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Portillo’s, a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in Chicago-style street food, is opening its first Georgia restaurant — its milestone 100th location overall — in Kennesaw.
The eatery will host an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, with the grand opening following at 10:00 a.m.
This free community celebration will feature Portillo’s VP of Restaurant Support, Michael Portillo, along with a special check presentation to its charity partner, Cobb Schools Foundation.
Portillo’s Opens in Kennesaw With Deals and More
Enjoy giveaways, entertainment, a prize wheel, and scratch-off raffles—including the chance to win free Portillo’s for a year.
The new ~6,250 sq. ft. restaurant showcases Portillo’s “Restaurant of the Future” design: indoor seating for 125+, a 40-seat outdoor patio, double drive-thru lanes, grab-and-go retail, Pick Up shelves, and self-serve beverages in a sleek, efficient layout.
What’s On the Menu at Portillo’s
Savor classics like Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Char-Grilled Burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and world-famous Chocolate Cake.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Portillo’s. “I am from Chicago and Portillo’s is one of my absolute favorites. I already know that the food and service will be good. The Chicago dogs and Italian beef sandwiches are to die for and I can’t wait for the cake shakes. I’m so excited for a little taste of home to open here!”
Join Portillo’s Perks loyalty program for updates, rewards, and a free fries welcome offer upon sign-up.
Where Is Portillo’s in Kennesaw?
Portillo’s is located at 790 Cobb Pl Blvd NW in Town Center at Cobb. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Metro Atlanta has some dynamic foodie neighborhoods and one of the best places to eat is on the southside. The street’s walkable, trendy vibe, enhanced by vibrant murals and restored brick storefronts, draws food enthusiasts and supports a burgeoning dining scene.
More Food Coverage:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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As the sun dips below the horizon on this spooky Friday evening, families across metro Atlanta are donning their costumes and grabbing their treat bags for the annual ritual of trick-or-treating.
With Halloween falling on a Friday, neighborhoods are buzzing with extra energy, but one question echoes through every household: When does the candy quest officially begin?
What Time Should You Begin Trick or Treating?
Unlike some cities with strict municipal curfews, Atlanta doesn’t enforce official citywide hours for door-to-door trick-or-treating. Instead, the timing is guided by tradition, safety recommendations, and the golden hour of dusk.
Local experts and past events suggest families start heading out around 5 p.m. to catch the early evening light, with the prime window running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.—perfect for younger ghouls who tire quickly and older ones aiming to maximize their haul.
Sunset in Atlanta tonight is at approximately 6:45 p.m., making it an ideal kickoff for the festivities. 7
“Most families with little ones will start at 5 or 5:30 p.m. to beat the full darkness, while teens might push it until 9 p.m.,” says community organizer Maria Gonzalez, who lives near the Atlanta BeltLine. “It’s all about what works for your block—keep those porch lights on if you’re participating!”
Neighborhood Hotspots and Variations
While the city core leans toward a flexible 5-9 p.m. schedule, some suburbs and neighborhoods tweak the times based on local events or safety patrols. Here’s a quick guide to popular spots:
- Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward: Expect crowds along the Atlanta BeltLine starting at 6 p.m., with costumed walkers spilling into side streets until 8:30 p.m. The area’s walkable vibe makes it a top pick for families.
- Midtown Historic District: No formal route, but the entire garden district lights up after 6 p.m., with trick-or-treating winding down by 9 p.m. to respect quieter residential vibes. 13
- Buckhead and Brookhaven: Trunk-or-treat events at community centers often run 5-7 p.m., transitioning to neighborhood strolls until 8 p.m.
- Decatur and East Atlanta Village (EAV): Bohemian flair means starts as early as 4:30 p.m. for kid-led parades, peaking around 7 p.m.
For those preferring organized fun over impromptu door-knocking, metro Atlanta is packed with alternatives tonight and over the weekend. Highlights include:
- Downtown Business Trick-or-Treat: From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., grab treats from participating shops with costume contests in four age categories. 6
- Ponce City Market’s The Roof: An all-day event spills into Saturday, November 1, with games and treats from noon onward—great for rainy-day backups. 2
- Zoo Atlanta’s Boo at the Zoo: Though weekends focus on daytime (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), pop-up treats may extend into evening hours for members. 12
Check sites like Atlanta on the Cheap for over 40 trunk-or-treat options across the suburbs, many starting at 5 p.m. sharp. 5
Safety First: Tips for a Haunt-Free Night
With no official curfew, Atlanta police emphasize visibility and vigilance. “We’re seeing more families out later on Fridays, so reflective costumes and grouped walks are key,” notes Sarah Jenkins, a parent and cross guard at Perkerson Elementary in southwest Atlanta. Top tips include:
- Stick to well-lit streets and travel in groups.
