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Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was on hand to join Shaquille O’Neal and Papa Johns CEO Steve Ritchie to cut the ribbon on O’Neal’s new Papa John’s restaurant near Georgia Tech in Midtown Atlanta.
Shaq is on the Papa John’s Board of Directors and the company uses him as a spokesman.
Shaq buys Papa Johns in Midtown Atlanta
According to security filings, the pizza chain is paying the NBA great $4.1 million in cash over three years. Shaq is also getting 87,136 shares of stock that vest between 2020 and 2022, according to restaurantbusinessonline.com.
Those shares are reportedly worth $4.4 million.
The deal also includes Shaq appearing on the company’s social media accounts once a month and other partnership plans.
On Sunday, the City of Atlanta’s Twitter account posted about the ribbon-cutting in Midtown.
Mayor @KeishaBottoms joined Shaquille O’Neal and @PapaJohns CEO Steve Ritchie to cut the ribbon on @SHAQ’s new Papa John’s restaurant near @GeorgiaTech. Congrats, @SHAQ! pic.twitter.com/F91GLZPgLi
— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) August 25, 2019
Shaq owns several Midtown Atlanta establishments in the food industry, including the iconic Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon Avenue.
In 2016, the TNT analyst paid $1.1 million for an estate in McDonough. The property is spread out across 14 acres and features two homes, a basketball court, a theatre and a three-stall barn.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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It’s that time again, yall. The 2019 MEAC/SWAC Challenge comes to Atlanta’s Georgia State Stadium on Sunday, September 1. The game will feature Bethune-Cookman University and Jackson State University.
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge has been an Atlanta tradition for a number of years now.
2019 MEAC/SWAC Challenge: Everything you need to know
The annual game features teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Launched on Labor Day Weekend in 2005, the HBCU matchup was held for its first three years at historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
In 2008, the game moved to Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Since 2016, the Challenge has been played at campus sites.
Get tickets here
About Bethune-Cookman College
Bethune-Cookman boasts the #1 band in the MEAC, known as the Marching Wildcats. They make up a 300+ unit that has five drum majors known affectionately as “The Five Horsemen.”
Bethune-Cookman is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Wildcats’ biggest rivals is in-state HBCU Florida A&M University.
About Jackson State University
JSU’s band, the Sonic Boom of the South, is the #1 ranked band in the SWAC. Jackson State University is located in Jackson, Mississippi. The mascot is a bengal tiger.
While 90% of JSU’s students hailed from Mississippi, other states make up the rest of the student body. The top three feeder states are Illinois (419 students), Louisiana (227), and Tennessee (192).
Among international students, most were from China, according to a JSU factbook.
Where to park at Georgia State Stadium
Parking at Georgia State Stadium is festival style, first-come-first-served in each lot. Handicap parking is available in the Green Lot on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please be advised handicap parking spaces are limited. A state issued placard or license plate and a parking pass are required for entry. Passes are currently available for the Green lot only.
Lots open 4 hrs prior to kickoff. No overnight parking. Online parking sales close on Saturday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m.
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Have you ever attended one of the best street parties in the ATL? Did you miss the last
@ATLStreetsAlive ? No problem!Make sure you come out at the Atlanta Streets Alive: Southwest on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Atlanta Streets Alive: Southwest – everything you need to know
The event will connect seven neighborhoods spanning from Cascade Avenue to Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, and Georgia Avenue. We’ll close the streets to cars and open them for people to walk, roll, bike, and play!
The fun kicks off at 2:00 pm with the official opening of the street followed by a parade of the route. Parade lineup is at 2:00 pm for a 2:30 pm launch. FREE bike decorations will be available while supplies last!After the opening program and kickoff parade, visit Activity Partners and Route Hosts along the route for a wealth of interactive experiences hosted by community organizations, local businesses, and our sponsors. You can explore the open street from end to end or enter and exit the route at any cross street at any time during the four-hour activation.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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: The essential bars in Little 5 Points
Food & drink specials: How to eat for cheap in Atlanta EVERY DAY
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One thing about Atlanta is that it’s full of celebrities at every turn. Atlantafi.com recently caught up with actress, producer and reality TV star Yandy Smith Harris to learn about Yelle, her skincare line.
