-
Restaurant chain Red Lobster continues to hemorrhage money due to several bad financial decisions and factors. Now, the restaurant announced that it is set to close 23 more of its locations across the United States.
And yes, the Tara Boulevard location in Jonesboro, Georgia is on the list.
Which Atlanta-Area Red Lobsters Will Stay Open (For Now)?
- 3360 Camp Creek Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30344
Why Is Red Lobster in Financial Trouble?
Red Lobster is facing financial trouble due to several factors, including declining customer traffic, inflation, and rising costs for key ingredients like seafood. The chain has struggled to maintain profitability amid higher food and labor costs, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Red Lobster’s mid-range pricing strategy is being squeezed between cheaper fast-food options and higher-end dining experiences. This has made it harder for the brand to attract customers, especially as dining preferences shift and competitors emerge.
Moreover, Red Lobster has faced challenges in adapting to changing consumer preferences, including the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable, and diverse dining options. Its traditional menu and dining model may seem outdated to some consumers.
The financial strain has also been impacted by changes in ownership over the years, leading to inconsistent management strategies.
Which Red Lobster Locations Are Closing?
The following Red Lobster locations are set to shut their doors for good:
- Arizona — 1521 S. Yuma Palms Pkwy., Yuma
- Arkansas — 8407 W. Markham St., Little Rock
- California — 8703 Murray Drive, La Mesa
- Colorado — 4925 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
- Florida — -326 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach
- 5110 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola
- 8909 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey
- Georgia — 6550 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro
- Illinois — 1604 N. State Road 50, Bourbonnais
- 902 Commons Drive, Geneva
- 4625 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria
- Indiana — 4353 Franklin St., Michigan City
- Minnesota — 8900 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley
- 12515 Elm Creek Blvd. North, Maple Grove
- Missouri — 2381 Maplewood Commons Drive, Maplewood
- New York — 925 Hunts Point Ave., Bronx
- 750 Upper Glen St., Queensbury
- North Carolina — 304 A Western Blvd., Jacksonville
- Ohio —17227 Southpark Center, Strongsville
- South Carolina — 1270 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce
- Virginia –555 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria
- 4415 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond
- 709 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach
What Is the History of Red Lobster?
Red Lobster was founded in 1968 by entrepreneur Bill Darden in Lakeland, Florida. The restaurant began as a single seafood restaurant aimed at making fresh seafood more accessible to middle-class families. It quickly gained popularity due to its affordable prices and high-quality seafood offerings, leading to rapid expansion.
In 1970, the company was acquired by General Mills, which helped fuel further expansion across the United States. By the 1980s, Red Lobster had become a well-known national chain with hundreds of locations, offering signature dishes like cheddar bay biscuits, shrimp scampi, and a variety of seafood platters.
In 1995, General Mills spun off its restaurant holdings, including Red Lobster, to create a new company called Darden Restaurants. Under Darden, Red Lobster continued to grow and remained a cornerstone of the casual dining industry. However, by the 2000s, the brand began experiencing challenges due to changing consumer preferences, economic downturns, and increased competition.
In 2014, Darden decided to sell Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm, for $2.1 billion. The sale was part of a broader strategy to refocus on Darden’s other brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Under Golden Gate Capital, Red Lobster went through various management changes and attempts to revitalize the brand, including efforts to modernize its menu and restaurant design.
In 2020, Red Lobster was sold again, this time to a consortium led by Thai Union, a major seafood supplier, alongside other investors. Despite the ownership changes and rebranding efforts, Red Lobster has continued to face financial challenges in recent years, driven by rising costs, competition, and evolving dining trends.
Final Word
When it comes to seafood, Red Lobster has had a footprint in Atlanta for decades — but it’s not the only tuna in town. Check out our Atlanta Seafood Guide.
-
One of the key things in you in show business is a winning headshot — and in Atlanta, there are several places to choose from. This article will show you some of the best places to get headshots in Atlanta.