- Inspect treats before indulging—better safe than sorry.
- For drivers: Slow down in neighborhoods; candy thieves (a.k.a. kids) dart unpredictably.
- Hydrate those superheroes—it’s still Georgia warm out there.
Whether you’re a treat-giver or a candy collector, Atlanta’s Halloween spirit shines brightest when everyone’s safe and smiling. Have a boo-tiful night, and remember: The real magic is in the memories (and maybe sneaking a Snickers or two).
Final Word
As the city lights up with yet another special event this weekend, remember: Safe driving is the real treat. For more tips on navigating safely around the city, read our Atlanta Traffic Guide.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
- How Long Does It Take To Drive Around I-285?
- Moving To Georgia: Everything You Need to Know
- Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL
AtlantaFi.com is your source for hyper-local updates. Got a story tip? Email us at tjohnson@atlantafi.com.
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Every now and again, you want some culture with your sweet treat. And in Atlanta, that’s easy to find.
Atlanta’s black-owned bakery scene is thriving, offering everything from gourmet cupcakes and custom cakes to innovative donuts and cookies.
Try These Delicious Black-Owned Bakeries in Atlanta
Based on recent reviews, articles, and social buzz, here are 10 standout spots—all confirmed open with active operations, websites, or recent posts.
I’ve prioritized those with high ratings (4+ stars on Yelp/Google), frequent mentions across sources, and unique flavors. Many offer delivery or pickup for easy access.
Bakery Name Address Specialties Highlights/Rating Website/Social Endulge Cupcake Boutique 6190 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340 Custom cupcakes (Red Velvet, Salted Caramel), special occasion cakes; drive-thru pickup 4.5/5 (200+ reviews); “Best cupcakes in Atlanta” per locals endulgecupcakes.com Sweet Cheats 3519 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 Cupcakes, cruffles (croissant-truffles), custom cakes, coffee; catering for events 4.4/5; Full-service spot with savory options too sweetcheatsatlanta.com Pastry Addict Pickup in Duluth, GA (delivery within 20 miles of 30044) Luxury cakes, cakesicles, mini desserts for events 4.8/5; Celebrity designer vibes, show-stopping elegance pastryaddictco.com CamiCakes 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (multiple locations) Gourmet cupcakes (caramel, PB&J), full cakes; delivery in metro area 4.3/5; Whimsical flavors, wedding favorites camicakes.com Lenox Cupcakes 114 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 Moist cupcakes with seasonal specials, cookies 4.6/5; Grew from apartment to brick-and-mortar staple lenoxcupcakes.com Not As Famous Cookie 1080 Windy Hill Rd SE #300, Smyrna, GA 30080 (food truck + shop) Gourmet cookies, shakes, ice cream sandwiches, skillets 4.7/5; Family recipes, “cookie lady” fame from RHOA notasfamouscookie.com Sublime Doughnuts 535 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (multiple locations) Gourmet donuts (S’mores, Snickers, strawberry cream) 4.2/5; Global flavors, late-night spot near Georgia Tech sublimedoughnuts.com Kupcakerie 2781 Main St, East Point, GA 30344 Creative cupcakes (banana pudding, spicy chocolate), coffee/tea 4.5/5; Southern twists, winter treats available kupcakerie.com Cake Culture 2863 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 Layer cakes (matcha, pound cake), slices for walk-ins 4.6/5; “Not too sweet” perfection, recent Yelp fave cakecultureatl.com Sweet Cecelia’s Cakes and Confections 3971 Presidential Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30340 Custom cakes, confections for celebrations 4.9/5 (top Yelp pick); Southern pound cakes shine sweetcecelias.com Before You Order Pastries and More: Tips
Whether you’re prepping for a brunch or just craving a midweek treat, ordering smart can make the experience even sweeter. Here are our top tips to ensure your bakery run is seamless and satisfying:
- Call or order ahead for custom requests: Local spots like Pie Junkie or Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q’s bakery arm often whip up personalized cakes or pastries. Give them at least 24-48 hours’ notice, especially for events, to avoid last-minute disappointments.
- Check social media for daily specials: Atlanta bakeries post real-time updates on Instagram or Facebook—think seasonal scones at The Bakeshop or limited-edition macarons at Cake Hag. Follow your faves to snag what’s hot before it sells out.
- Time your visit wisely: Beat the morning rush by swinging by after 10 a.m. on weekdays. Places like Seer’s in West Midtown get packed on weekends, so off-peak ordering means shorter lines and warmer goods.
