-
A Chick-fil-A location in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood (at 3280 Peachtree Rd. in the Terminus 100 building) is closing after nearly 18–20 years.
Key Details:
- Last day of service: Friday, July 31, 2026.
- Signs posted at the restaurant thank customers: “Thank you for all your love and support over the years. We have enjoyed our time in the Terminus community with great food and smiles.”
- No specific reason for the closure was given in the reports.
- Chick-fil-A still operates nearly three dozen other locations across Atlanta, so the area isn’t losing the chain.
Buckhead Chick-fil-A Closing
A newer, freestanding Chick-fil-A opened nearby at Peachtree & Piedmont (about a block or half a mile away) in May 2025. That location is more accessible (with a drive-thru option) compared to the inline/Terminus spot, which likely contributed to the decision.
This seems like a consolidation move rather than a broader pullback from Buckhead. If you need more details, a full summary, or info on nearby alternatives, let me know!
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
-
National Chicken Wing Day falls on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, and metro Atlanta spots are serving up solid deals on traditional, boneless, and specialty wings.
Here’s a roundup of notable offers available in the Atlanta area (or at local outposts of national chains). Always confirm details, hours, and participation with the specific location, as deals can vary by franchise and many exclude third-party delivery. Some require dine-in, minimum orders, loyalty accounts, or promo codes.
Standout Local & Regional Deals
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: 99-cent wings (Classic Buffalo or Thai Chili) all day for dine-in. Minimum of 6 wings; limit of 18 per person.
- Bonchon (Smyrna, Alpharetta, Fayetteville): Five wings for $5 when ordering via Bonchon.com, the app, or at participating restaurants.
- Buffalo’s Cafe (locations including Woodstock, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Cumming, Acworth, Canton, Cartersville and others): All-you-can-eat bone-in or boneless wings for $19.99, dine-in only.
- PONKO Chicken (Chamblee, Midtown, Duluth, Alpharetta, Marietta, Auburn): Buy 10 jumbo wings and get 5 free (limit one offer per guest). Sauces include Teriyaki, Spicy, BBQ, Extra Spicy, Miso Serrano, Lemon Pepper, Spicy Lemon Pepper, or Plain.
- Taco Mac: $1 wings on 6-packs and 10-packs (traditional, roasted, or boneless; 15+ sauces). Use code WINGIT2026 for online orders at Tacomac.com.
Popular Chain Specials with Atlanta Locations
- Buffalo Wild Wings (Peachtree Corners, Sandy Springs, Atlanta/Emory and Cumberland, Alpharetta, Marietta, Mall of Georgia, and more): Free order of boneless or traditional wings with any $15 dine-in purchase. Not valid with third-party delivery. (Note: They also run regular BOGO Wing Tuesdays for rewards members.)
- Dave & Buster’s (including Marietta and other participating spots): Traditional wings $1 each and boneless 50 cents each (ordered in batches of 10; includes one side of ranch or bleu cheese). Choice of sauce or rub; new limited-time flavors available (Cherry Bomb Sauce, Dill Pickle Rub, Buster’s Signature Sauce). Dine-in only.
- Hooters (participating locations): 10 wings (breaded, naked, or boneless; excludes Daytona-style) for $7.29. Often tied to a beverage purchase and primarily dine-in.
- Wingstop (Midtown, Decatur, Cascade Rd, Howell Mill, Vinings, Brookhaven, East Point, Doraville, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Stone Mountain, South Fulton, Tucker, Marietta, Norcross, Stockbridge, and more): Five free wings with a $10+ qualifying purchase. Use code FREEWINGS on the website or app. Club Wingstop members can redeem multiple times around the date (part of broader Wing Week promotions).
- Pizza Hut: Buy one any-sized menu-priced order of boneless or traditional wings, get another of equal or lesser value free. Order online or via the app with code BOGOWINGS (participating locations; part of ongoing Wing Wednesday).
