Category: Atlanta

The hits just keep on coming for national burger chain Shake Shack. The popular restaurant has announced the opening of its second U.S. Support Center at The Battery Atlanta later this year.

The new Atlanta office will join the brand’s original Support Center in New York – where Shake Shack was founded in 2004 – and its international Support Center in Hong Kong, forming a global network that supports Shake Shack’s 336 domestic Company-owned Shacks and roughly 13,000 U.S.-based Team Members, and more than 250 licensed Shacks across 20 countries.

Together, these offices are key to driving the Company’s long-term goal of opening 1,500 domestic Company-owned Shacks and continued global growth.

“Shake Shack will always have a home in New York City – our birthplace and the culinary capital of the world,” said Rob Lynch, CEO at Shake Shack. “By expanding our Support Center footprint to Atlanta, we’ll have the tools needed to fuel our next stage of growth, with spaces dedicated to enhancing how our teams connect, train and innovate. The Battery Atlanta stood out as a vibrant, community-driven location that reflects our brand values and offers access to Atlanta’s incredible talent. This expansion supports our ultimate goal of helping our Shack operators win big and deliver Enlightened Hospitality in every community we serve.”

Located across Battery Avenue from Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, and next to the Coca-Cola Roxy, the over 25,000-square-foot office space will occupy Suite #100 in Two Ballpark Center. It will feature a state-of-the-art test kitchen and multiple training and meeting spaces, bringing the brand’s energy, innovation, and hospitality-forward spirit to Atlanta’s dynamic culinary landscape and thriving corporate community.

The new office space joins an impressive lineup of tenants and partners that have made The Battery Atlanta one of the region’s most vibrant mixed-use destinations.

In addition to the new Support Center opening later this year, Shake Shack will debut a new flagship restaurant at The Battery Atlanta this summer, introducing an exciting evolution of the brand. As the first full bar in Shake Shack’s company owned portfolio, this location will offer signature cocktails, classic cocktails, local craft beer, wine and more, all served alongside its beloved core menu.

“Shake Shack expanding into both office and restaurant spaces at The Battery Atlanta is a powerful testament to the dynamic environment we’ve built,” said Mike Plant, President and CEO of Braves Development Company.

“When looking for tenants, we knew Shake Shack was a perfect brand fit, not only because of their passionate fan base and employee first mentality, but also because of their deep-rooted focus on community and hospitality, which aligns perfectly with our vision of The Battery. We look forward to the long-term growth and collaboration this partnership will foster for both of our brands.” 

As part of the new Atlanta Support Center, Shake Shack has also opened a Kitchen Innovation Lab just a short drive from The Battery Atlanta. The facility allows the brand’s Operations and Development teams to test new equipment and optimize kitchen layouts in a controlled environment to improve service speed and efficiency in new and current Shacks across the system.

Final Word

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.

Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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Peacock TV is filming in Atlanta, Georgia for popular series The Good Daughter.

Karin Slaughter is writing all episodes and serves as an executive producer alongside Byrne, Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Casey Haver, and director Steph Green.

If you want to know more about the project, including casting news, keep reading.

What is The Good Daughter About?

Adapted from Slaughter’s bestselling novel of the same name, the project is a suspenseful crime drama that follows sisters Charlotte and Samantha Quinn, who have spent the past 28 years trying to rebuild their lives after a traumatic night of violence fractured their family.

The story is set in the small town of Pikeville, where Charlotte, now a lawyer like her father, becomes the first witness to another violent attack. As the case unfolds, she is forced to confront her own demons while navigating a series of shocking revelations. Together, Charlotte and Samantha grapple with the lingering effects of their past, ultimately questioning whether the sacrifices they made to be “good daughters” were worth the cost.

How To Watch The Good Daughter

You can watch The Good Daughter here.

Who Are the Cast Members for The Good Daughter?

The series stars Meghann Fahy as Charlotte and Rose Byrne as Samantha, with additional cast members including Brendan Gleeson, Harper Steele, Paula Malcomson, and Jake McDorman.

Originally, Jessica Biel was set to play Charlotte and executive produce, but she exited the project in September 2024, with Fahy stepping into the role.