- Specify allergies or dietary prefs upfront: From gluten-free loaves at Breadwinner to vegan options at Muchacho, communicate needs clearly when ordering. It helps bakers prioritize and keeps everyone safe (and happy).
- Opt for pickup over delivery when possible: Supporting in-person keeps the freshness factor high and the costs low—no soggy boxes here! Many spots, like Highland Bakery, offer easy curbside options for that just-out-of-the-oven vibe.
- Ask about pairings or add-ons: Elevate your order with coffee recommendations or complementary jams. Staff at bakers like Murphy’s in Virginia-Highland are pros at suggesting the perfect match for your cinnamon roll or quiche.
- Join loyalty programs for perks: Sign up for rewards at chains-with-local-flair like Flying Biscuit—earn free treats after a few visits and feel like a VIP on your next doughnut dash.
For the latest hours or orders, check their sites—many cater to vegan/gluten-free needs too. If you’re craving something specific (like vegan or donuts), Sublime or Vtaste Cakes (vegan focus, online orders) are great adds.
Final Word
Atlanta’s scene evolves fast, so supporting these keeps the sweetness flowing! Every week or so, a new Atlanta restaurant pops up.
Got a bakery story or a spot we should spotlight? Drop it in the comments below. Happy baking (or buying—either way, we’re here for it)! What’s your go-to Atlanta bakery order?
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As the leaves turn crimson and the air grows crisp, horror fans across the South are buzzing about the latest stab at terror: the first trailer for Scream 7. Dropped Oct. 30, by Paramount Pictures, the pulse-pounding preview marks a homecoming of sorts for the iconic slasher franchise, which wrapped principal photography right here in metro Atlanta just months ago.
Scream 7 Trailer Released
Watch the trailer here:
With Ghostface’s mask once again haunting familiar Georgia backdrops, the film cements the city’s status as a go-to hub for major Hollywood productions.
The trailer, unveiled on the eve of Halloween, clocks in at just over two minutes but packs enough meta twists and knife-edge suspense to have locals and cinephiles alike double-checking their locks.
Directed by franchise co-creator Kevin Williamson—stepping behind the camera for the first time in the series—it promises a return to the roots of Scream‘s clever horror while spotlighting legacy star Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott in a deeply personal showdown.
A Plot That Cuts Close to Home: Family Under Siege
At its core, Scream 7 flips the script on Sidney’s hard-won peace. After surviving six films’ worth of masked mayhem, the final girl has retreated to the quiet town of Pine Grove, building a life with her husband (played by Community‘s Joel McHale) and their two children.
But as the official synopsis teases, “a new Ghostface killer emerges,” shattering that fragile normalcy when Sidney’s teenage daughter, Tatum (Isabel May of 1883), becomes the killer’s prime target. 15 18
The footage hints at high-stakes family drama amid the bloodshed: Sidney’s “darkest fears are realized” as she races to protect her loved ones, teaming up with the ever-tenacious Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) for a no-holds-barred hunt. “Let’s unmask this fucker,” Gale quips in one trailer highlight, echoing the franchise’s signature blend of wit and gore.
Subtle nods abound, including voice cameos from seemingly deceased favorites like David Arquette’s Dewey Riley, sparking fan theories about resurrections or red herrings—classic Scream misdirection.
Newcomers like Michelle Randolph meet grisly ends (or do they?), while returning survivors such as Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding as the Meeks-Martin twins add layers to the whodunit. Casting surprises include Matthew Lillard (Stu Macher) and Scott Foley (Roman Bridger), whose “dead” characters fuel speculation about time-bending twists or dream sequences.
And with a high school production of a fairy-tale play in the mix, expect plenty of self-referential jabs at horror tropes.
Williamson has teased toning down the gore from recent entries, honoring Campbell’s desire for Sidney to finally get her “happy ending”—or at least a fighting chance at one. 11 “Sidney has been through so much torment,” he shared in a recent interview. “To give her anything less is sacrilegious.”
Atlanta’s Star Turn: From Soundstages to Suburban Nightmares
What makes this Scream extra special for us Atlantans? The film was shot almost entirely in our backyard, transforming quiet neighborhoods into slasher central.
Principal photography kicked off January 7, 2025, under the working title Scar Tissue, and wrapped March 12 at Lionsgate Sound Stages in College Park, Great Point Studios in Douglasville, and on-location spots in Marietta. 30 31 32 33 34
Fans spotted crew setups in Marietta’s leafy suburbs—doubling as Pine Grove—and Douglasville’s studios hosted interior kills, including a balcony plunge at Stu Macher’s infamous house. It’s not Williamson’s first Georgia rodeo; he filmed Scream 2‘s Windsor College exteriors here back in the ’90s.
