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While Atlanta’s own spirits scene continues to thrive, eyes across the South are on a high-stakes legal dispute involving the popular Uncle Nearest whiskey brand — and a surprising connection to music icon Jay-Z.
A Kentucky-based lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, has leveled serious fraud accusations against Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver and her husband Keith, claiming they deliberately concealed a $20 million loan originating from a venture firm tied to Jay-Z.
Kentucky Bank Accuses Uncle Nearest Founder of Hiding $20M Jay-Z Loan in Ongoing Legal Battle
In recent court filings, the Louisville-headquartered bank alleges that the Weavers mischaracterized the transaction and misled the institution about its nature.
The disputed funds reportedly came from MP-Tenn LLC (also known as MarcyPen), a venture capital entity formed in late 2024 and backed by Jay-Z (the rapper, entrepreneur, and husband of Beyoncé), along with partners Jay Brown, Larry Marcus, Robbie Robinson, and D’Rita Robinson.
- Uncle Nearest Remains Under Receivership
- Investor Group Steps in to Stabilize Uncle Nearest
- Fawn Weaver Speaks Out To End Legal Battle
Farm Credit claims Fawn Weaver initially presented the $20 million as a loan from her own company, Grant Sidney, but the money actually flowed from MarcyPen to Uncle Nearest — only to be rerouted through Grant Sidney in an effort to shield it from the bank’s reach and potentially avoid tax implications.
Bank attorneys described the move as a scheme to prevent the funds from being “snatched” by creditors, accusing Weaver of orchestrating a deliberate effort to violate the lender’s rights.
The Nearest Green Distillery and Uncle Nearest brand, based in Tennessee and known for honoring the legacy of Nearest Green (the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel’s distilling techniques), have been under court-appointed receivership since last August.
Farm Credit originally sued, alleging defaults on more than $100 million in loans.
The receiver and bank now estimate the company’s debts approach $200 million, with Uncle Nearest deemed insolvent — a claim the Weavers strongly contest.
A federal judge recently ruled to keep the Weavers removed from day-to-day operations for the time being.
Upcoming decisions from U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. could determine whether the receivership continues or expands to include seven additional Weaver-controlled companies accused of commingling assets.
Farm Credit is also pushing to sell a Martha’s Vineyard property purchased with bank funds and later re-mortgaged without approval.
The Weavers oppose the sale, citing its promotional value to the brand, and say an investor group — Nubian Sage Enterprises, founded by former NBA players Kevin Johnson and Mark West — is prepared to match or better the current offer.
The bank has pushed back hard against the Weavers’ narrative, calling their portrayal of events overly dramatic: “They paint themselves as victims of greed and portray FCMA as a villain bent on their personal destruction. The true story is simpler… Uncle Nearest owed the debt… defaulted… was (and is) insolvent, and this receivership is necessary.”
Court documents highlight multiple alleged issues, including 20 prior loan defaults, questionable transfers (such as a $130,000 payment disguised as storage fees), and over-reporting of whiskey barrel inventory used as collateral.
For their part, the Weavers deny fraud, insist the $20 million benefited the company and its vendors, and accuse Farm Credit of misleading the court through shifting allegations.
They maintain the brand remains solvent and valuable — estimating its worth between $300 million and $480 million — though bids received so far reportedly fall short of covering Farm Credit’s claims alone.
The case underscores the financial pressures facing even high-profile spirits brands amid rising costs and market challenges.
Atlanta’s growing craft distillery community will likely keep watching as developments unfold in the Tennessee federal court.
Stay tuned to Atlanta Local News for updates on this story and all things impacting the Southeast’s booming spirits industry.
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ATLANTA – Good news for fans of classic Atlanta eats: the beloved restaurant Eats is officially back in business after a brief hiatus.
Eats reopened its doors on Thursday inside the Wild Heaven Beer taproom in the city’s vibrant West End neighborhood.
Eats Reopens at Lee + White
The move comes just months after the original location on Ponce de Leon Avenue shut down last fall following more than 30 years serving up affordable, no-frills comfort food.
Wild Heaven Beer stepped in to acquire the Eats brand, preserving much of the original memorabilia and bringing back the longtime manager to maintain the same authentic, wallet-friendly vibe that made the spot a local favorite.
Known for favorites like jerk chicken, meat-and-three plates, and its popular pasta offerings, the restaurant is picking up right where it left off.
In a recent Instagram post, the Eats team celebrated the return, writing: “Eats family, we got it done. 145 days our city was without jerk chicken, but all that’s behind us.” They added, “We hope you love it as much as we do.”
The menu remains largely unchanged, with prices seeing only minimal adjustments.
The full pasta bar is still in the “not quite yet” phase but expected to make its epic return soon. The new spot opens daily at 11 a.m., welcoming diners seven days a week.
Located within the Wild Heaven taproom (part of the Lee + White complex along the Westside BeltLine trail), the revamped Eats offers the perfect pairing of hearty comfort food and craft brews in one of Atlanta’s up-and-coming areas.