You may be wondering where to get a good headshot for acting, and that’s a good question. But you may be wondering this: Can you take your own headshots for acting?
Can You Take Your Own Headshots For Acting?
if you have a smartphone that takes good photos, you can take your own headshots for acting or other aspects of the business. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you consider yourself a professional photographer.
Professional photographers are highly skilled at taking photos that look high quality. You can try to take headshots yourself, but you may find yourself wasting a lot of time and effort.
Some things you’ll want to make sure of if you do decide to take your own photos is to:
- Take multiple shots
- Make sure your lighting is right
- Take multiple pictures but always smile
What Should You Wear For Headshots?
One thing you always need to consider is how to dress when you take a headshot. Because the photos will be in black and white, you may need to wear dark-colored shirts.
Mix it up a bit by wearing light-colored shirts, including white and other pastel colors.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Headshots?
If you want to opt for a professional photographer for headshots, it’s going to cost money. The cost of some headshots can range between $75 to around $500.
In Atlanta, the average price of some headshots is about $250, although you can get some done for as low as $125, but the quantities will be low.
Now let’s go over some good places to get headshots in Atlanta.
Where To Get Headshots For Acting
- Headshots Atlanta: 1012 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 892-3533
- CK Headshots Atlanta: (704) 608-3006
- Happy Hour Headshot Atlanta: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (720) 306-7404
- Hollywood Headshots: 2849 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 500-6413
- Corporate Headshots Atlanta: 3365 Piedmont Rd NE #1400, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (770) 953-1719
- Buckhead Studio Photography: Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 462-2385
- Atlanta Photographer Kris Janovitz: 3355 Lenox Rd NE #750, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (770) 570-9661
- Robert Kim Photography: 3833 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 | (212) 645-5788
Do Your Headshots Be Black And White?
Back in the day, most actors only took black and white headshots. The reason was because if you were a struggling actor, it cost money to hire a professional photographer. That’s not so much the case today.
Yes, actors are still struggling, but the rise of smartphones with great cameras has made color headshots a popular option.
If you’re unsure of which way to go, choose both color and black-and-white photos for headshots. That way, you can give producers options.
Last Words
If you want to get into the acting business, you need to have professional headshots so that your credentials can circulate throughout the industry.
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
-
Atlanta comedian and actor Drew “Druski” Desbordes has signed on as a brand ambassador for PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America.
The recent announcement expands on PrizePicks’ relationship with Druski, which began organically through the comedian’s own play with the daily fantasy sports operator.
Thanks to his online skits, Druski, a South Gwinnett High School graduate, is one of the fastest-growing comedic stars with millions of followers.
Druski Strikes Brand Ambassador Deal With PrizePicks
Druski will partner with PrizePicks to develop original online content, co-branded specialty merchandise, national advertising campaigns, and other one-of-a-kind engagements for the daily fantasy sports community.
As part of the partnership, Druski and PrizePicks will collaborate on creating social skits, an original short-form series for YouTube, and a co-branded line of exclusive merchandise.
Additionally, Druski will participate in several events for the PrizePicks community such as the PrizePicks World Championship and social media takeovers on select football Sundays. PrizePicks is also the title sponsor of Druski’s Inaugural Coulda Fest happening in Atlanta at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on September 7th.
“I’m fired up to work with PrizePicks, we’ve done some cool stuff over the years and I’m excited to keep it coming,” Druski said. “Coulda Fest is a celebration of Atlanta’s culture that brings us back to the special times in our city’s history with a night of music and comedy. This concept has never been done before, so I’m looking forward to bringing this vision to life, thanks in part, to the support from PrizePicks.”
Final Word
Atlanta loves Druski and he loves the food.
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.
More Coverage:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
-
Toastique, a gourmet toast and juice bar, is set to open in fall 2024, according to the company.
oastique is a gourmet toast and juice bar that focuses on offering healthy, quick, and customizable meals. The restaurant’s menu centers around elevated toast creations made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like avocado, smoked salmon, and nut butters.