Harris shared what motivated her to get into the beauty and cosmetics industry.
Yandy Smith Harris: Yelle Skincare Is Dedicated To Melanin-Rich Skin
“When I started getting on TV that was my first time wearing makeup and my skin really reacted badly to it. I broke out really bad.”
She said that when she went to Sephora to get everything she needed to clear up her skin, the total bill was more than $600.
“I realized the average woman would not be able to afford an all-natural plant-based skincare line that would cost $600 a month,” she said.
“That’s when I decided I wanted to get with a master esthetician and a chemist to create something that was green, that was natural, that was plant-based for the everyday working woman like myself.”
I wanted to make sure that this product was for people with melanin in their skin.”
Where Can You Buy Yelle Skincare?
You can buy Yandy Smith’s skincare products at yelleskincare.com.
The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month.
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
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Google just announced the winner of its national Doodle 4 Google competition and we’ve got a local champ.Arantza Pena Popo, a senior from Arabia Mountain High School in DeKalb County, won the national competition, Google announced.Lithonia teen wins national Google Doodle contest
Earlier this summer, the Lithonia teen advanced to the online voting stage where she competed with artists around the country.Arantza’s doodle is titled “Once You Get It, Give It Back.”original story:How to help Arantza win Doogle 4 Google contest
All you have to do is vote here.
Online voting began June 3 and will end June 7. From there five National Finalists will be selected. They will be announced by Google later in the month.One of them will be chosen to have their doodle featured on the Google homepage for a day.The National Winner also gets a $30,000 college scholarship and their school gets a $50,000 tech package towards the establishment or improvement of a computer lab or technology program.To see a full list of state winners and to vote online, visit http://www.google.com/doodle4google/vote.html Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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The busiest airport in the world is also among the nation’s best. That’s something many in Atlanta and the Southeast already know, but it’s now been reaffirmed.
Travel site The Points Guy ranks Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the fourth-best airport in the U.S.
Atlanta’s Hartsfield makes list of best airports in U.S.
All the airports ranked ahead of Hartsfield are out west, including San Diego International Airport, which came in #1.
Here are the 10 best airports in America
Rank Airport 1 San Diego International Airport 2 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport 3 Portland International Airport 4 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 5 Sacramento International Airport 6 Sea-Tac International Airport 7 San Francisco International Airport 8 Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport 9 Indianapolis International Airport 10 John Wayne Airport Hartsfield is the national hub for Delta Air Lines, which is headquartered in Atlanta.
The airline has more than 5,000 daily departures across the world.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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The City of Atlanta has imposed a daily citywide nighttime ban from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. for electric scooters and E-Bikes. The No Ride Zone is effective Friday, August 9, 2019.
E-scooters like Bird, Lime and Lyft have become controversial after several high-profile accidents resulting in injuries and deaths of late.
Atlanta bans scooters at night
“It is evident that immediate action is necessary to keep Atlanta’s residents and visitors safe,” said Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms. “Sadly, we have seen a pattern in the recent and tragic fatalities involving scooters – they all occurred after sunset.”
She added: “This nighttime ban, while we continue to develop further long-term measures, will ensure the safest street conditions for scooter riders, motorists, cyclists, those in wheelchairs and pedestrians.”
Atlanta officials: Nighttime scooter ban a necessity
The Department of City Planning has reached out to the scooter companies operating in the city and requested that they disable devices during the No Ride Zone.
“The devices go a long way in providing last-mile connectivity and convenience to residents, students, businesses and visitors,” said Department of City Planning Commissioner Tim Keane. “But it is vital that we pause and assess how we move forward in a responsible way, with public safety always being the top priority.”
Up next: Here are Atlanta’s new rules for e-scooters
New E-Scooter Regulations Aim To Fine Riders And Keep Sidewalks Clear
How to operate a Bird scooter in Atlanta
How to operate a Lime scooter in Atlanta
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Singer and actor Brandy will be honored in Atlanta on Thursday, Aug. 29 with the BMI President’s Award at its 2019 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
The private event will be held at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center in Atlanta and hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President Creative (Atlanta), Catherine Brewton.