The shoot injected millions into the local economy, employing hundreds from Georgia’s booming film workforce and spotlighting the state’s tax incentives that keep blockbusters rolling in.
This isn’t just any production—it’s a milestone for Atlanta, which has hosted everything from Marvel epics to zombie apocalypses.
As Scream 7 joins the ranks of films like The Walking Dead and Black Panther, it reminds us why the Peach State is Hollywood’s worst-kept secret.
Theatrical Slashes and Streaming Stabs: When to Watch
Mark your calendars, scream queens and kings: Scream 7 slices into theaters nationwide on February 27, 2026.
Tickets go on sale closer to the date, but early buzz suggests premium screenings with Ghostface giveaways.
For streaming, Paramount+ will likely host the film post-theatrical run, following the pattern of previous entries (all six prior Scream films are currently available there for marathon prep). 2
No exact VOD or streaming debut has been announced yet, but based on Scream VI‘s timeline, expect it on Paramount+ around late summer 2026—perfect for a second-spooky-season scare.
Fan Frenzy and Franchise Fallout
The trailer’s timing couldn’t be spookier, arriving amid renewed chatter about the series’ rocky road.
Departures of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega in 2023—tied to creative shifts and controversy—left fans divided, with some calling for boycotts over the handling of Barrera’s firing.
Yet Campbell’s triumphant return, coupled with Cox’s gale-force presence, has reignited excitement. “It’s Sidney’s story again,” one Atlanta fan posted on social media. “About damn time.”As Williamson honors the late Wes Craven’s vision, Scream 7 feels like a love letter to survivors—on screen and off.
Whether you’re a Woodsboro veteran or a first-time victim, this one’s poised to carve a bloody mark on 2026.
Stay tuned to Atlanta Film Beat for more on local shoots, red-carpet sightings, and the next big thing terrorizing (or thrilling) our screens. What’s your favorite Scream kill? Sound off in the comments—and remember: Don’t answer that phone.
With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the 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.
AtlantaFi.com is your source for Peach State cinema news, from Trilith to Tyler Perry Studios.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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The eerie hum of Eggo waffles and synth-heavy ’80s anthems is back, and it’s echoing through the streets of our own Hollywood of the South.
Netflix unleashed the official trailer for Stranger Things Season 5 on Thursday, Oct. 30, sending chills down the spines of fans worldwide – and giving Atlanta’s film community one last nostalgic thrill.
Stranger Things 5 Trailer Released
Watch the trailer here:
As the Duffer Brothers wrap up their decade-long saga in the Peach State, where much of the show’s magic has been conjured, we’re breaking down the trailer’s teases, the plot buildup from seasons past, and when you can stream the final battle against the Upside Down.
For locals, this isn’t just TV – it’s a badge of honor. Stranger Things has poured millions into Georgia’s economy, transforming quiet neighborhoods into Hawkins hotspots and drawing tourists to our backroads.
Season 5 filming wrapped earlier this year at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Atlanta and spots like Chattahoochee Hills, where a new WSQK radio station set stood in for the show’s fictional broadcasts.
Even the iconic Creel House, Vecna’s haunted lair, got extra screen time thanks to reshoots at Rome’s historic Claremont House.
“It’s bittersweet saying goodbye to these sets,” said a production insider. “Atlanta’s been our Upside Down anchor from Day One.”
Trailer Breakdown: Hawkins on the Brink
The two-minute trailer, dropped at 9 a.m. ET, is a masterclass in tension-building. It opens with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) staring into a fractured mirror, her nose bleeding as red lightning cracks across a storm-ravaged Hawkins sky.
Cut to the core crew – Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Will (Noah Schnapp) – pedaling furiously through overgrown streets, vines from the Upside Down snaking over familiar landmarks like the Wheeler house (filmed in East Point).
Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) looms larger than ever, his clock-chiming curse now a full-blown apocalypse. Hopper (David Harbour) rallies the adults in a bunker that screams Atlanta’s surplus stores, while Joyce (Winona Ryder) clutches a string of Christmas lights – a nod to her Season 1 desperation.
Newcomer Linda Hamilton joins as a grizzled operative, barking orders amid military quarantines. And yes, there’s a heart-wrenching glimpse of Max (Sadie Sink), comatose since her Season 4 showdown, whispering, “Friends don’t lie.”
The trailer’s synth score, courtesy of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, pulses with dread, remixing Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” into something apocalyptic.