They also serve a variety of smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and açaí bowls, catering to health-conscious customers seeking flavorful yet nutritious options.
Toastique is popular for its vibrant, Instagram-worthy presentations and its emphasis on wellness, making it a hit among those looking for healthy, on-the-go meals. The concept is casual, with a focus on fast service without sacrificing quality.
The brand positions itself as more upscale than a traditional juice bar but more approachable than a full-service brunch spot.
Where Is Toastique Located in Atlanta?
Toastique is located at 1230 W Peachtree St NE Suite 160. Here is a map to help find it.
Final Bite
Memphis has its barbecue. New Orleans has its gumbo. Atlanta has its lemon pepper wings and much, much more. The largest city in Georgia’s food festivals and culinary events set the tone for the entire Southeast.
-
You can’t tell from its exterior, but Jo’s Smokehouse is not your average barbecue joint and food truck.
The new Atlanta restaurant opened August 2, 2024, and is owned by Jonnetta Patton, the mother of musical powerhouse Usher.
Ms. Patton recently held a grand opening for the eatery, which is located in Doraville.
Yes, Usher, as well as his brother Grammy-nominated producer James “JLack” Lackey, we’re on hand to support their mother’s entrepreneurial venture.
“J’s SMOKEHOUSE grand opening,” Ms. Patton shared on Instagram. “Head Chef Greg Dennis BBQ Ribs and Brisket were a Hugh hit and Usher dropped in during the live celebration!!! I was very happy and appreciative for all the support from everyone in attendance. We are now open so drop in for lunch or dinner between 11am to 8pm Monday – Saturday at 3996 Pleasantdale Rd.”
Usher was all smiles for fans and customers alike. “So happy to be out here supporting my mom and her new business,” he said to the camera.
Ms. Patton is a businesswoman through and through. Before this, she ran J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator, which provides commercial kitchen space and equipment to up-and-coming chefs and caterers.
Earlier this summer Patton was honored by Sysco Foods with the Influencer Award for her contributions to the culinary industry.
What’s On the Menu At J’s Smokehouse?
J’s Smokehouse has several traditional menu items like smoked turkey wings, grilled BBB chicken, grilled BBB ribs, fried catfish, grilled sausage and sides like braised collards, kale and more.
“What makes the menu different are our options, are vegan options,” Patton said. “We have pulled pork sandwich and we have a vegan hot dog in the smokehouse. And they are amazing.”
Helming the kitchen, Ms. Patton tapped renown plant-based guru, Chef Greg Dennis.
“We have delicious ribs falling off the bone. Thirteen hours low and slow smoked brisket. Grandma’s delicious southern fried collard greens,” Dennis told local TV station WSB-TV. “I do a seven cheese macaroni blend, I also have a vegan menu.”
Where Is J’s Smokehouse Located?
J’s Smokehouse is located at 3996 Pleasantdale Rd ste 104 B, Atlanta, GA 30340. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Atlanta is no stranger to celebrity-owned restaurants, and Patton said the chef is what makes the difference.
Do you like barbecue? How about Mesquite or smoked brisket on hickory? Check out our Atlanta BBQ Guide.
-
Downtown Atlanta is a pretty large area, and so getting from one point to another can be a challenge.
The good news is that when you consider the historic landmarks, cool restaurants and other venues, it’s well worth exploring. But how do you get around?We’re going to show you how you can get around downtown Atlanta (actually this works for Midtown, too).
How To Get Around Downtown Atlanta
If you’re driving into downtown Atlanta, you’re going to have to pay for parking. Here’s where you can park and how much it costs and for how long.
Getting around downtown Atlanta is fairly easy, thanks to various transportation options:
MARTA
MARTA offers both bus and rail services. The rail system has several stations downtown, including Peachtree Center, Five Points (a central hub), and Civic Center. The trains can take you to key areas, including the airport, Midtown, and Buckhead.
