Category: Business

Select Waffle House locations in metro Atlanta are introducing a new beverage option: cold brew coffee.

The Atlanta-based chain now offers canned cold brew coffee for $3.95, available at these nine locations. Get yours at a local Waffle House near you.

When Did Waffle House Cold Brew Coffee Begin?

Select Waffle House locations in metro Atlanta began offering canned cold brew coffee on June 17, 2025, as part of a limited market test.

Find it at these Atlanta-area locations:

– 2812 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta
– 2264 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta
– 5071 Peachtree Ind Blvd, Chamblee
– 4065 Peachtree Road, Atlanta
– 3735 Roswell Road, Atlanta
– 3016 Piedmont Road, Atlanta
– 2581 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta
– 4532 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta
– 3916 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur

Cold brew coffee surged in popularity due to a combination of cultural, economic, and sensory factors, particularly in the early 2010s, though its roots go back further. Here’s a concise breakdown of how it became a staple:

1. Craft Coffee Movement: The third-wave coffee movement, starting in the early 2000s, emphasized artisanal, high-quality coffee. Cold brew, with its smooth, less acidic profile, fit perfectly into this trend as consumers sought unique, premium coffee experiences. Specialty shops like Stumptown and Blue Bottle popularized it by offering nitro cold brew—creamy, frothy coffee on tap that resembled craft beer.

2. Taste and Versatility: Cold brew’s steeping process (12–24 hours in cold water) produces a sweeter, less bitter flavor compared to iced coffee made from hot-brewed coffee poured over ice. This appealed to younger demographics, especially millennials, who preferred customizable drinks. Its concentrate form also made it versatile for cocktails, lattes, and at-home brewing.

3. Convenience and Branding: Major chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ capitalized on the trend, introducing cold brew to mass markets around 2015. Starbucks, for instance, reported cold beverages making up over 50% of sales by 2020. Pre-packaged cans and bottles from brands like La Colombe and Chameleon made it accessible for home consumption, while sleek packaging and social media marketing boosted its “cool” factor.

4. Cultural Shifts: Cold brew aligned with the rise of Instagram culture, where visually appealing drinks (think nitro cold brew’s cascading foam) became social media darlings. Urban cafes and pop-up shops leaned into this aesthetic, making cold brew a lifestyle symbol for younger, trend-conscious consumers.

5. Year-Round Appeal: Unlike traditional iced coffee, which was seasonal, cold brew’s smooth taste and high caffeine content made it a year-round favorite, especially in warmer climates. Its portability in cans and bottles also catered to busy, on-the-go lifestyles.

By 2025, cold brew’s dominance is evident—Waffle House’s recent introduction of canned cold brew at select Atlanta locations reflects its mainstream staying power.

The drink’s rise from niche cafes to global chains showcases how quality, marketing, and cultural trends converged to make it a coffee juggernaut.

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The Atlanta City Council has adopted a new tree protection ordinance, which increases funding for the low-income senior assistance program to $400,000 a year.

The measure also encourages planting over compensation payments, and doubles the fine for illegal tree removal from $100,000 per acre to $200,000 per acre, according to a City Council news release.

Atlanta’s Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO) has been the subject of some major changes after the Community Development Committee advanced a revised TPO despite objections from both developers and tree advocates. Key changes included:

• Higher removal fees to deter clear-cutting.
• Discounts for affordable housing projects to balance development needs.
• Guaranteed funding for arborists to improve enforcement.
• Support for low-income seniors with tree maintenance costs.

 The new measure balances development with conservation, ensuring the city retains its environmental and cultural identity amid growth. For example, the ordinance protects “significant” trees (those with a diameter at breast height of 6 inches or more) and requires mitigation for any approved removals.

With the city’s constant redevelopment, tree protection ordinances in Atlanta are needed for several critical reasons, driven by the city’s unique environmental, urban, and social context:

1. Preserving Urban Canopy

Atlanta is known as the “City in the Forest” due to its extensive tree cover, estimated at 36-47% of the city’s land area, one of the highest in the U.S.

Trees provide essential benefits like cooling urban heat islands (Atlanta’s summer temperatures can exceed 90°F), improving air quality (reducing pollutants like PM2.5), and managing stormwater runoff (critical in a city prone to flash flooding due to its hilly terrain and clay soils).