“This is the endgame,” teases the voiceover. “Hawkins falls. Who rises?” No major spoilers, but it promises “film-length” episodes and a time jump to fall 1987, with the gang looking a tad more battle-worn.
Fans flooded social media, with #StrangerThings5 trending nationwide. “Atlanta, you birthed this monster – now help us slay it,” tweeted local cosplayer @ATLUpsideDown.
The Plot So Far: From Demogorgon to Doomsday
To appreciate the finale, let’s rewind through the Hawkins hellscape. Stranger Things kicked off in 1983 with a bang: young gamer Will Byers vanishes into the Upside Down, a nightmarish parallel dimension, after a Dungeons & Dragons session gone wrong.
His pals – brainy Mike, loyal Lucas, and quippy Dustin – stumble upon Eleven, a buzz-cut telekinetic runaway from Hawkins Lab, where shady government experiments tore open the rift.
Season 1’s flower-faced Demogorgon terrorizes the town, but Eleven banishes it – at great personal cost, vanishing in a gate explosion. Hopper adopts her in secret, while Will returns… changed, haunted by visions.
Fast-forward to 1984: Season 2 ups the ante with demodogs and a hulking Mind Flayer puppeteering Will. Eleven uncovers her past, including her “sister” Eight, and closes the lab’s gate for good. But the Upside Down’s tendrils linger, infecting Hawkins like a virus.
By 1985’s Season 3, teen drama mixes with Soviet intrigue at the Starcourt Mall (shot at Atlanta’s own Douglasville spots).
The Mind Flayer possesses Billy (Dacre Montgomery), leading to a fiery mall meltdown. Hopper “dies” in the blast – or does he? Eleven loses her powers, the Byers family relocates to California, and a post-credits tease reveals Russian experiments with baby Demogorgons.
Season 4, our most globe-trotting yet (with Atlanta.
Final Word
With more than 1,000 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the 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.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
Read More From AtlantaFi.com:
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With a federal government shutdown looming large, DoorDash recently announced a sweeping emergency food response to combat the impending cutoff of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Starting November 1, SNAP payments will be suspended nationwide, affecting over 40 million Americans and putting immense pressure on local food systems already stretched thin.
Door Dash Steps Up for SNAP Beneficiaries
Here at home, the government shutdown could leave nearly 1.4 million Georgians — including thousands in metro Atlanta — scrambling for their next meal.
DoorDash’s response, dubbed the Emergency Food Response, aims to deliver immediate relief through a multi-pronged effort tailored to communities like Atlanta.
The company plans to waive merchant fees for over 300 Project DASH partners nationwide, including Atlanta-area food banks and pantries, enabling the free delivery of an estimated 1 million meals in November alone.
Locally, this builds on longstanding collaborations, such as the City of Atlanta’s 2022 partnership with DoorDash to expand food access via Project DASH, which has since powered millions of deliveries equivalent to 135 million meals across the U.S. 4
In a direct boon for Atlanta SNAP users, DoorDash is partnering with major grocers to cover delivery and service fees on up to 300,000 orders nationwide.
Eligible customers in the Peach State — those with a linked SNAP/EBT card — can shop fee-free at stores like Dollar General (with dozens of locations across metro Atlanta), Sprouts Farmers Market (including spots in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs), and the expanding Wegmans in the North Druid Hills area.
The promo, valid from November 1 through 30, requires a simple code and applies to one order per person, helping families stretch whatever benefits remain on their EBT cards before the full freeze hits. 0
Additionally, DoorDash will donate fresh produce, shelf-stable goods, and essentials from its DashMart warehouses directly to local food banks, targeting high-need Atlanta neighborhoods like those served by the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Feeding America partners.
“No one should go hungry in America — period,” said Max Rettig, DoorDash’s Vice President and Global Head of Public Policy. “Millions of families are worried right now about how they’ll put food on the table. Fighting hunger is core to our mission at DoorDash, and we’re stepping up alongside leading grocers and retailers to help bridge the gap. We know this is a stopgap, not a solution. But doing nothing simply isn’t an option.”
Eric Mitchell, President of the Alliance to End Hunger, echoed the urgency: “The food security of millions of people who rely on SNAP is at dire risk. We know that the only viable solution is to ensure SNAP benefits are being delivered in full to those in need of food assistance as soon as possible. We are thankful for the part that companies and organizations across the country like DoorDash can do to try to fill the gap.”