- Whataburger (rewards members at participating restaurants): Buy-one-get-one-free on 9-piece WhataWings (Honey BBQ, Buffalo, Honey Butter, or Sweet & Spicy) via the app or website.55
- Sonny’s BBQ (rewards members): Free 6-count wings with the purchase of an entrée.
Other Options
- 7-Eleven / Raise the Roost / Speedy Café: Broader promotions include $1 single tenders or bone-in wings at participating Raise the Roost spots (around July 27–30), delivery deals via the 7NOW app, and rewards-member wing packs.
Atlanta has a strong wing culture (think lemon pepper wet classics and local favorites), so these specials pair well with checking neighborhood spots or social media for last-minute local promos. Prices and availability can change, and some deals are limited or while supplies last—call ahead or check apps/websites before heading out. Enjoy the wings!
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
-
Brookhaven residents now have a new go-to spot for quick, health-focused meals after Beyond Juicery + Eatery opened its third Georgia location on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The fast-casual eatery, located at 4060 Peachtree Road NE, Suite E in Brookhaven Station, specializes in made-to-order smoothies, wraps, bowls, salads, juices, and breakfast items emphasizing fresh ingredients and better-for-you options.
Beyond Juicery + Eatery Opens in Brookhaven
It marks another step in the Michigan-based chain’s rapid expansion across the Atlanta metro area.
Franchise partners Ricky Burch and Ross Hare, who also operate the brand’s Buckhead (1927 Peachtree Road NE) and East Cobb/Marietta (4101 Roswell Road) spots, own and run the Brookhaven restaurant. The pair has signaled plans for additional locations in the region this year.
“We’re excited to officially join the Brookhaven community and share what Beyond Juicery + Eatery is all about,” said co-founder Mijo Alanis. “Our goal is to offer guests a convenient option they can count on throughout the day, whether they’re stopping in for a quick meal or something on the go.”
Burch added: “Opening our third store in Georgia is an exciting milestone. The support we’ve received from guests has been tremendous, and we’re looking forward to building new relationships and becoming a valued part of the community.”
Grand opening festivities under the “Beyond Good Vibes” theme drew crowds with free 20-ounce Classic Smoothies from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the first 300 guests, complimentary tumblers for the first 100 visitors, and a chance for the first 25 in line to win free smoothies for a year. Guests also enjoyed spin-to-win prizes, menu tours, and live entertainment.
The menu highlights fresh juices, customizable smoothies, superfood bowls, wraps (including popular options like the Southwest Caesar), salads, and all-day breakfast items such as protein-packed burritos. A Beyond Rewards loyalty program lets customers earn points for purchases made in-store, online, or via the app.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The roughly 1,200-square-foot space sits in a busy retail center already home to other eateries, making it a convenient stop for local shoppers and Peachtree Road commuters.
Headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan, Beyond Juicery + Eatery operates more than 50 locations and continues expanding in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio. The brand also partners with Rising Stars Academy to create employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities.
For more details, menu info, or online ordering, visit beyondjuiceryeatery.com or stop by the new Brookhaven spot.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Watches of Switzerland Group has announced the opening of a new multi-brand showroom at Avalon, marking the retailer’s first such location in Georgia and a significant expansion of its U.S. footprint.
The Watches of Switzerland Avalon showroom, located at 5120 Avalon Blvd., is anchored by a dedicated Rolex entrance and features an extensive selection of luxury timepieces from leading brands including Omega, Breitling, Tudor and TAG Heuer.
Watches of Switzerland Opens First Multi-Brand Showroom in Georgia
In addition to sales, the showroom provides watch servicing and repairs. Clients can also book private appointments in two VIP areas, one of which is a dedicated private salon.
Avalon already hosts Mayors, another retailer under The Watches of Switzerland Group. The Mayors Avalon location is currently closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen in winter 2026 as a jewelry-only showroom.
The new Watches of Switzerland showroom will operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST, offering what the group describes as an unmatched level of service and hospitality.