2. Mitigating Development Pressure

Atlanta’s rapid growth, with a population increase of 18.7% from 2010 to 2020 and ongoing construction booms, puts significant pressure on green spaces.

 Without ordinances, developers might clear-cut trees for new projects, eroding the city’s tree canopy and exacerbating environmental issues like heat and flooding.

However, developers argue that stricter regulations, such as higher tree removal fees (recompense) and preservation standards, could stifle housing development, particularly affordable housing.

For example, the proposed recompense fee increase from $100 per tree plus $30 per inch of diameter to $260 per inch, with the removal of a $5,000-per-acre cap, could significantly raise costs for developers. One developer cited a project’s tree removal cost rising from $20,000 to $155,000 under the new rules.

3. Environmental Justice

Trees are unevenly distributed across Atlanta, with wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods like Buckhead having denser canopies than lower-income, minority areas like those in South Atlanta.

Ordinances help ensure equitable tree preservation and planting, addressing disparities in access to green benefits.

Key provisions, like preservation standards requiring developers to protect a percentage of trees on lots, were removed after pushback from builders who claimed these would hinder economic development. Tree advocates, such as conservationist Kathryn Kolb, called this a “gross failure of process,” arguing that the revised ordinance weakens protections and may reduce effective recompense compared to current standards.

4. Erosion and Flood Control

 Atlanta’s topography and frequent heavy rainfall make it susceptible to erosion and flooding. 

Trees stabilize soil and absorb rainwater (a single mature tree can absorb 100+ gallons daily), reducing runoff into the city’s strained sewer system, which has faced federal mandates for upgrades due to past overflows.

The ordinance revision process has drawn criticism for insufficient public engagement. Council member Michael Julian Bond abstained from the June 10 vote, citing that the new draft was introduced with little time for review, stating, “To my knowledge, I don’t think anyone has seen it prior to this very moment.”

This lack of transparency frustrated both council members and tree advocates, who urged for more public input and a delay in the vote.

5. Biodiversity and Habitat

 Trees support local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals, maintaining Atlanta’s ecological balance.

Ordinances protect habitats from being destroyed during urban expansion.

The ordinance includes carve-outs, such as up to 100% fee waivers for affordable housing projects, but critics like developer Rod Mullice contend that small-scale developers lack the resources to comply with increased costs, potentially reducing housing supply in tree-heavy suburban areas.

Conversely, tree advocates dismiss this as a “red herring,” emphasizing that the ordinance’s fee adjustments are corrected for inflation and real-world tree replacement costs, which the current $5,000-per-acre cap fails to cover (only 10% of actual planting costs).

Final Word

Trees enhance Atlanta’s aesthetic appeal, boosting property values by up to 15% in tree-lined neighborhoods.

Ordinances ensure this economic benefit is preserved citywide.

The modern restaurant building at the corner of Juniper and Fifth Street in the heart of Midtown Atlanta has had many iterations. It’s never had this, though. SM44, a rebranded Steak Market, ushers in a new chapter under new ownership, spearheaded by former Georgia Tech star, two-time Olympian and ex-Miami Heat player Alade Aminu.

Paying homage to Steak Market’s legacy, the new Atlanta restaurant infuses what was great about it as well as Bar 44 and stirs both into its own vibe.

The main floor offers a refined dining experience, while our downstairs speakeasy provides a laid-back atmosphere with hookah and cigars.

Helming the kitchen is none other than celebrity chef Willie Wallace, who has cooked for such luminaries as Kanye West, Travis Scott, Kris Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Rick Ross, Janelle Monáe, DJ Drama and more.

Photo credit: Chef Willie Wallace/Instagram

When Is SM44 Opening?

SM44 is set to open on Juneteenth, Thursday, June 19, 2025. When you’re done with Atlanta’s Juneteenth events head to SM44 to enjoy a meal.

Where Is SM44 Located?

SM44 s located at 793 Juniper St NE Atlanta, GA 30308. Here’s a map to help you find it.

Final Word

SM44 is one of many of the city’s black-owned restaurants. 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.

Aside from dining at the best new Atlanta restaurants, 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.

Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

Ultimate Guide: Where To Eat In Atlanta

Midtown’s pedestrian-friendly streets, centered around Peachtree Street and 10th Street, make it easy to hop between eateries, bars, and cafes. It’s a social hub where locals and visitors mingle, enhanced by proximity to cultural spots like the Fox Theatre and High Museum of Art.

