Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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Battle & Brew, a gaming and bar concept, is set to open at The Battery Atlanta, the company says in a news release.
The establishment is set to open Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in a 11,014 square-foot space.
“Battle & Brew has distinguished itself as the go-to spot for those seeking the best esports and gaming experience in Atlanta,” said Vice President of Marketing, Lauren Abernethy. “From dining options to entertainment to offices, we are pleased to continue to offer our residents, area workers and visitors an eclectic mix of the best the city has to offer.”
“We are eager for the Atlanta community to see what’s in store at our new Battle & Brew location,” says Ben Izaguirre, Managing Partner. “When our doors open Friday, we look forward to welcoming guests of all ages to come together to play, dine and join us in creating memorable experiences at The Battery Atlanta.” Battle & Brew’s motto “Game. Geek. Grub.” perfectly captures the spirit of the new gaming hotspot and eatery. With more than 70 screens for immersive gaming experiences and private party spaces for exclusive gatherings, customers can anticipate a new level of gaming possibilities to explore. New features await as The Battery Atlanta location will bring enhancements designed to amplify the already renowned, electric atmosphere of Battle & Brew. Visitors can look forward to enjoying immersive gaming lounges with up to 25 friends, more than 40 gaming stations, over 55 TVs streaming the latest games, a dedicated PC battle arena, a premium VIP gamer lounge, expanded culinary options and high-speed fiber internet for top-tier low latency gaming. Battle & Brew is one of many cool places to grab a drink around Atlanta. Check out these local breweries.
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: 20+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Atlanta, Georgia makes the cut once again among the most prestigious culinary and food prep experts in America for semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards.
Whittled from an exhaustive list, the local semifinalists have a chance to take home the top prize and cement Atlanta’s place on the map as a bona fide cultural mecca with top-notch restaurants with diverse cuisine.
When Will The James Beard Awards Be Announced?
The winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. After that, the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“We are thrilled for the return of the James Beard Awards—recognizing the outstandingly talented leaders making their mark on American food,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.
“As we’ve heard time and again from honorees, receiving this recognition has the potential to be truly
transformative—and so, the Awards remain a vital platform for supporting and elevating the independent
restaurant industry as a whole. Congratulations to our 2024 semifinalists and best of luck this Awards
cycle!”And The Atlanta James Beard Award Finalists Are…
Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton
A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a
positive example for other food professionals while contributing positively to their broader community.- Atsushi Hayakawa, Hayakawa, Atlanta, GA
Outstanding Hospitality
A restaurant, bar, or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality to its broader community.
- Cooks & Soldiers, Atlanta, GA
Best Chef: Southeast
- Pete Amadhanirundr, Puma Yu’s, Athens, GA
- Arnaldo Castillo, Tio Lucho’s, Atlanta, GA
- Erika Council, Bomb Biscuits, Atlanta, GA
- Rod Lassiter and Parnass Savang, Talat Market, Atlanta, GA
- Duane Nutter, Southern National, Atlanta, GA
Here Is The Complete 2024 List Of James Beard Award Finalists
From the Best Chefs to the top bar programs, the James Beard Awards exemplify the utmost of America’s food culture, which Atlanta plays a big part in.
See the 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalists.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other romantic restaurants in Atlanta, these are hard to beat. But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
Georgia is on your mind, but has it ever been on your plate? I’m talking about locally sourced ingredients that taste as authentic as the Georgia clay.
Our Best New Restaurants of Atlanta E-Book covers all the hot spots that have opened over the past year that you should check out.
Want to eat out on the town? Indulge in your personal food preferences by going on a personal food tour without having to compromise with others, whether it’s choosing your favorite cuisine or treating yourself to a special meal.
Dining out in the city can also provide a chance to people-watch and get a nice vibe of the city in all its wonder.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of a fast-moving and thorough search for a new head coach, but they may also need a quarterback.
Enter former signal caller Cam Newton, who resides in Atlanta and started at nearby West Lake High School before winning a national college championship at Auburn University and starting got the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots.