You may also wish to take MARTA. Rail prices are $2.50 for a one-way trip. Here are fare prices for trains and buses.
Streetcar
The Atlanta Streetcar runs a 2.7-mile loop through downtown, connecting major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, and Georgia State University.
Walking
Downtown Atlanta is pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and plenty of crosswalks. Popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and State Farm Arena are within walking distance of each other.
Scooters and Bikes
E-scooters and bikes from companies like Lime and Bird are available for short trips. They’re a quick option for navigating crowded areas.
There are some rules you need to know before you ride. Lime and Bird are the two most prevalent scooters you’ll along downtown and Midtown streets.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in downtown Atlanta and offer a convenient way to get around.
Uber & Lyft: If you want to take advantage of a ridesharing service, you can do that too. Here are the peak times for ridesharing in Atlanta:
Weekdays
Morning Commute Hours, 6am-9am
- Evening Commute Hours, 4pm-8pm
Weeknights
- Before and after sporting events and concerts.
- Late night, 11pm-3am
Atlanta Shuttle Services
Some hotels and attractions offer free or paid shuttle services that circulate within downtown or nearby neighborhoods.
You can also get around by using the Atlanta Streetcar. Call 404-848-5000 for help with the latest schedule updates or you can click here to login the Mobility Reservation System.
Driving/Parking
If you’re driving, there are multiple parking decks and lots, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Apps like ParkMobile can help you find parking spots.
Tuk Tuks
Tuk Tuks are small electric vehicles that provide a unique and eco-friendly way to explore downtown. They usually operate on a tip basis.
Explore Atlanta at your own pace
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. Centennial Park is often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
-
Hometown legendary rapper Antwan “Big Boi” Patton will take the stage at the College Football Hall of Fame for the 10th anniversary Celebration and Kickoff Game Football Fest.
The event is set for Saturday, August 23, 2024 and features a free concert from Big Boi, one half of the famous musical duo Outkast.
Football Fest: What To Know Before You Go
Football Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the Big Boi concert kicking off at 4:30 p.m. Join us for a day of entertainment. Enjoy live DJs, the Home Depot GameDay Bus, local team mascots, cheerleaders, inflatables, prize giveaways, and more.
The event is free as part of “Coca-Cola Free Admission Day” and provides the perfect opportunity to see Big Boi perform, along with the unveiling of new exhibits, clinics with Atlanta Falcons players and cheerleaders, the famed Home Depot GameDay Bus, inflatables, prize giveaways, and much more, all free-of-charge.
Where is The College Football Hall of Fame?
The College Football Hall of Fame is located in downtown Atlanta at 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you’re in the vicinity of downtown Atlanta, make sure you grab a bite at one of the top downtown restaurants. You’ll also find plenty to do there every Atlanta weekend.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
-
Music superstar Usher says he’s had to postpone the Atlanta dates of his Past, Present and Future tour due to injury.
“Earlier this week, I suffered an injury to my neck while rehearsing to provide my fans with the greatest USHER show of all time,” the singer said in a statement.
“My hope was that with physical therapy and medical treatment, I would be able to overcome the injury and be ready for opening night,” Usher posted on social media. “Unfortunately the injury has not healed yet and my doctors have instructed me not to perform any shows this week. The good news is that the doctors are saying that with appropriate rest and treatment, I should be ready to commence the tour in Washington DC on August 20th.”
The Atlanta dates have already been reached for:
See the complete dates of Usher’s tour.
Usher is one of the biggest music stars in the world right now. Who would think that a 20-year music vet would have his biggest year in 2024? That’s Usher, baby. Peace up, A-Town down.
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 AtlantaFi.com stories:
-
There are few things better than sipping some vino in a comfortable setting on the weekend. In Georgia, you can do just that.
Wine tastings have a long history in Georgia. If any part of the state can be considered wine country, it would be Dahlonega, which has a decades-long history of vineyards.