The Good Daughter Casting Call #1

Seeking Men to portray funeral home employee

All Ethnicities / Age 18 and over

**𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙃 𝙁𝘼𝘾𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙉𝙇𝙔**

Cannot have worked on TGD before

Date: May 6th and 8th

Rate: 182/12

Location: Lithonia

HOW TO SUBMIT

Email – Extras@RoseLockeCasting.com

Send at least 3 pics (include a dated photo and full body)

include age, height, weight and all contact info

SUBJECT: FUNERAL EMPLOYEE

Casting Call #2

CL Casting in Atlanta is handling casting calls for The Good Daughter. Here is the latest casting notice:

Seeking Men and Women to portray bar patrons with cast

All Ethnicities / Age 21 and over

* No Red, Black or White cars

* Please send a picture of your car

* list the year, color, make and model of your car

**𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙃 𝙁𝘼𝘾𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙉𝙇𝙔**

Never have worked in TGD before

Date: 5/14

Rate: 182

Location: SE ATL

HOW TO SUBMIT

Email – Extras@RoseLockeCasting.com

Send at least 3 pics (include a dated photo and full body)

include age, height, weight and all contact info

SUBJECT: BAR WITH CAR

Final Word

The series promises a thrilling exploration of family secrets, trauma, and resilience, though a premiere date has not yet been announced.

Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.

More Articles From AtlantaFi.com:

• How To Become An Actor In Today’s Movie Scene
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• How To Get A Job At Tyler Perry Studios

Nina & Rafi, a popular Atlanta restaurant on the Eastside BeltLine, has closed its doors after nearly seven years of operation.

The pizza joint announced its demise on social media on April 23, 2025. AtlantaFi.com covered the eatery when it opened its doors in 2019, anchoring a strong dining scene on the Beltline’s Eastside Trail.

Why Is Nina & RaFi Closing In Atlanta?

The primary reason for the closure, according to owner Billy Streck, was the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an Instagram post, the eatery stated that the restaurant industry was hit hard in 2020, and despite their efforts, Nina & Rafi struggled to fully recover in the years that followed, facing challenges that were ultimately beyond their control.

This aligns with broader trends in the restaurant industry, where many establishments have faced financial strain due to reduced foot traffic, rising operational costs, and shifts in consumer behavior post-2020.

Additionally, other social media posts suggest another contributing factor: poor management. Some former patrons and individuals claiming insider knowledge criticized the owner, alleging that the restaurant suffered from inconsistent service, frequent order mistakes, and a lack of attention to customer experience.

The restaurant’s history also includes a notable shift in 2020 when co-founder Anthony Spina left due to creative disagreements.

One Reddit user, citing a source who worked with the owner, claimed the closure stemmed from the owner prioritizing personal financial gain over running a successful business. While these sentiments reflect dissatisfaction, they are anecdotal and have not officially confirmed.

Whatever the contributing causes to the closure, we will miss Nina & Rafi.

What’s Next for the Nina & Rafi Space?

The space has been sold to Damian Otero of Rreal Tacos, who plans to open a fourth location of the tapas bar Eclipse di Luna in partnership with its owners.

Over the past couple of years, several popular Atlanta restaurants have decided to close their doors for one reason or another. Here’s a list.

Where To Get Good Pizza in Atlanta

With Nina & Rafi’s closure, you may be wondering where that good pepperoni is now.

1. Antico Pizza Napoletana (Multiple locations, e.g., 1093 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318)
   • Style: Neapolitan
   • Why It’s Great: A staple since 2009, Antico is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pies with airy crusts, San Marzano tomatoes, and high-quality ingredients. Favorites include the Margherita and Diavola. It’s a local favorite, often cited as one of the best pizzerias in the U.S., though some note its communal seating and parking challenges. BYOB is a plus.
   • Note: Expect lines, especially at the original Westside location.
2. Varuni Napoli (Two locations: 860 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308; 1544 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324)
   • Style: Neapolitan
   • Why It’s Great: Known for its strict adherence to Neapolitan standards, Varuni uses natural sourdough and high-heat ovens for thin, delicate pies. The Margherita and specialty pizzas like the Bastardo (with spicy soppressata) are standouts. Some prefer it over Antico for accessibility and consistency.
   • Note: Offers a more refined dining experience than Antico.
3. Glide Pizza (659 Auburn Ave NE Unit 506, Atlanta, GA 30312; also at Inner Voice Brewing in Decatur)
   • Style: New York-style
   • Why It’s Great: Located on the BeltLine, Glide serves massive, foldable 20-inch Brooklyn-style pies with a light, crispy sourdough crust fermented for 48 hours. Popular choices include cheese, pepperoni, and “the Garlic” (olive oil, garlic, two mozzarellas). Its takeout window is perfect for quick grabs.
   • Note: Ideal for casual, on-the-go slices.
4. Savage Pizza (Two locations: 115 Laredo Dr, Avondale Estates, GA 30002; 484 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307)
   • Style: American/New York-inspired
   • Why It’s Great: A local institution with a comic book-themed vibe, Savage offers scratch-made pizzas with creative toppings like the Sav-Veg (veggie-heavy) or Cajun (spicy red pepper sauce, shrimp, andouille). Affordable and laid-back, it’s great for families or groups.
   • Note: Little Five Points location is vibrant but can get busy.