-
The U.S. Interstate Highway System, formally known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, stands as one of the largest and most transformative public works projects in American history. Authorized by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 29, 1956, it created a network of controlled-access highways that fundamentally reshaped transportation, commerce, defense, and urban landscapes across the nation.
Origins of the Interstate System
Planning for a national system of superhighways began in the late 1930s amid the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and others saw highway construction as a way to create jobs. The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1938 directed the Bureau of Public Roads to study a toll-financed network of three east-west and three north-south superhighways, but a key report, Toll Roads and Free Roads, concluded that tolls alone could not support it.
World War II highlighted the need for better roads for military and economic purposes. In 1944, the Federal-Aid Highway Act authorized a “National System of Interstate Highways” of about 40,000 miles, though it provided limited funding. The 1944 act designated routes but left construction largely unfunded until the 1950s.
Eisenhower’s personal experiences proved pivotal. In 1919, he participated in a grueling U.S. Army convoy across the country that took 62 days on poor roads. During World War II, he observed Germany’s Autobahn system. These experiences convinced him of the need for a modern national network for defense, commerce, and safety.
After taking office in 1953, Eisenhower pushed for action. A committee led by General Lucius Clay recommended a major program. The 1956 Act resolved funding debates by creating the Highway Trust Fund, financed primarily through federal taxes on gasoline, diesel, tires, and other user fees. The federal government covered 90% of costs, with states contributing 10%.
The system expanded to about 41,000 miles (later growing to over 46,000–48,000 miles). Construction boomed in the following decades, with the system largely completed by the early 1990s.
The Interstates standardized design features like limited access, divided lanes, and high-speed alignments. They boosted economic growth, suburbanization, long-distance trucking, and personal mobility but also displaced communities, spurred urban sprawl, contributed to the decline of some public transit and rail options, and raised environmental concerns.
Interstate 20: Route and National Context
Interstate 20 (I-20) is a major east-west artery spanning about 1,539 miles from Kent, Texas (near Dallas-Fort Worth) to Florence, South Carolina. It passes through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, connecting cities including Shreveport, Jackson, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Augusta. As an original Interstate, its planning aligned with the 1940s–1950s national designations.
In Georgia, I-20 covers roughly 203 miles from the Alabama line near Tallapoosa to the South Carolina line at Augusta. It is unsigned State Route 402 and features sections named after figures like Tom Murphy, Ralph David Abernathy, and others.
I-20 in Atlanta: Planning, Construction, and Controversy
Atlanta’s Interstate planning began even before the 1956 Act. In 1946, the Lochner Plan (by H.W. Lochner & Company) outlined a system of expressways radiating from downtown Atlanta to address congestion, building on earlier railroad-era patterns. This included what became parts of I-20 as major east-west routes.
Construction of Atlanta’s expressways started in the late 1940s using pre-Interstate standards, but progress was slow due to costs and design changes. The 1956 Act accelerated work with substantial federal funding. Segments of I-20 opened progressively: parts in the Atlanta area in the early 1960s, with the westernmost section (Villa Rica to Alabama line) completing around 1977–1978.
I-20 runs east-west through Atlanta, intersecting I-285 (the Perimeter), the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85), and other routes. It passes near landmarks like Six Flags Over Georgia and the Georgia State Capitol area. The Capitol Hill Interchange (with the Downtown Connector) was a complex multi-level structure rebuilt in the 1980s.
“Freeing the Freeways” — Atlanta undertook a major 1976–1994 modernization program. For I-20, this included widening (often to 8–10 lanes in urban sections), interchange reconstructions (e.g., with I-285 and the Connector to remove left exits and improve flow), and HOV lanes. These upgrades addressed growing congestion in one of the nation’s fastest-expanding metro areas.
Ongoing projects continue this evolution, such as the major reconstruction of the I-285/I-20 West interchange (a multi-billion-dollar effort to improve safety, remove left exits, and add capacity, with substantial completion targeted in the late 2020s) and similar work on the east side.