While the initiative offers a critical buffer, experts warn it’s no substitute for federal action. Atlanta’s SNAP households can still redeem pre-November benefits at authorized retailers until funds run dry, but advocates are urging Congress to restore funding swiftly. 11 DoorDash is calling on Atlantans to join the fight: Donate to the Feeding America network or volunteer at local pantries like the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Final Word
In Georgia alone, more than 687,000 households relied on SNAP last month, with over $272 million in benefits issued to help families afford groceries.
For Atlanta’s working families, seniors, and children — who make up a significant portion of the state’s recipients — the funding cliff represents a dire threat.
For those interested in partnering with Project DASH, reach out to [email protected]. SNAP users can link their EBT cards in the DoorDash app now to prepare — full terms available at help.doordash.com.
As the shutdown drags on, Atlanta’s resilience will be tested, but efforts like DoorDash’s highlight a community unwilling to let hunger win. Stay tuned for updates on local impacts and how you can help.
AtlantaFi.com is committed to covering stories that matter to our city. Have a tip? Email us at tjohnson@atlantafi.com.
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Midtown’s dining scene just got a whole lot cozier with the debut of Buddy Buddy, a new neighborhood bar and restaurant that’s blending playful twists on classic cocktails with hearty Greek-inspired eats.
Tucked into the former Tapa Tapa space at 931 Monroe Drive NE, the spot swung open its doors late last month, inviting locals to kick back in a dimly lit haven that feels like your yiayia’s living room – minus the judgmental side-eye over that third helping of baklava.
Buddy Buddy Opens in Midtown Atlanta
Veteran Atlanta bartender Nick Chaivarlis, the driving force behind Buddy Buddy, drew inspiration from his deep Greek roots and years slinging drinks at beloved spots like 8ARM, The Lawrence, and the late Ration and Dram. “I’m 100 percent Greek. My parents don’t speak English to me when I’m home,” Chaivarlis shared in a recent interview.
What started as friendly banter – calling close industry pals “buddy buddy” – evolved into a full-fledged concept for a place where Angelenos, no, Atlantans can gather without pretense.
Partnering with longtime collaborator Andy Alibakhsh (of neighboring Après Diem fame) and chef Joshua Moss (fresh off The Lawrence), Chaivarlis aimed to create a low-key escape in the bustling Midtown Promenade, right behind Trader Joe’s and steps from the Midtown Art Cinema.
Step inside, and you’re hit with warm, vintage charm: family heirlooms, plush seating, and a vibe that’s equal parts speakeasy and family reunion.
The menu keeps things approachable yet inventive, honoring Chaivarlis’s heritage with dishes like avgolemono (creamy lemon chicken soup), yemista (stuffed peppers bursting with rice and herbs), and a showstopper roast lamb rubbed in garlic, Aleppo pepper, and oregano chermoula, served alongside crispy Greek lemon potatoes and fried couscous pearls.
What’s On the Menu at Buddy Buddy?
Don’t sleep on the small plates – think zingy feta and beet salad, dolmades wrapped in grape leaves, or tinned fish elevated with house twists.
For the late-night crew (or those nursing a hangover), there’s even a nod to service industry life: broth bowls paired with quick shots to get you back on your feet.But let’s talk drinks, because that’s where Buddy Buddy truly shines.
Chaivarlis’s bar program reimagines martinis with global flair – try the agave-infused gin version washed in avocado Spanish vermouth, or a sesame-infused Japanese gin with seaweed bittersweet vermouth for an umami bomb.
The espresso martini gets a Hellenic upgrade with Greek yogurt, metaxa punch, and ouzo, while house syrups like cherry-lemongrass add subtle sweetness to the lineup. “I love classics, but I also like to get a little squirrely with them,” Chaivarlis says. “People like well-made drinks that are approachable.”
Open Wednesday through Sunday (with Mondays and Tuesdays off for good behavior), Buddy Buddy operates on a first-come, first-served basis – no reservations, just good energy.
The kitchen fires up at 5 p.m. most nights, but swing by earlier on weekends for brunchier hours starting at 3 or 4 p.m. Free parking? Yes, please – just scan the QR at the door.
As Atlanta’s restaurant renaissance rolls on, Buddy Buddy stands out for its unpretentious heart.
In a city full of flash, this spot reminds us that the best nights start with a familiar face, a stiff drink, and a plate of something that tastes like home. Grab your crew and head over – yiayia would approve.
Final Word
Buddy Buddy has all the makings of becoming one of the best bars in Midtown Atlanta.
Speaking of dining in Midtown, the best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
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The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival takes place this weekend in Buckhead. The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival: Everything You Need To Know
The free event will feature more than 200 fine local and regional artists and artisans set up along Park Drive in the park.
When Is The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival?