What Georgia Wine Tastings Are Good For Avoiding Crowds?
Social distancing is something that Georgia’s wine-tasting industry is taking seriously. There are some companies holding virtual wine tastings as well as patio and outdoors-only events.
Like fine wine, you may want to sample a variety of wine tastings in the metro area or in North Georgia to see which suits your taste. Ready to get started?
What Are The Best Wine Tastings In Georgia?
Ready to get started? These wine tasting companies and wineries get great reviews online.
3 Parks Wine Shop
451 Bill Kennedy Way SE c, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (678) 349-7070
Here’s what one reviewer says about 3 Parks Wine Shop, which now holds virtual wine tastings. “I can’t say enough great things about this wine shop. We have some friends who love it, so I emailed them to see if we could put together a gift basket for them using some of their purchase history and profile. Kaitlyn was amazing. The gift basket was perfect and the process was so easy from start to finish. Such wonderful customer service. We can’t wait to return!”
ATL Vineyard Express
Here’s what one reviewer says about ATL Vineyard Express: “ATL Vineyard Express……..Is it possible to give more than 5 stars? This was a surprise for me by my significant other “he received plenty brownie points for this oneJ”. Oh what a wonderful surprise and experience it was……..So let’s just say that I was very stunned to learn that there were so many wineries in the state of Georgia.”
Cana Wine Tours
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cana Wine Tours: “We had an absolutely AMAZING day touring the wineries with Cana Wine Tours! Our driver, Phillip, was professional and courteous and we enjoyed our conversations with him. The wineries were beautiful and each one had its own unique appeal. We loved tasting all of the different wines and really enjoyed our lunch while overlooking beautiful mountains and vineyards! Lisa was wonderful to work with while booking the tour and she always promptly responded to questions and provided timely communications regarding our tour. I can’t wait to book another tour with Cana to visit more of Georgia’s wineries!”
Book with Cana Wine Tours here.
CeNita Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room
591 Dock Dorsey Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528 | (706) 865-7478
Here’s what one reviewer says about CeNita Vineyards. “Great quaint winery tucked into the hills of North Georgia. Good variety of wines and beautiful backdrops. Buddy the dog greets you upon arrival and tastings can even be ordered through a window from the patio so need to go inside if that’s a concern. The wedding venue over the hill is gorgeous with plenty of space for a party. Surprised that management was a little impatient at first, but things got smoother as the day went on. Definitely will be back.”
Dahlonega Tasting Room
16 N Park St, Dahlonega, GA 30533 | (706) 864-8275
Here’s what one reviewer says about Dahlonega Tasting Room. “Best wine in all of Dahlonega! Peyton was great! She made the experience enjoyable for me and my husband. We don’t drink wine often but she was able to make recommendations that we both loved. We will definitely be going back next time we are in town.”
Little Vine Vineyards & Winery
665 N Hulett Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 | (770) 629-9760
Here’s what one reviewer says about Little Vine Vineyards & Winery. “Small winery with a nice selection of wines. The owners are personable and take the time to speak with customers. Outdoor seating is the order of the day and COVID rules are to be expected, especially for larger groups. I’ve been here a couple of times and find that it’s a nice little find not too far from home so it’s an easy trip. On Saturday, they have live music and a food truck. The place started to fill up and exceed capacity when we departed on our last Saturday visit. My wife and I enjoy the blueberry wine and we bought a couple bottles to take home. We’ll be back for sure.”
Wine Tours of Georgia
Contact: (404) 913-0922
Here’s what one reviewer says about Wine Tours of Georgia. “Our group had an amazing time! It was easy working with Michael and Jon. They planned everything for us and our day was perfect! Joe, our driver, was great too. He kept us on schedule! Thank you, WTG!”