Social and Urban Impacts in Atlanta
I-20’s history in Atlanta is intertwined with the city’s mid-20th-century racial dynamics. City leaders, including Mayor William Hartsfield, deliberately routed the western section in the late 1950s to serve as a “boundary between the white and Negro communities.”
This aimed to contain Black neighborhoods while protecting white areas and facilitating suburban commuter access to downtown. Construction displaced thousands (estimates for I-20 in the city suggest at least 7,500 people affected in the relevant period, with significant impacts on Black residents) and razed homes and businesses, contributing to urban renewal efforts that accelerated white flight and altered demographics.
While the explicit segregationist intent reflected the era, the highway’s path has had lasting effects on mobility, neighborhood connectivity, and economic patterns south of I-20. Modern Atlanta grapples with these legacies amid efforts to improve equity, transit, and traffic flow.
Legacy
The Interstate System, including I-20, transformed America into a car-centric society, enabling unprecedented mobility and economic integration. In Atlanta, I-20 remains a vital artery for freight, commuters, and travelers, while symbolizing both progress and the complex social costs of large-scale infrastructure. As the region grows, ongoing investments in safety, capacity, and multimodal options reflect the system’s enduring importance and the need for continual adaptation.
The story of I-20 in Atlanta exemplifies how national ambitions for defense and commerce intersected with local urban planning and social realities, leaving a concrete legacy that continues to shape daily life in one of the South’s major metropolises.
-
Netflix has reversed course on Tyler Perry’s drama series Beauty in Black, renewing it for a fourth season just months after declaring that Season 3 would serve as the finale. The announcement, made on July 23, 2026, comes ahead of the still-unscheduled Season 3 premiere and follows the strong performance of Season 2.
Beauty in Black Season 4 Renewed
In December 2025, the streamer had renewed the show for a third and final season. That plan has now been scrapped. The turnaround is credited in large part to Season 2’s viewership success. Released in two parts, the season spent six weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 and reached No. 1 in 17 countries.
The Series and Its Story
Created, written, directed, and executive produced by Tyler Perry, Beauty in Black centers on two women from vastly different worlds whose lives become deeply entangled. Kimmie (Taylor Polidore Williams), a former sex worker struggling after being kicked out by her mother, crosses paths with Mallory (Crystle Stewart), who runs a successful beauty business. The series explores the ruthless Bellarie family behind a cosmetics empire that also masks an underground trafficking ring.
Season 2 followed Kimmie as she transformed into a force of vengeance seeking to rescue her kidnapped sister while the family’s secrets and betrayals came under pressure. Season 3 is expected to place Kimmie at the Bellarie table, only for a deadly family feud to force an uneasy alliance with Mallory as they navigate blackmail, revenge, and buried secrets that threaten to destroy the empire.
No premiere date for Season 3 has been announced.
Tyler Perry’s Response
Perry expressed enthusiasm about the continued storytelling. “Beauty in Black is back for Season 4, and the Bellarie family’s story is far from finished. There was so much more I wanted to explore, and I’m grateful I get to keep telling this story,” he said. “To the audience that has been on this ride with us from day one, thank you for watching and sharing it with the world. More episodes are on the way!”
Cast and Production
Returning cast members include Amber Reign Smith, Xavier Smalls, Ricco Ross, Julian Horton, Steven G. Norfleet, Richard Lawson, Terrell Carter, Bryan Tanaka, Charles Malik Whitfield, and Debbi Morgan, along with a large supporting ensemble. Producers include Angi Bones and Tony Strickland for Tyler Perry Studios, with music by Wow Jones and Jimijame$.
The first two seasons are currently streaming on Netflix. The surprise Season 4 renewal signals Netflix’s continued investment in Perry’s high-drama, audience-driven projects and gives fans of the soapy thriller additional chapters beyond the previously planned conclusion.