Dates & Time:
- Nov. 1-2, 2025. Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
The Chastain Park Fall 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. In Midtown, Ponce City Market 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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Gear up, gamers: The Peach State’s premier digital festival is set to invade downtown this Halloween weekend. DreamHack Atlanta 2025, the world’s largest gaming and esports celebration, returns to the Georgia World Congress Center from Friday, October 31, through Sunday, November 2.
With a spooky twist on its signature high-energy vibe, the three-day event promises non-stop action for attendees of all ages, blending world-class competitions, creator meetups, and family-friendly fun under one massive roof.
DreamHack Atlanta: What To Know Before You Go
Now in its latest iteration, DreamHack has become a staple on Atlanta’s event calendar since its U.S. debut here in 2017.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the festival transforms the Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW) into a sprawling playground of pixels and prizes, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe.
This year’s edition coincides perfectly with All Hallows’ Eve, turning the expo floor into a haunted hotspot complete with trick-or-treating quests, eerie photo ops, and America’s largest Halloween Costume Contest boasting over $20,000 in prizes.
At the heart of the action are the esports arenas, where elite players will vie for glory in a lineup of high-stakes tournaments totaling more than $1 million in prize pools.
DreamHack: What To Expect
Highlights include the Marvel Rivals Ignite Grand Finals, capping off the game’s inaugural competitive season with a whopping $1 million up for grabs as top teams clash on the main stage.
Fans of mobile strategy won’t want to miss the Clash of Clans World Championship Finals and Clash Royale League World Finals, both making their grand finale appearances in the ATL.
Fighting game enthusiasts can catch the SNK World Championship 2025, crowning the global No. 1 in titles like The King of Fighters XV and the hotly anticipated Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.
Other can’t-miss matchups feature the DreamHack Knockout for Counter-Strike 2 ($10,000 prize pool, with a shot at ESL Pro League Season 23 qualification), Rainbow Six Siege X (an eight-team showdown for another $10,000), and the massive EA Sports College Football 26 DreamHack Challenge – a single-elimination bracket for 512 players channeling HBCU and SEC rivalries.
Collegiate gamers get their spotlight too, with the second annual DreamHack Collegiate Invitational spanning Valorant and Rocket League.Beyond the brackets, DreamHack Atlanta pulses with interactive energy.
The BYOC LAN zone lets you bring your rig (or console) for endless multiplayer marathons, while the Indie Playground spotlights up-and-coming developers with hands-on demos and audience-voted awards.
Over 100 artists flood Artist Alley with prints, merch, and custom commissions, and the Creator Hub hosts “DreamHack Together!” socials for forging lifelong squadmates.For the cosplay crowd – and who isn’t one during Halloween? – expect epic gatherings, maker workshops, and streamer collabs in the dedicated Cosplay Corner.
The Main Stage amps up with panels like the Hololive English Meet, featuring VTubers Takanashi Kiara, Koseki Bijou, Gigi Murin, Mori Calliope, and Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame for a mix of gaming chats, D&D antics, and seasonal scares.
Don’t sleep on the Geo Guessr Halloween Showdown or the Stream Studio takeovers by Call of Duty and Arc Raiders influencers.
And for aspiring devs, SIEGE – the South’s leading game development conference – runs for one day, blending education with innovation right here in Atlanta’s tech hub.From a local lens, DreamHack isn’t just a con; it’s an economic booster injecting excitement (and dollars) into downtown.
Expect packed sidewalks around the GWCC, with nearby spots like Hudson Grille and Ruth’s Chris Steak House primed for post-gaming feasts just a short stroll away.
The event’s family-friendly bent shines through with accessible activities – think VR Freeplay challenges and “Quest” missions turning the festival into a live-action video game – making it ideal for introducing kids to esports without the intensity. MARTA’s nearby stations and ample parking keep logistics smooth for out-of-towners and locals alike.
How To Get Tickets
Tickets start at $74 for single-day passes, with three-day options available via Tixr – but act fast, as Halloween hype could sell out fast.
tixr.com Doors open daily at 10 a.m., running until 8 p.m., all in Central Time.Whether you’re a pro hopeful, a casual cosplayer, or just chasing that next-level adrenaline, DreamHack Atlanta 2025 is primed to level up the city’s weekend.
Play louder, Atlanta – the respawn is now. For more details and to snag your spot, head to dreamhack.com/atlanta.
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It’s been said that Atlanta is not a real place. One reason is due to the many true-or-not-true claims associated with the city.
Is Buckhead really named after a buck’s head? Who knows. Some things about Atlanta’s history are known facts while others are kind of dubious.