Want more slices, er, choices? Check out our Good Atlanta Pizza Guide.

Final Word

Nina & Rafi is out; Eclipse di Luna is in. This transition indicates that the location’s prime spot on the BeltLine remains a desirable dining location — and that’s a good thing.

Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.

If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.

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• All the New Atlanta Restaurant Openings
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Tax day can be stressful for Americans, especially if they owe Uncle Sam money. Thankfully, there are several restaurants giving away free food for Tax Day in Atlanta.

Hungry much? Check out these generous eateries and go pick up your free meal as you file your taxes before Tuesday’s deadline.

Eat For Free on Tax Day in Atlanta

Several restaurants are offering free or discounted food for Tax Day 2025 (April 15). Here’s a roundup based on available information:

Krispy Kreme

Buy any dozen doughnuts (Original Glazed or assorted) in-store and get a second Original Glazed dozen for just the price of your state’s sales tax. Online orders for pickup or delivery can use the code TAXBREAK to get a second Original Glazed dozen free (limit one per customer).

Burger King

Royal Perks members can get a cheeseburger for 1 cent with any purchase of $1 or more via the BK app or website. Not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories.

Fazoli’s

Buy one, get one free Classic Baked Spaghetti with the code TAX25 at participating locations, available for digital orders via their site or app.

Great American Cookies

Buy one Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake slice, get one free at participating stores nationwide.

• Kona Ice: Offering free cups of shaved ice on April 15 at participating trucks, no purchase required, as part of their “National Chill Out Day” promotion.
• Paris Baguette: PB Rewards members get a free pastry with any beverage purchase on April 15.
• Potbelly: Buy one Original or Big sandwich and get one Original sandwich free using the code BOGO on their app or website (not available in-store).
• California Tortilla: Get a free small order of chips and queso or chips and salsa with any purchase by saying “1040” in-store or using the code 1040 online or on the app.
• Casey’s: Rewards members who buy any large pizza on April 15 get a “Pizza Refund” (a free large one-topping pizza credited to their account), redeemable until May 6.

Final Word

The largest city in the Southeast – Atlanta – has a few things to do as well. An Atlanta weekend is one to remember.

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Tax time doesn’t have to be stressful, even if you likely owe Uncle Sam some money. You’re probably here because you want to know how to do your taxes for free in Georgia, so let’s ask the big question:

Can I File My Taxes for Free in Georgia?

Yes, you can file your taxes for free in Georgia if you meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are some options available to you:

IRS Free File Program

If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $79,000 or less (this threshold can vary slightly year to year, but it’s typically around this amount), you can use the IRS Free File program to prepare and file your federal taxes online for free. Many of these partnered software providers also offer free Georgia state tax filing, though you should check the specific provider’s offer to confirm. You’ll need to complete your federal return first, as the state return pulls information from it.

• No Age or Residency Restrictions: There’s no age limit or requirement to live in a specific state—anyone in the U.S. (including Georgia) meeting the income cap qualifies. This includes citizens, residents with ITINs, and even military personnel.
• What It Covers: The program provides free online tax preparation and e-filing for federal income tax returns through partnered software companies (e.g., H&R Block, TaxAct, or others). Some of these partners also offer free state filing (like for Georgia), though you should check each provider’s terms, as this isn’t guaranteed across the board.
• Exceptions and Notes: If your income exceeds $79,000, you can still use Free File Fillable Forms, which are electronic versions of paper tax forms, but they’re bare-bones—no guided help, just e-filing. Also, the program is only accessible through the IRS website (IRS.gov/freefile) and is typically available from mid-January until the tax deadline (April 15, 2025, unless extended).

So, if your AGI last year was $79,000 or less, you’re in! You’d just need your tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) and a computer or smartphone to get started. Does that match your situation?

Georgia Free File Alliance

The Georgia Department of Revenue partners with software vendors to provide free electronic filing for both federal and Georgia state income tax returns for qualifying taxpayers. Eligibility often depends on income, age, or other factors, and some providers may charge for federal filing but offer the state return for free. Visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website to explore approved providers and their criteria.

Who Qualifies To Use the Georgia Free File Alliance?