-
It’s no secret that Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17 has lived up to the hype. But rarely do we see the buildup as we have recently, thanks to Porsha Williams.
Porsha Williams, the iconic reality TV star, entrepreneur, and media personality, lit up New York City with a high-profile press run in early April 2026. Promoting the new season of RHOA (Season 17) alongside her brands Go Naked Hair and Pampered by Porsha, the Atlanta native brought her signature energy, style, and business savvy to the Big Apple.
A clip has gone viral, with many RHOA fans’ admiration for her styling, underscoring why Porsha remains a fan favorite.
Porsha Williams’ NYC Press Run: SiriusXM, Forbes, and More
Porsha documented the whirlwind tour herself, posting: “Press run in New York for the New season of Real Housewives of Atlanta & @GonakedHair & @pamperedbyporsha Stopped by SiriusXM, Forbes, and a few more interviews. So excited for you all to see this season!”
Key stops included:
- SiriusXM Studios (April 1, 2026) — She visited for interviews amid the celebrity circuit.
- Forbes — A deep-dive “Talks Shop” conversation published April 30, 2026, where she discussed building her business empire.
- Jeff Lewis Has Issues podcast — Appeared around April 10, teasing Season 17 drama and personal topics.
The tour blended promotion for the rebooted RHOA season with spotlight on her entrepreneurial ventures, perfectly showcasing the multifaceted Porsha.
Businesswoman First: Go Naked Hair, Pampered by Porsha, and Entrepreneurial Roots
In her Forbes interview, Porsha emphasized that entrepreneurship has always been core to her identity. Growing up with parents who built businesses (her mother owned childcare centers), she launched her own childcare center at age 24. She noted that while reality TV brought fame, her business foundation is what will endure: “That’s what I’ll do even when reality TV is gone.”
She promoted Go Naked Hair, her premium virgin hair brand that has grown into a multi-million-dollar venture (reportedly exceeding $10M in some coverage), and Pampered by Porsha, her luxurious bedding and sheets line inspired by her mother’s love of high-quality linens. Fans and interviewers raved about the products during the NYC stops.
Self-care also took center stage. Porsha shared her “mommy ritual” nighttime routine: a steamy shower, face steaming in bed on her Pampered by Porsha sheets, and winding down without screens. She described feeling most confident in meetings when dressed professionally, often in pantyhose and buttoned-up looks.
Teasing Season 17 and Personal Growth
The press run built major anticipation for RHOA Season 17, which premiered around early April 2026. Porsha teased the season’s mix of drama, friendships (including tensions and reconciliations), laughs, and personal storylines—such as her relationship with girlfriend Patrice “Sway” McKinney.
In various appearances, she addressed topics ranging from cast dynamics and her return to the spotlight to embracing authenticity in her personal life. The tour positioned her not just as a Housewife but as a central figure driving conversation in the franchise.
Style and Fan Frenzy
Porsha’s NYC appearances delivered on glam. Whether in tailored looks, statement shoes, or bold ensembles, she turned heads—exactly as captured in the viral X clip that reignited fan excitement months later. Outfits highlighted her proportions, confidence, and flair, with admirers online obsessing over everything from her hair to her footwear.
A Star Building an Empire
Porsha’s NYC press run was more than promo—it was a masterclass in leveraging her platform. From SiriusXM banter to Forbes business insights and podcast teases, she balanced RHOA hype with genuine entrepreneurship. With Season 17 delivering fresh drama and her brands expanding, Porsha continues to evolve as a reality TV veteran, mother to daughter Pilar, and savvy businesswoman.
Fans can’t get enough of her commanding presence—whether on screen, in interviews, or owning the streets of New York. As one viral post put it: “Porsha ThhhhEeee Williams honey!!” The queen of shade, style, and self-made success is still very much in her bag.
Stay tuned for more from Porsha as RHOA Season 17 unfolds and her empire continues to grow.
-
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It leads to watery diarrhea, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Cases often surge in the U.S. during summer months, frequently linked to contaminated fresh produce.