This revival keeps a true Atlanta institution alive, blending nostalgia with a fresh West End setting. Whether you’re craving that signature jerk chicken or just want to support a local comeback story, Eats is ready to serve.
Stop by and see what the buzz is about—Atlanta’s comfort food scene just got a little more complete!
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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The Same House, an Atlanta-based organization dedicated to expanding economic mobility and bridging divides in communities, has launched its inaugural Community Circle initiative.
This new program aims to boost digital skilling, AI literacy, workforce readiness, and overall neighborhood empowerment across metro Atlanta.
The effort brings together five trusted local nonprofits, with support from Microsoft, to deliver accessible technology training and opportunities directly to residents—especially in areas that have historically faced barriers to economic advancement.
“At The Same House, we believe opportunity should reach every neighborhood,” said Rodney Bullard, Founder and CEO of The Same House. “The Community Circle strengthens organizations already doing impactful work and equips them with additional resources and support to expand what’s possible for the communities they serve.”
The five participating organizations are:
- Empress and Pearls — Focused on empowering young women through data literacy and cohort-based learning programs.
- Educate the City — Expanding digital literacy and AI skilling opportunities for youth, adults, and seniors.
- Arrow Youth Leadership Council — Advancing youth leadership development and providing career exposure.
- TLAB — Delivering youth-focused digital literacy and AI skilling programs.
- Georgia Works — Driving community clean-up efforts alongside neighborhood revitalization.
These groups were chosen for their strong community ties, proven track records, and ability to reach and serve residents in underserved areas.
The Community Circle aligns with Microsoft’s commitments through its Datacenter Community Pledge and Community-First AI Infrastructure approach. Microsoft’s datacenters power cloud services, AI tools, and connectivity while prioritizing local investment and inclusion.
“Microsoft believes the future of AI and digital innovation must be built in partnership with communities,” said Jon McKenley, Senior Manager of Community Affairs at Microsoft. “We are thrilled to work with the Community Circle to support trusted local leaders who are helping residents build skills, explore new pathways, and participate fully in the digital economy.”
Beyond financial support, the partner organizations will gain access to Microsoft’s community programs, AI training resources, and expert guidance. This will help them modernize operations, scale their programs, and better address community needs in today’s fast-changing digital world.
Designed as a scalable model, the Community Circle has the potential to grow and strengthen Atlanta’s talent pipeline. It positions local neighborhoods to fully benefit from the region’s ongoing digital and economic transformation.
The Same House continues to focus on meeting people where they are, ensuring that innovation and opportunity become truly inclusive across metro Atlanta. For more information about the initiative, visit thesamehouse.org.
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The Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival is happening the second weekend in May in Buckhead. The Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
The free event will feature more than 200 fine local and regional artists and artisans set up along Park Drive in the park.
Chastain Park Arts Festival: Everything You Need To Know
The festival is slated for Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.
The Chastain Park Arts Festival is put on by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. The event celebrates the colors of autumn and is considered one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
Chastain Park is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Atlanta, but it’s not the only one. Here are some of the city’s best parks.
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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.
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With the weather so cold, we can hardly wait for springtime to come. It’s not only warmer, but it’s the perfect time for the outdoor fun of an Atlanta, Georgia festival.
No matter if you’re just in Atlanta for the weekend or you live here, these spring events are perfect for your friends, family and kids.
Dogwood Festival
The Dogwood Festival is one of the largest outdoor festivals in Atlanta, featuring vendors, music and food. This year’s festival takes place April 10-12, 2026 at Piedmont Park.
Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes
Photo credit: Inman Park Festival The Inman Park festival takes place April 25 and 26 this year.
Festival on Ponce
Set in the beautiful Olmsted Linear Park on April 11 and 12, this acclaimed arts and crafts festival showcases over 125 exhibitors of fine art, folk art, and outsider works.
Expect a family-friendly atmosphere with a children’s area, local food and drinks, live demonstrations, and a relaxed park setting. It’s free, making it an accessible highlight for creative shoppers and art lovers.
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza
Taste of Alpharetta
Photo credit: Taste of Alpharetta
The Taste of Alpharetta is happening May 14, 2026 from 5 to 10 p.m. in downtown Alpharetta.
Chastain Arts Festival
The Chastain Park Arts Festival is happening May 9 and 10, 2026 and it’s going to be fun! The festival is usually slated for the second weekend in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Learn more.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
One of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, this Memorial Day weekend staple in Piedmont Park brings world-class performers across multiple stages, alongside local acts, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere.
Related “Summer of Jazz” events often span the month, but the main event delivers non-stop music in a beautiful outdoor venue—ideal for music enthusiasts seeking soulful spring sounds.
Sweet Auburn Springfest
The historic neighborhood of “Sweet” Auburn always takes place in May with music, food and more. This year, it’s happening on May 9 and 10 in the Sweet Auburn District, as it always is.
Final Word
Read our Ultimate Atlanta Festival Guide.
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.
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