Brandy to be honored at BMI Awards in Atlanta
“As a singer/songwriter, actress and humanitarian, Brandy is a triple threat in every sense of the word,” said Brewton. “Her timeless hits about love and heartbreak were anthems to many coming of age during the 90s and secured her place in R&B history.”
Brewton added, “We are so excited to honor Brandy with the BMI President’s Award and look forward to celebrating a night of great music.”
The BMI President’s Award is presented to an individual songwriter, composer or producer who has made exemplary contributions to the art of music and songwriting and profoundly influenced the entertainment industry.
As the 2019 honoree, Brandy joins previous recipients Curtis Mayfield, Ludacris, Toni Braxton and Will.i.am in sharing this distinction.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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R&B singer Chris Brown is returning to Atlanta this fall for his “Indigoat” Tour, which comes to State Farm Arena on 8 p.m. Oct. 2.
LiveNation begins selling tickets for the concert on Aug. 2 at noon. Presales started July 31 through Aug 1. at Citi Entertainment.
Get tickets to Chris Brown’s Atlanta concert
Brown is touring in support of his ninth album, “Indigo,” which features H.E.R., Nicki Minaj and more.
Get tickets here
Brown also just starred in a new video with Drake. Check out the “No Guidance” video:
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: -
The acclaimed chefs that will take part in the Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown were recently announced.
The festival takes place on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at The Fairmont. The summer festival pays homage to the Southern staple and creative ways to present and cook it.
Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown: Here are the chefs
The showdown, which this year is sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms and Big Green Egg and produced by Taste of Atlanta, will feature chefs from 30+establishments throughout the prolific Southeast. Here they are:
Asheville
Steve Goff – AUX Bar
Atlanta
Christian Rodriguez – High Road Ice Cream
Deborah VanTrece – Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
Drew Van Leuvan – Seven Lamps
Jason Jiminez – Kitchen Six
John Adamson – American Cut
Linda Harrell – Cibo e Beve
Matt Basford – Canoe (2018 ‘Best Wing’ Winner)
Megan Brent – New Realm Brewing
Pat Pascarella – The White Bull & Grana
Thomas McKeown – Polaris
Todd Richards – Chicken + Beer
Chattanooga
Charlie Loomis – Feed Table & Tavern (2017 ‘Best Wing’ Winner)
Charleston
Daniel Doyle – Poogan’s Porch
Charlotte
Eric Ferguson – Staggioni
Greg Collier – Uptown Yolk
Alex Verica – The Stanley
Thomas Marlow – Mimosa Grill
Conyers
Gary Caldwell – Triplz Lounge
Knoxville
Jesse Newminster – Tako Taco
Marietta
Greg Lipman – Piastra
Nashville
BJ Lofback – Funk Seoul Brother
Richard Jones – Green Door Gourmet
Shane Nasby – Honeyfire Barbecue Co.
Peachtree City
Scott Smith – The Curious Pig
Savannah
Zach Schulz – Cotton + Rye
Winder
Alex Friedman – Bistro Off Broad
Some of the kitchens represented will be Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Now in its fourth year, the Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown will feature acclaimed chefs coming up with dishes using Springer Mountain Farms chicken.
The farm’s chicken is raised without antibiotics, steroids, growth stimulants or hormones, so attendees can focus on the unique recipes crafted by the chefs.
Those who attend can enjoy wings and sides along with beer, wine and cocktails that go well with the food.
Which ever chef takes home the top prize of “Best Wing” gets to take home a Big Green Egg.
Where does the Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown take place this year?
Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown 2019 is happening at 1429 Fairmont Ave NW, Atlanta, Ga 30318. Here is a map to help you find it.
celebrating unique takes on a Southern staple, will return for its fourth year on Sunday, August 25 at The Fairmont (1429 Fairmont Ave NW) in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood from 1pm to 5pm. the event will feature creative talent from over 30 prominent Southeastern chefs hailing from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 5 essential soul food spots in Atlanta
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.
Check out some of AtlantaFi.com’s best Atlanta restaurant stories
