Bethune-Cookman University and Jackson State University.
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge has been an Atlanta tradition for a number of years now.
2019 MEAC/SWAC Challenge: Everything you need to know
The annual game features teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Launched on Labor Day Weekend in 2005, the HBCU matchup was held for its first three years at historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
In 2008, the game moved to Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Since 2016, the Challenge has been played at campus sites.
Get tickets here
About Bethune-Cookman College
Bethune-Cookman boasts the #1 band in the MEAC, known as the Marching Wildcats. They make up a 300+ unit that has five drum majors known affectionately as “The Five Horsemen.”
Bethune-Cookman is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Wildcats’ biggest rivals is in-state HBCU Florida A&M University.
About Jackson State University
JSU’s band, the Sonic Boom of the South, is the #1 ranked band in the SWAC. Jackson State University is located in Jackson, Mississippi. The mascot is a bengal tiger.
While 90% of JSU’s students hailed from Mississippi, other states make up the rest of the student body. The top three feeder states are Illinois (419 students), Louisiana (227), and Tennessee (192).
Among international students, most were from China, according to a JSU factbook.
Where to park at Georgia State Stadium
Parking at Georgia State Stadium is festival style, first-come-first-served in each lot. Handicap parking is available in the Green Lot on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please be advised handicap parking spaces are limited. A state issued placard or license plate and a parking pass are required for entry. Passes are currently available for the Green lot only.
Lots open 4 hrs prior to kickoff. No overnight parking. Online parking sales close on Saturday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m.
-
Have you ever attended one of the best street parties in the ATL? Did you miss the last
@ATLStreetsAlive ? No problem!Make sure you come out at the Atlanta Streets Alive: Southwest on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Atlanta Streets Alive: Southwest – everything you need to know
The event will connect seven neighborhoods spanning from Cascade Avenue to Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, and Georgia Avenue. We’ll close the streets to cars and open them for people to walk, roll, bike, and play!
The fun kicks off at 2:00 pm with the official opening of the street followed by a parade of the route. Parade lineup is at 2:00 pm for a 2:30 pm launch. FREE bike decorations will be available while supplies last!After the opening program and kickoff parade, visit Activity Partners and Route Hosts along the route for a wealth of interactive experiences hosted by community organizations, local businesses, and our sponsors. You can explore the open street from end to end or enter and exit the route at any cross street at any time during the four-hour activation.
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.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
Read more: The essential bars in Little 5 Points
Food & drink specials: How to eat for cheap in Atlanta EVERY DAY