VinoTeca
299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (470) 377-5100
Here’s what one reviewer says about VinoTeca: “Cozy vibe. Fantastic and ever-changing selection of wines. Strong emphasis on Spain (and thus: value), but a broad selection across an array of regions and price points. Inventive themed events on the weekend. Woman-owned and operated by some fantastic, creative, and knowledgeable people—they ask the right questions to ensure you’re walking out with the right wine for the occasion.”
Wine Shoe
339 Nelson St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 220-9042
Wine Shop is an education-focused wine shop with global wines in a dog-friendly, rustic, cellar-inspired space.Here’s what one reviewer says about Wine Shoe: “Beautiful wine shop with great selection of boutique wines and a very knowledgable owner and staff! They have so many special occasion wines, but plenty to take home for every day drinking too. They were sampling some bottles of grapes I’d never tried before, and parking was so easy!”Pop The Corn Wine Tours
1100 Peachtree St NE #200, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 433-2956
Here’s what one reviewer says about Pop The Corn Wine Tours: “Cannot recommend this company and experience enough! I was very lucky that my incredible friends planned a WONDERFUL Bachelorette party and this was it! Chuck and LaTanya have created a business and experience that is top notch!”
Perrine’s Wine Shop
1168 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 254-5077
Here’s what one reviewer says about Perrine’s Wine Shop: “Hands down the best wine shop in Atlanta! Every wine has been hand selected and curated for their shoppe. Everyone is always helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Also, be sure to check out their cheese selection—you cannot bet it!”
Wine Workshop And Brew Center
2891 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 | (404) 228-5211
Here’s what one reviewer says about Wine Workshop And Brew Center. “Great experience. I’m not a wine guy but I just moved into the area and needed some grains for brewing beer and decided to give this place a try. I was greeted immediately and Steve started weighing and milling the grains. I browsed around and found a few other things I needed. Seems like they have most everything you could want, and the service was excellent — will definitely be back many times.”
Wahoo Wine & Provisions
1036 W College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 | (404) 687-9463
Here’s what one reviewer says about Wahoo Wine & Provisions. “A really nice selection across the board. Especially good for bourbon and wine, beer too. Prices were reasonable and the place was very clean. They even had some pretty scarce spirits.”
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533 | (706) 867-9862
Here’s what one reviewer says about Wolf Mountain Vineyards. “Super cute environment. Tasting room is first come first serve. I would recommend coming on a non-weekend for seating options if you choose to do a wine tasting only. Also, brunch on the weekend is an option. The tasting room attendees are either informed on the wine or they know nothing and they just hand you a piece of paper to describe the wine. Tastings range from 20-30 bucks–Nothing outrages. Wine is okay.. This place is a cute getaway but if you love complex wine I wouldn’t set your hopes high. Weekends are not for solo wine tasters.”
What Wine Tastings In Georgia Are Taking COVID-19 Precautions?
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, you may have some reservations about gathering in closed spaces and drinking wine.
Many wineries and wine tastings have adapted to COVID by implementing safety protocols, including social distancing, capacity limitations and no sharing of glasses or utensils.
Final Words
Vino is a very expensive habit, unless you’re enjoying it at a wine tasting, which will probably be cost very little. That’s because the best wine tastings are an experience. Looking for a great wine tasting venue in Georgia? Keep reading.
There is great variety in Georgia when it comes to wine tastings. Some places are loud and are more akin to a grocery store. Meanwhile, other wineries are more private, curated events governed by appointment.
Whatever you prefer, make sure you follow all the safety recommendations that the respective wineries have put in place. Bottoms up!
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.Also check out these black-owned wineries in Georgia.Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
-
Centennial Yards will be the site of a three-story entertainment complex which will double as a live sports and concert venue, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
The 70,000-square-foot development will be built by Cosm, a leading immersive technology, media, and entertainment company that opened a similar space in Los Angeles this past June.
The firm aims to deliver live sports and experiential entertainment in “Shared Reality,” which takes advantage of augmented, virtual and mixed reality.