Georgia’s most famous body of water has claimed another life. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources recovered the body of a missing swimmer from Lake Lanier around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Ramon Diaz-Soria, 27, went missing late Saturday near Vanns Tavern Park in Forsyth County, according to a DNR spokesperson.

Man Wore Life Jacket, But Still Drowned

Witnesses reported that Diaz-Soria jumped off a boat wearing an unsecured life jacket and did not resurface.

The search was paused overnight and resumed Sunday morning, with SONAR equipment used to scan deeper lake areas.

Forsyth and Hall County fire departments aided in the search effort.

#Tragic: 27-year-old Ramon Diaz-Soria was found deceased in Lake Lanier after a search that began late Saturday. He had gone missing while swimming near Vanns Tavern Park in Forsyth County. Authorities recovered his body around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. He was reportedly wearing a… pic.twitter.com/ovih13hCsf

— ATLHAPS (@atlhaps) June 16, 2025

The death comes four months after another swimmer, Murtuza Mansoorali Sayani, 56, was found floating in Lake Lanier on February 27, 2025. The Forsyth County Coroner ruled his death intentional with no foul play.

Why Are There So Many Deaths on Lake Lanier?

Lake Lanier, a man-made reservoir in Georgia, has a high number of deaths—over 700 since its creation in 1956, with more than 200 between 1994 and 2023—due to a combination of environmental, human, and structural factors. Here are the primary reasons:

1. Underwater Hazards: The lake was built over the town of Oscarville, and many structures, including homes, businesses, and cemeteries, were not fully removed before flooding. These submerged remnants, such as trees, rooftops, and foundations, can entangle swimmers or divers, leading to drownings.
2. High Visitor Volume: Lake Lanier attracts over 11 million visitors annually, making it Georgia’s most popular lake. The sheer number of people engaging in swimming, boating, and other water activities increases the likelihood of accidents. For comparison, Lake Allatoona, with similar visitor numbers, has significantly fewer deaths, suggesting unique risks at Lanier.
3. Boating Incidents and Negligence: Between 1994 and 2022, 70 of the 216 deaths were boating-related, often due to collisions, mechanical failures, or boating under the influence (BUI). In 2023, Lake Lanier had the highest number of boating incidents and BUIs in Georgia. Incidents like the 2024 drowning of Matthew Mayo, who fell from a bass boat due to an unbolted seat, highlight equipment-related risks.
4. Drowning Risks: Drownings account for a significant portion of deaths (140 between 1994 and 2022). The lake’s currents, murky waters, and depths up to 160 feet can disorient swimmers. Many victims, such as Tracey Stewart and Edgar Steven Cruz Martinez in 2023, went under and did not resurface. Not wearing life jackets is a recurring factor, as officials note no deaths have occurred while wearing one.
5. Electrocution and Other Hazards: Some deaths involve unusual circumstances, like the 2023 electrocution of Thomas Milner after jumping off a dock, possibly due to faulty electrical systems. Contamination risks, such as brain-eating amoebas, have also been reported.
6. Historical and Cultural Context: The lake’s dark history, including the displacement of Oscarville’s Black community after racial violence in 1912, fuels local beliefs that it is “haunted” or “cursed.” While not a direct cause, these perceptions may contribute to risky behavior or inadequate safety measures. Divers have reported eerie underwater findings, like human remains, which add to the lake’s mystique.
7. Environmental Factors: The lake’s currents, driven by the Chattahoochee and Chestatee rivers, can be unpredictable, pulling swimmers away from shore. Murky water complicates rescue efforts, and sudden weather changes can create turbulent conditions.

Despite its dangers, Lake Lanier remains a popular destination. Safety measures like wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol while boating or swimming, and increased oversight of electrical systems could reduce fatalities. Calls to drain and clean the lake, as advocated by Tameka Foster after her son’s 2012 death, aim to address underwater hazards but face logistical challenges.

Don’t look now, but Atlanta’s luxury real estate market is showing signs of cooling (e.g., 65% drop in investor purchases, increased listings, longer days on market), but its median luxury value is lower than top-tier markets like San Diego or Boston.

The typical luxury home — defined as the top 5% most valuable homes in each region — is now worth about $1.8 million nationwide, and more than double that in six major metros: San Jose, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, San Diego and New York.

These homes typically encompass nearly 3,500 square feet of living space and are often situated on more than two-thirds of an acre. Despite the recent slowdown in total market activity, luxury home values have increased 2.7% over the past year, outpacing the 1.4% growth seen in the broader market.