Cam Newton: Falcons Quarterback?
Newton, speaking on a podcast with former star NFL receiver Brandon Marshall, said that there is only one place he’d consider coming back to the NFL for: the Falcons.
”Me having a family now — it’s always been about family — and I don’t see myself leaving Atlanta,” he said. “If it’s not Atlanta, I don’t want to do it.”
Marshall then brings up the possibility of a Newton and Bill Bilichick reunion, which could potentially happen because the Falcons reportedly have brought the Patriots and shoo-in future Hall of Fame coach in for two interviews.
Newton is likely a future Hall of Famer as well, having set the the all-time NFL record for rushing attempts (1,118) and rushing touchdowns (75) for a quarterback.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank is reportedly high on Bilichick as it would bring instant coaching credibility — which the Falcons have perennially lacked — along with a proven winner’s pedigree to the team.
On the other side of the coin, Falcons executives want a younger face to lead the franchise.
Final Word
Can Newton work in Atlanta? And what happens to third-year player Desmond Ridder? These and more questions will have to get answered by August 2024, when the NFL preseason starts anew.
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.
Read More on Atlantafi.com’s Sports Page:
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Say it ain’t so. Legendary Atlanta DJ and radio personality Frank Ski is signing off from local radio station KISS 104 for good.
“I say all the time in my Inspirational Vitamin that “When it’s time to move you gotta move, not just wait, but when God says move, you gotta move immediately,” Ski said in a recent Instagram post announcing that he’s leaving Cox Media Group’s WALR Kiss 104.1 Atlanta’s Best R&B. Ski hosted the morning show for the past three years.
“Though it’s going to be difficult parting ways with all my friends at CMG, I’m equally excited about expanding my syndication to even greater heights and super-serving all our affiliates,” Ski said. “Radio continues to motivate me every day as I feel a responsibility to help educate and entertain our communities while also giving back and making a difference.”
The legendary syndicated radio personality, businessman, philanthropist, and host of The Frank Show airs in syndication through Compass Media Networks and Oceanic Tradewinds.
Affiliates including his highly rated afternoon show on WHUR 96.3FM (Washington DC) co-hosted with Nina Brown. Compass and Oceanic are in talks to expand the syndication to nearly two dozen additional affiliates throughout the nation this year.
Additionally in the works for 2024 for Frank Ski is the release of his book, “Inspirational Vitamin,” based on his legendary daily radio benchmark as well as two full-length musical albums: Climate Change & The 25th Anniversary of Frank Ski. Fondly known as the “Rainmaker of Urban Radio,” the first single from Climate Change, “Lovely Day,” releases on Earth Day, April 22, 2024.
Frank Ski is also an award-winning songwriter whose songs have been sampled creating mega-hits for other artists. His 1992 club banga, “Whores In This House,” was sampled to create Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s mega-hit, “WAP.” The same song was also sampled in Lil Wayne song, “In This House,” which appeared on the deluxe version of Tha Carter V released in 2018. Frank Ski’s catalog also includes the Spring Break anthem, “Doo Doo Brown.”
He closed the post with an inspirational message, “I could not get on the air every day and do the ‘Inspirational Vitamin’ and tell you to move into your purpose, to tell you that God wants you to walk it out. HE wants you to move into your destiny. I could not continue to preach that to you in the morning without doing it myself, so it’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to WALR, but God’s got big things working and I’m super excited!”
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.
Final Word
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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If you’ve ever smelled or tasted the mouth-watering fried chicken at any number of metro Atlanta gas station, you know about Krispy Krunchy Chicken.
The Alexandria, Louisiana-based company is opening an office this week in Atlanta, one of its key markets.
Top celebrate the occasion, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is hosting a grand opening on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. The event is invitation-only.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken Opens Office Downtown
“As our business continues to experience rapid growth in the new year, the establishment of an additional corporate office is a strategic move to enhance our support for operators and customers,” Jim Norberg, President of Krispy Krunchy Chicken, says in a written statement. “Atlanta provides an ideal hub for our teams. Its central location and dynamic environment grant us access to diverse resources while empowering us to further expand and advance our enterprise.”