With recent outbreaks affecting thousands across multiple states, knowing cyclosporiasis foods to avoid helps reduce your risk while still enjoying a healthy diet.
What Is Cyclosporiasis and How Do You Get It?
- Cyclospora* spreads through food or water contaminated with feces. The parasite is not killed by standard chlorine treatments in water and requires time (days to weeks) to become infectious after contaminating produce.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery (sometimes explosive) diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach cramps, bloating, nausea
- Fatigue and low-grade fever
Symptoms typically start about a week after exposure and can last weeks if untreated. Antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) are effective for treatment.
Key Cyclosporiasis Foods to Avoid (Especially During Outbreaks)
No single food is universally banned, but certain fresh produce items have been repeatedly linked to U.S. outbreaks. Prioritize caution with these during peak season (May–August):
- Bagged Salad Mixes and Pre-Cut Leafy Greens
These top the list for cyclosporiasis foods to avoid. Prewashed bagged lettuces, salad kits, and mixes undergo more handling and have been implicated in multiple outbreaks, including recent ones involving shredded iceberg lettuce. Opt for whole heads instead and discard outer leaves. - Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Basil, Parsley)
Their textured leaves easily trap the parasite. Cilantro and basil from imported sources have caused numerous past outbreaks. - Berries, Especially Raspberries
Imported raspberries have a long history of cyclosporiasis links. Blackberries and mixed berries also warrant caution when eaten raw. - Snow Peas and Sugar Snap Peas
These have been vehicles in several documented outbreaks. - Other Leafy Greens and Produce
Romaine lettuce, mesclun, green onions, parsley, and sometimes broccoli or cabbage.
Current 2026 Outbreak Note: Investigations point toward lettuce and salad greens in several states, with over 1,600 cases reported. Some restaurants (e.g., certain Taco Bell locations) have temporarily removed lettuce. Always check CDC or FDA updates for specific recalls.
Prevention Tips Beyond Just Avoiding Foods
You don’t need to eliminate all fresh produce — the benefits outweigh risks when handled properly:
- Wash thoroughly under running water, even if labeled “prewashed.” Rub firm produce and discard outer layers of leafy greens.
- Cook when possible — Heating to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills the parasite.
- Choose whole produce over pre-cut or bagged items.
- Drink safe, treated water and avoid untreated sources, especially when traveling.
- Stay informed via CDC, FDA, or state health department alerts during summer.
Safe Alternatives and What to Eat Instead
Focus on:
- Cooked vegetables and proteins
- Peeled fruits (bananas, oranges, melons with rind removed)
- Whole, uncut produce washed at home
- Shelf-stable or frozen items
Consumer Reports and experts emphasize that you shouldn’t stop eating fruits and vegetables entirely — just be more vigilant with preparation and sourcing.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care if you have prolonged watery diarrhea, especially with fatigue or significant weight loss. Diagnosis usually involves a stool test. Most people recover with treatment and hydration, but complications can arise in vulnerable groups.
Bottom Line on Cyclosporiasis Foods to Avoid
Staying aware of high-risk items like bagged salads, fresh herbs, raspberries, and snow peas is one of the best defenses during cyclosporiasis outbreaks. Combine this with good washing and cooking practices for the safest approach to enjoying fresh food.
For the latest updates, visit the CDC Cyclosporiasis page or FDA outbreak announcements. Prevention through informed choices keeps you healthy without unnecessary restrictions.
-
ATLANTA — Chase Matthew Griffin, a 26-year-old Atlanta man known as “Trey,” has been sentenced to 108 months (nine years) in federal prison for his central role in a sophisticated $2.8 million bank fraud conspiracy that blended old-school check theft with modern social media recruitment.
U.S. authorities say Griffin and his co-conspirators executed a multi-step operation that preyed on both postal infrastructure and unsuspecting Instagram users.