Why Has Atlanta’s Luxury Real Estate Market Slowed?

Atlanta’s luxury real estate market has experienced a slowdown in 2025 due to several interconnected factors, based on available data and trends:

1. Rising Mortgage Rates and Affordability Challenges: High mortgage rates, hovering around 6-7% in 2025, have reduced buyer purchasing power, even for affluent buyers. This has made financing luxury homes more expensive, causing some buyers to pause or reconsider purchases. The “lock-in effect” also plays a role, where homeowners with low-rate mortgages from prior years are reluctant to sell, limiting inventory and slowing market activity.
2. ​Increased Inventory and Reduced Investor Demand: Luxury home inventory in Atlanta has risen significantly, with a nearly 50% year-over-year increase in some months. This shift has given buyers more options, reducing competitive bidding and putting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, investor purchases have dropped sharply, with a 65% decline in Atlanta compared to pandemic peaks, due to high interest rates, declining rents, and rising insurance costs.
3. Economic Uncertainty and Shifting Buyer Priorities: Broader economic concerns, including potential tariffs, inflation, and a volatile financial market, have led to caution among high-end buyers. Some are adopting a “wait-and-see” approach, particularly after significant economic shifts post-2024 election. Buyer demographics have also shifted, with more downsizers and empty nesters entering the market, reducing demand for large luxury properties.

Top 10 U.S. Cities with Highest Median Luxury Home Values

Rank	City	Median Luxury Home Value (2024/2025)	% Gain vs. Last Year (2024)	Notes
1	San Francisco, CA	$3,800,000	-10.9%	Median home price fell 10.9% YoY in Dec 2024; luxury market (top 5%) dropped 12.7% in Q2 2023, with continued softening expected in 2025 due to high inventory.
2	San Jose, CA	$3,200,000	-5.8% (est.)	Luxury market saw a 5.8% drop in 2022; high-cost market with cooling trends likely persisting into 2025 due to tech sector slowdowns.
3	Los Angeles, CA	$2,900,000	-4.5% (est.)	General market cooled in 2024; luxury segment likely saw milder declines due to high demand, but increased inventory suggests continued softening in 2025.
4	Miami, FL	$2,500,000	-12.4% (est.)	Median list price dropped 12.4% YoY in 2024; luxury market cooling post-pandemic boom, with high inventory likely leading to further declines in 2025.
5	New York, NY (Manhattan)	$2,400,000	-4.0% (est.)	Manhattan condo prices fell 4% YoY in 2023; luxury market softening due to high inventory, projected to continue in 2025.
6	Seattle, WA	$2,100,000	-3.5% (est.)	General market saw flat or slight declines in 2024; luxury segment likely followed with modest drops due to increased inventory and tech volatility.
7	Washington, DC	$1,800,000	-10.2% (est.)	Projected 10.2% general price drop in 2024; luxury market likely sees similar declines due to high costs and inventory growth.
8	Austin, TX	$1,600,000	-8.0% (est.)	Luxury listings up 53.2% in 2023, with a projected 12.2% general price drop in 2024; luxury market cooling likely extends to 2025.
9	Atlanta, GA	$1,400,000	-2.3% (est.)	Typical home value fell 2.3% YoY per Zillow; luxury listings up 11% in 2023 with 18.35% fewer sales, suggesting modest luxury price declines in 2025.
10	Nashville, TN	$1,300,000	-10.0% (est.)	Luxury home prices dropped ~10% in 2023; increased inventory and slower demand suggest continued declines in 2025.

“Despite a slower market, home prices have continued to climb — a promising sign for sellers considering listing their properties. Luxury home values, in particular, have remained resilient, even as both buyers and sellers took a more cautious approach after the April stock market volatility,” said Zillow Senior Economist Orphe Divounguy. “The luxury market is often international, so global economic conditions and stability also play a significant role. As economic conditions begin to stabilize, the luxury housing market could regain some momentum.”

Affordability challenges — including high mortgage rates, elevated home prices and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty — have made many people hesitant to enter the market. While luxury buyers often have substantial equity and cash reserves, they still are proceeding with caution. However, the limited supply of high-end homes and their desirable features continue to keep home values ticking higher, even in a more subdued market.

Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.

Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.

Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.

See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.

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 Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, is planning a new facility in Austell in late 2025.