6 Dubious Claims About Atlanta: Are They True Or Not?
Dubious facts are those that seem questionable, lack clear evidence, or are often repeated without verification.
Here are some dubious facts or claims about Atlanta, Georgia, that have circulated but are either unproven, exaggerated, or based on shaky grounds, along with a critical look at each:
1. Atlanta Has 71 Streets Named Peachtree
Claim: It’s often said that Atlanta has over 70 streets with “Peachtree” in their name, with numbers like 71 or 55 frequently cited.
Why It’s Dubious: While Atlanta does have many streets with “Peachtree” in their names (e.g., Peachtree Street, Peachtree Road, Peachtree Lane), the exact count varies across sources, with no definitive list verified by city records.Some sources, like Discover Atlanta, claim around 70, while others, like Mental Floss, say 55. The lack of a precise, authoritative count suggests exaggeration or sloppy reporting.
Additionally, the idea that these streets are all named after peach trees is dubious—historians argue the name likely comes from “Standing Pitch Tree,” a Native American term for pine trees, as peach trees aren’t native to the area.
Reality: There are many Peachtree-named streets, but the exact number is unconfirmed, and the peach tree origin story is likely a myth.2. There’s a Burial Plot Between Runways at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Claim: A small cemetery, sometimes called Flat Rock Cemetery, exists between two runways at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Why It’s Dubious: This claim, mentioned in Reddit discussions, lacks concrete documentation from official airport or city records.While it’s plausible that old burial sites could exist near the airport due to its large footprint and historical land use, no verified evidence confirms a cemetery between runways.
The story may stem from confusion with nearby historical cemeteries or urban legends about displaced graves during airport expansion. Without primary sources, it remains speculative.
Reality: No confirmed cemetery exists between the runways, though the airport’s vast area may include undocumented historical sites.3. It’s Illegal to Tie a Giraffe to a Telephone Pole in Atlanta
Claim: Atlanta has an outdated law banning tying a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp.
Why It’s Dubious: This is often cited as a quirky, antiquated law, but there’s no evidence in Atlanta’s municipal code to support it.Such claims typically arise from lists of “weird laws” that circulate online, often without citing original ordinances.
It’s possible this stems from misinterpretations of old animal control laws, but the specificity of “giraffe” suggests it’s more likely a fabricated or exaggerated tale.
Reality: No such law is documented in Atlanta’s legal code, making it a likely urban legend.4. It’s Illegal to Keep a Donkey in Your Bathtub in Atlanta
Claim: An old Atlanta law supposedly prohibits keeping a donkey in a bathtub.
Why It’s Dubious: Like the giraffe law, this appears in lists of strange laws but lacks any verifiable source in Atlanta’s ordinances.These stories often emerge from early 20th-century regulations taken out of context or entirely made up for entertainment. Without a specific citation, it’s dubious at best.
Reality: No evidence supports this as an actual law, likely another myth from “weird laws” collections.5. Atlanta Was Named After the Governor’s Daughter’s Middle Name, Atalanta
Claim: Atlanta’s name comes from Marthasville, which was renamed after Governor Wilson Lumpkin’s daughter’s middle name, Atalanta.
Why It’s Dubious: This story competes with another claim that Atlanta is a shortened form of “Atlantica-Pacifica,” tied to the Western and Atlantic Railroad.Both origins are cited in various sources, but neither is definitively proven.
The Atalanta story relies on anecdotal history, and no primary documents, like city charters, confirm it. The railroad explanation is more widely accepted, as Atlanta was founded as a rail terminus, but the lack of consensus keeps this claim questionable.
Reality: The railroad origin is more likely, but the Atalanta story persists without solid evidence.6. Street Names Changed at Ponce de Leon to Separate White and Black Neighborhoods
Claim: Streets like Briarcliff and Moreland change names at Ponce de Leon Avenue because white residents didn’t want to share street names with Black neighborhoods to the south.
Why It’s Dubious: This claim, mentioned in Atlanta Magazine, lacks primary sources like city council records or firsthand accounts to confirm racial intent.Street name changes in Atlanta often result from historical quirks, like separate towns merging or inconsistent naming conventions.
While segregation was rampant historically, attributing specific street name changes to it without evidence is speculative. It’s plausible but unproven.
Reality: Street name changes are common in Atlanta, but no hard evidence ties this specific practice to racial segregation.These claims float around as “fun facts” but crumble under scrutiny due to lack of primary sources, reliance on anecdotal reports, or outright fabrication.
Final Word
Always cross-check such tales with official records or reputable histories to separate fact from folklore. If you want me to dig deeper into any of these or search for more dubious Atlanta claims, let me know!
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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