“The project we’re building is a sports-adjacent, entertainment district,” Centennial Yards Company president Brian McGowan said. “When we learned about the [Cosm] concept — this cool experiential entertainment, shared reality type of sports bar — we were like, ‘Oh my God, this is perfect for us.’”
As part of the Sports and Entertainment District at Centennial Yards. Cosm is the linchpin of Centennial Yards’ next phase of development, which will bring approximately 470,000 square feet of entertainment, retail and restaurant space, including a flagship hotel, to a 7.5-acre site adjacent to the Atlanta Hawks’ State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium — home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United—as well as the Five Points MARTA station connecting the site with the rest of the city.
“Cosm’s experience is unparalleled, using its Shared Reality technology to provide guests with front-row access to global events from Downtown Atlanta at Centennial Yards,” McGowan said in a press release. “With existing, world-class sports venues and the addition of Cosm, we believe Centennial Yards will become the center of gravity for entertainment in Atlanta, connecting people of all ages with an incredible combination of sporting events, music, bars, restaurants and retail.”
“Atlanta is a passionate sports town with a proud history of hosting the world’s biggest events, including the Olympics, Super Bowls, CFP National Championships, NCAA March Madness, FIFA World Cup, and more,” said Jeb Terry, CEO and President at Cosm. “In fact, one of my favorite memories is winning the 2001 Peach Bowl in the Georgia Dome. Now, over 20 years later, the Cosm at Centennial Yards is the perfect complement to the State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Atlanta Convention Center to help make Centennial Yards the Sports and Entertainment capital of the South, and we are thrilled to work with CIM Group to make Atlanta our third location and bring Shared Reality to the East Coast.”
Cosm’s third venue at Centennial Yards will encompass 70,000 square feet and feature the company’s proprietary technology throughout, including an 87-foot diameter 12K+ LED dome.
Working with award-winning architecture firm Gensler, the venue will expand on the foundational design of Cosm’s first and second venues in Los Angeles and Dallas, respectively, and ensure its values and iconic features are embodied while still incorporating unique characteristics that reflect Centennial Yards and the Atlanta community at large.
The company’s slate of live sports offerings continues to expand through official partnerships with ESPN, the NBA, NBC Sports, TNT Sports, FOX Sports, the UFC and more, which will allow guests to experience live Shared Reality productions of the biggest sports events in the world.
In addition to live sports, Cosm’s programming will also highlight Cirque du Soleil’s timeless production “O” and immersive art experiences from members of the Cosm Studios Creator Program, including award-winning new media artist Nancy Baker Cahill; filmmaker, director, and co-founder of Planetary Collective Guy Reid; renowned DJ and artist Chris Holmes; and acclaimed composer and new media artist Ricardo Romaneiro.
“At Centennial Yards, we have the opportunity to reshape a major area of Atlanta as a walkable and appealing destination for residents and visitors, and key to that effort is bringing unique and engaging businesses such as Cosm that attract people to the district,” said Shaul Kuba, Co-Founder and Principal, CIM Group.
Who Owns Centennial Yards?
The Centennial Yards Company serves as the master developer of Centennial Yards and consists of a partnership between an affiliate of CIM Group, which is co-founded by Richard Ressler, and a group led by Hawks owner Tony Ressler, his brother.
‘The Gulch’ No More
Development at Centennial Yards is already well underway, with the construction of a 19-story boutique hotel and 19-story residential tower, and additional retail and residential groundbreakings commencing later this year.
Centennial Yards is a transformative project for Atlanta and one of the largest private developments in the United States, reshaping an important but underutilized portion of the city’s Downtown formerly known as “The Gulch” into a dynamic and active 24/7 community.
With a master site plan designed by a global team, the 50-acre Centennial Yards development will also feature the creation of new city blocks, public open space and up to 12 million square feet of new modern retail, hotel and residential buildings, and world-class sports and entertainment venues.
Final Word
Downtown Atlanta is transforming, but so is much of the city. 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.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