The pickleball complex will be locatedat 3999 Austell Road, Suite 501, Austell, Georgia, 30106.

The state-of-the-art facility will span approximately 25,000 square feet and feature 10 professional-grade indoor courts.

The Austell facility will offer:

• State-of-the-Art Indoor Courts: Engineered to provide the best playing conditions, these courts combine outdoor court surfaces with indoor benefits for year-round play.
• Professional Coaching and Clinics: Programs designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
• Youth Programs: Inspiring the next generation to embrace and enjoy the sport.
• Leagues and Tournaments: Organized for players seeking casual and competitive play opportunities.
• Community & Corporate Events: Building local connections through engaging pickleball events.

“We are delighted to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Austell and contribute to the development of a thriving pickleball community in this area,” said Nithi and Usha Anand, franchisees of Pickleball Kingdom. “Our vision is to create a welcoming space where individuals can engage in this exciting sport, improve their fitness, and connect with others who share a passion for pickleball.”

“Nithi and Usha Anand share our vision for growing pickleball and fostering strong, connected communities,” said Rob Streett, President and Chief Global Officer of Pickleball Kingdom. “Their passion for providing top-quality experiences and expanding access to the sport makes them the perfect partners to lead Pickleball Kingdom’s development across Georgia.”

Where Can I Play Pickleball in Atlanta?

Public Pickleball Courts in Atlanta
These courts are generally free or low-cost and often managed by the City of Atlanta or local parks.

Courts may be dedicated (permanent lines and nets) or shared with tennis courts (temporary lines or nets). Reservations may be available for a small fee ($3–$5/hour) through iParcs for some locations.

1. East Lake Park
– Address: 2617 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play, first-come, first-served unless reserved.
– Amenities: Public park setting.

2. Grant Park
– Address: 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30308
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines, close to downtown. Free to play, first-come, first-served unless reserved. Popular spot, can get busy.
– Amenities: Public park with playgrounds and other facilities.

3. Isabell Gates Webster Park
– Address: 275 Peyton Rd. SW / Peyton Place, Atlanta, GA 30311
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play.
– Amenities: Public park.

4. Lenox-Wildwood Park
– Address: 1760 Lenox Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play.
– Amenities: Public park.

5. Maddox Park
– Address: 1115 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play.
– Amenities: Public park.

6. Peachtree Hills Park
– Address: 308 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
– Details: Tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. Free to play. Active pickleball community.

Want to find courts in the city? Read our Atlanta Pickleball Guide.

Atlanta is a city of firsts, and this one involving transportation is a big one. Georgia’s largest city has been selected as the first city where the new Lime E-Bike will launch.

“During our initial pilots last year, it was clear that the LimeBike earned the love of our riders, with people returning to them frequently for local travel,” said Joe Kraus, President at Lime. “We’re so excited to take our next step with these vehicles and bring them to more cities this spring. The LimeBike makes strides in offering a convenient and inclusive experience to a wider number of riders, while sacrificing nothing in the joy all Lime vehicles inspire.”

What is LimeBike?

LimeBike is a new e-bike model introduced by Lime, a global leader in shared electric micromobility.

Designed to enhance accessibility and comfort, the LimeBike features a step-through frame for easier mounting and dismounting, wider tires for a smoother ride, and a throttle option for riders who prefer not to pedal constantly.

It targets a broader range of users, including women, older adults, and commuters, aiming to make micromobility more inclusive.

The bike supports longer trips, promotes car-free mobility, and incorporates modular design for easier repairs and sustainability, using swappable batteries shared with other Lime vehicles like the Gen4 fleet.

What Cities Is LimeBike Launching In?

Lime plans to launch more than 10,000 LimeBikes and LimeGliders across nearly a dozen cities in Europe and North America in 2025. Specific cities confirmed for the LimeBike rollout include:

• North America:
  • Atlanta, Georgia: Selected as the first U.S. city to officially launch LimeBike, with a citywide rollout following a pilot program in 2024. This is supported by Atlanta’s strong micromobility culture and a 62% year-over-year ridership increase.
  • Baltimore, Maryland: One of the first cities worldwide to launch LimeBike, with a fleet of 200 e-bikes deployed in the coming weeks after the announcement on May 30, 2025. Baltimore’s investment in bike lanes and safer streets contributed to this choice.
  • Nashville, Tennessee: Among the world’s first cities to launch LimeBike, with up to 200 e-bikes rolling out over the next few weeks following the June 5, 2025 announcement, aligning with the city’s goals for accessible, equitable transportation.
  • Denver, Colorado: Set to debut the LimeGlider, with potential for LimeBike expansion as part of Lime’s broader 2025 rollout strategy.
  • Austin, Texas: Planned for LimeGlider debut, with LimeBike likely to follow in the wider North American rollout.
  • San Francisco, California: Scheduled for LimeGlider launch, with potential inclusion of LimeBike as part of Lime’s expansion in key U.S. markets.
• Europe:
  • Turin, Italy: LimeBike is set to roll out, capitalizing on the city’s established cycling culture and infrastructure.
  • Aarhus, Denmark: Targeted for LimeBike deployment, leveraging the region’s bike-friendly environment.
  • Nice, France: Included in the LimeBike rollout, expanding access in a city with a growing micromobility presence.
  • Nyon, Switzerland: Part of the European launch for LimeBike, enhancing sustainable transport options.
  • Zurich, Switzerland: Initially piloting LimeBike, with a wider rollout planned alongside the LimeGlider debut later in 2025.
  • Seattle, Washington: While primarily noted for the LimeGlider launch in mid-August 2025, LimeBike is also expected to see wider availability in cities like Seattle as part of the broader strategy.

Final Word

The LimeBike follows successful pilot programs in 2024, with official launches beginning in spring 2025. Lime’s investment in 2025 includes fleet growth, new technology, and operational improvements to enhance safety, cleanliness, and rider experience.

The exact timeline for each city may vary, with deployments happening over the coming months, starting with initial fleets like the 200 e-bikes in Baltimore and Nashville. Additional cities may be announced as Lime finalizes its expansion plans.

Final Word

E-bikes aside, the city has plenty of nice places to stay and numerous cool things to do.

Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.

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The Hooters location on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta closed permanently after 22 years of operation, following the chain’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March.

The closure — which included three other Georgia locations— was part of a broader restructuring effort by Hooters of America, which included shutting down more than 30 underperforming company-owned restaurants across the United States.

Hooters Closes 4 Georgia Locations

The company cited “pressure from current market conditions,” including rising food and labor costs, inflation, and waning consumer spending, as reasons for the closures.

Hooters is transitioning to a fully franchised business model, selling all 100 of its company-owned locations to franchisee groups, with the goal of stabilizing operations and focusing on long-term growth.

The downtown Atlanta location, a staple since March 2002, was a popular spot for locals, tourists, and sports fans but was among those deemed underperforming.

Below is a table of Hooters locations confirmed to have closed recently, based on available information from June 2024 to June 2025.

No specific plans for future closures beyond those already announced were detailed in the sources, as Hooters has not publicly disclosed a schedule for additional shutdowns.

State	City/Location	Address	Closure Date
Alabama	Huntsville	4729 NW University	June 2024
Alabama	Birmingham	1278 Oak Grove Rd	June 2024
Arkansas	Fort Smith	Not specified	June 2025
Florida	Tallahassee	Not specified	June 2025
Florida	Jacksonville	463 Western Blvd	June 2024
Florida	Lakeland	3437 South Florida Ave	June 2024
Georgia	Atlanta (Downtown)	209 Peachtree Rd NE	June 4, 2025
Georgia	Douglasville	Not specified	June 4, 2025
Georgia	Duluth (Gwinnett)	Not specified	June 4, 2025
Georgia	Valdosta	Not specified	June 4, 2025
Georgia	Brunswick	10355 Canal Crossing	June 2024
Georgia	Hiram	5464 Wendy Bagwell Pkwy	June 2024
Georgia	Macon	112 Riverside Parkway	June 2024
**Georgia

Final Word

Rest in peace, Hooters. If you’re looking for restaurants in Atlanta with a similar vibe to Hooters—casual, sports-bar atmosphere with a focus on wings, burgers, and a lively environment—here are some Atlanta sports bars.

When the weather’s cool, Atlanta is still hot. Atlanta’s craft beer scene is thriving. Check out spots like Monday Night Brewing or SweetWater Brewing Company. Enjoy rooftop ice skating with views of the Atlanta skyline, complete with cozy fire pits and seasonal treats.

Hungry? You can also indulge in hot chicken at places like Mary Mac’s Tea Room or try seasonal menus at local restaurants.

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