• Income-Based Eligibility: Most providers target taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below a certain threshold, often aligning with the IRS Free File cap of $79,000 or less. However, some Georgia-specific partners might extend this limit slightly higher (e.g., $80,000-$84,000) or lower it (e.g., $60,000), depending on their offer. You’ll need to check each provider’s specific cutoff on the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Free File page.
• Age or Status Criteria: Some vendors offer free filing regardless of income if you meet other conditions, such as being:
  • Active-duty military with an AGI up to a higher limit (e.g., $79,000 or more in some cases).
  • A senior citizen (e.g., age 65+), though this is less common.
  • Eligible for certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which might broaden access.
• Residency: You must file a Georgia state tax return, meaning you’re a full-year resident, part-year resident, or nonresident with Georgia-sourced income. Federal filing through the same provider might be free or require a separate qualification (e.g., matching IRS Free File rules).
• Provider-Specific Rules: The Alliance includes multiple software companies (past examples include TaxSlayer, OLT.com, or 1040.com), and each has unique terms. For instance:
  • One might offer free state filing only if you qualify for their free federal option.
  • Another might charge for federal but provide the Georgia return free regardless of income.
• How to Check: Visit the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website (dor.georgia.gov) and navigate to the Free File section. There, you’ll find a list of participating vendors with links to their eligibility details. You’ll typically need your income docs (W-2s, 1099s) and last year’s AGI to confirm you qualify when you start.

Since it’s tailored to Georgians, it’s a great option if you’re filing a state return and want to save on fees. The catch is you’ll need to browse the providers to find one matching your income and situation—there’s no universal cutoff like with IRS Free File.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

This IRS-sponsored program offers free tax preparation by certified volunteers to individuals with incomes typically up to $64,000 (though this can vary by location), as well as people with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or those over 60. In Georgia, organizations like United Way of Central Georgia and universities such as Georgia Southern or UGA run VITA sites where you can get both federal and state returns filed for free. Some sites offer in-person, drop-off, or virtual services—check local listings for availability near you.

MyFreeTaxes

Supported by United Way, this online platform lets you file federal and state taxes for free with no income cap in some cases (though historically it’s been capped around $84,000—confirm current limits on their site). It’s a user-friendly option if you’re comfortable filing online and want multilingual support.

Other Free Options

Services like FreeTaxUSA offer free federal filing and charge a small fee (around $15) for state returns, but if you’re looking for completely free, stick to the options above.

Additionally, if your tax situation is simple (e.g., just a W-2 with no complex deductions), some commercial software like TurboTax Free Edition might cover both federal and state for free, though restrictions apply.

Final Word

To take advantage of these, you’ll typically need your W-2s, 1099s, Social Security cards or ITINs, and other relevant documents.

For VITA, you might need an appointment, so plan ahead as the tax deadline (April 15, 2025, unless extended) approaches. Need more time? Here’s how to file a tax extension.

Are you trying to become more financially literate? Check out Money Mondays at AtlantaFi.com, where we’ll share strategies to save and make cash.

If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.

Read more:

• How To Buy A House For Less Money This Year
• Here’s How To Save $300 A Month
• Best Coupon Sites To Save Money
• How To Save Money On Groceries And Cut Your Food Bill In Half

Burger fans, get ready for some tasty news—Gwinnett Burger Week is back.

For a decade, 23 locally owned restaurants have been dishing out $10 chef-crafted burgers, and this year promises to be the most delicious yet.

When Is Gwinnett Burger Week?

Gwinnett Burger Week runs from March 17–23, 2025, marking its 10th anniversary with a weeklong celebration of burger brilliance.

Gwinnett’s skilled local chefs have spent ten years perfecting their craft, delivering unique, flavor-loaded burgers that keep us coming back for more. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s cooking for this milestone year:

• “KBBQ Burger” at Stäge Kitchen & Bar: A smashed Angus beef patty slathered in Korean BBQ glaze, topped with roasted cheese corn, house-pickled veggies, gochujang mayo, and served on a sesame brioche bun.
• “That’s My Jam Burger” at Old Fountain Tavern: A succulent patty stacked with melty Fontina and Gruyère cheeses, crispy bacon, balsamic onion jam, fresh arugula, and sun-dried tomato mayo, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun.

How To Participate in Gwinnett Burger Week

Want to level up the fun? Sign up for the Gwinnett Burger Week Digital Pass to track your eats and rack up points for a shot at exclusive merch.

The more spots you hit, the more points you score—and the more burgers you get to savor. Visit 10 restaurants, and you’ll earn a spot on the iconic Gwinnett Burger Week Wall of Fame!

Final Word

Atlanta’s got a solid burger scene that’ll satisfy any craving. Just outside the city in Dunwoody, NFA Burger slings a standout smashburger—two Angus patties with crispy edges, American cheese, pickles, mustard, and a killer Sassy Sauce on a soft Martin’s Potato Roll. It’s tucked into a Chevron gas station, but don’t let that fool you; it’s been hyped as one of Georgia’s best for a reason. In town, Grindhouse Killer Burgers is a go-to with multiple locations, like Grant Park, where you can get a juicy, crunchy classic or pile on Southern toppings like pimento cheese or fried green tomatoes. Plenty of spots like these keep Atlanta’s burger game strong—definitely worth a bite if you’re around.

Check out Atlanta’s best burger joints.

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