Instagram-Advertised $2.8 Million Bank Fraud Scheme Lands Atlanta Man 9 Years in Federal Prison
The scheme netted millions before law enforcement intervened.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to court details, the group began by targeting U.S. Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes to steal physical checks from mailboxes. Once obtained, the checks were chemically “washed” or otherwise altered to change payee information and amounts, transforming legitimate instruments into tools for fraud.
The next phase relied heavily on social media. Griffin and his associates used Instagram to recruit individuals willing to provide access to their bank accounts. Prosecutors say the recruiters flaunted stacks of cash in flashy posts to lure potential “money mules” or account holders. Victims or recruits would then hand over login credentials, debit cards, or full account control.
With compromised accounts in hand, the group moved quickly to drain funds through a variety of channels:
- Rapid ATM withdrawals
- Zelle transfers
- Casino transactions designed to obscure the money trail
This high-speed cash-out strategy aimed to beat bank fraud detection systems before alerts could freeze the accounts. The operation ultimately involved $2.8 million in fraud losses or intended losses.
Sentencing and Restitution
On top of the nine-year prison term, Griffin was ordered to pay $307,386 in restitution to victims and affected financial institutions. The sentence reflects the scale of the conspiracy and the deliberate use of technology and social platforms to scale the crime.
Federal sentencing guidelines often impose significant prison time in organized fraud cases involving identity theft, check washing, and social media recruitment, especially when losses reach into the millions. Griffin’s case highlights the growing intersection of traditional financial crimes with digital platforms.
Authorities have not released full details on all co-conspirators or whether additional arrests are pending, but the outcome serves as a stark warning about the risks of mixing flashy social media promises with requests for bank account access.
This prosecution underscores ongoing efforts by federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to combat hybrid fraud schemes that exploit both physical mail and online networks. Victims are encouraged to monitor accounts closely and report suspicious Instagram solicitations involving cash or quick-money opportunities.
-
Nashville, Tenn. — Fawn Weaver, the founder and CEO of the prominent Tennessee whiskey brand Uncle Nearest, has been terminated from the company along with her husband, Keith Weaver, a co-founder.
The move, detailed in a July 10 court filing, was made by the court-appointed receiver overseeing Uncle Nearest. The terminations were backdated to June 1, 2026.
Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver Fired Amid Company’s Ongoing Legal and Financial Turmoil
The receiver noted that while the decision was difficult, it has “resulted in significantly less confusion among employees and vendors, and has made business operations significantly smoother.”
Background on the Receivership
Uncle Nearest has been under the control of a court-appointed receiver since August 2025, following a lawsuit filed by lender Farm Credit Mid-America. The company reportedly owes more than $200 million in debt.
The receivership was established after allegations of default on substantial loans. The company and its related entities, including Nearest Green Distillery and real estate holdings, have faced significant financial challenges, including a plummeting global spirits market, distributor shifts, and extensive litigation.
Recent Developments and Sale Efforts
In a recent filing, the receiver reported signing a non-binding letter of intent to sell substantially all of the company’s assets — including Uncle Nearest, its real estate holdings, and the Nearest Green Distillery — to an African American-owned investment firm. Any sale would require approval from a federal judge.
The receiver described the past quarter as “exceedingly challenging,” citing excessive litigation, government investigations, and market pressures. Despite these hurdles, progress has been made:
- Sale of property on Martha’s Vineyard for $2.59 million.
- Identification of a buyer for vineyards in France.
- Ongoing negotiations for the core business assets.
The filing also mentions ongoing investigations by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission, with the receivership team cooperating fully.
Looking Ahead
Remaining tasks include evicting two restaurants connected to Keith Weaver from the Nearest Green Distillery property in Shelbyville, Tenn., where rent has gone unpaid for about a year.
The receiver expressed optimism that the brand has a viable future under new ownership, stating that “a buyer of these assets can rehabilitate this brand with an infusion of new capital and more disciplined financial and operational leadership.”0
This story is developing as the company navigates its path through receivership and potential sale.