Where Is the Krispy Krunchy Chicken Office In Atlanta?
The Krispy Krunchy Office is located at 1000 Marietta Street NW #244 Atlanta, GA 30318. Here is a map to help you find it.
The brand is expected to reach its 3,000th location early this year, which speaks to its popularity. In anticipation of the growth, the eatery has honed its operations in several key ways.
“Our growth this past year focused on three key components to success: optimizing our menu and procedures for ease of operation, building brand awareness, and, of course, continuing to serve delicious fried chicken and sides,” Norberg says in a press release. “From investing in insights work, to enhancing our training and operations support, to bringing in top talent to lead our marketing efforts, to rolling out a new menu and overhauling our brand look – the future is bright for our great brand.”
Final Thoughts
The best fried chicken in Atlanta is a composite of where you’ll find the juiciest and most flavorful wings, thighs, leg quarters and more all fried to perfection.
Fried chicken is just one of many facets to Atlanta’s dining scene. Aside from fried chicken, “hot chicken” is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Read more: 20+ 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.
More AtlantaFi.com Restaurant Articles:
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Delta Air Line’s baggage policy is something that you’ll want to know about if you’ve purchase a ticket with the Atlanta-based carrier.
Like many major airlines, Delta’s baggage policy involves fees for checked luggage.
Delta Domestic Baggage Policy: What To Know
This article will show you go over all the respective sizes and dimensions of the three types of baggage you’ll take on your Delta flight:
- Personal item
- Carry-on bag
- Checked bag
How Much Does It Cost To Check A Bag On Delta?
It costs $30 to check a bag on Delta. The airline went up in late 2020 in response to JetBlue increasing their checked bags fee. Here’s a chart to see the prices:
Baggage Cost One bag $30 Two bags $40 What Is The Size Limit For Checked Bags?
Most airlines follow the same standards relating to baggage sizes. The maximum weight is typically 50 pounds for a checked bag.Let’s get into more detail concerning the Delta Air Lines baggage policy:
What Is The Size Limit For Checked Luggage On Delta?
The maximum size limit for checked bags on Delta is 62 inches (157 centimeters). That’s 62 linear (total) inches or 27″ x 21″ x 14″.
The maximum weight is 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
Can You Check More Than 2 Bags On Delta?
Why of course, you can. Delta says you can check up to 10 bags as a single passenger. Here’s the breakdown from Delta’s website:
- Up to 4 bags can be checked on Delta connection
- Bags may be curtailed if it hinders other passengers’ right to 2 bags
Last Word
If you’ve got a fight planned on Delta, you if you’ve made it this far you can be confident that you have the latest information related to baggage fees and the airline’s policy.
If you haven’t booked your flight yet, please take a look at these cheap flights from Atlanta and see if you can save some money.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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- Strategies That Work: How To Save On Travel
Up Next: Atlanta Travel Guide
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Embattled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis broke her silence about the pressure she’s been under since indicting former President Trump and other co-defendants. Although she never mentioned his name nor the other attacks she’s endured, there was no doubt what her sermon was about.
Speaking before a friendly crowd of congregants at Big Bethel AME Church on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Willis referenced the heavy burden she feels as a black woman up against considerable opposition. She chose to speak not among politicians, but from the pulpit.
““You cannot expect black women to be perfect. We need to be allowed to stumble. We need grace. We are all sinners,” she said.
“We need your prayers, We need to be allowed to stumble. We need grace. With that type of support, we will move mountains and do Jesus’s will — stumbling all of the way!”
She eluded to the fact that she, like all of us, has a God-given assignment. “See, we are all flawed, sinners, unworthy, imperfect, damaged, but we are qualified for His call.”
Willis has been attacked anew for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with one of her main attorneys on the Trump case.
Watch the video in full here:
This is not the first time Willis has spoken out amid the probe. Willis, speaking at a private fundraiser in Atlanta in honor of her 52nd birthday, she opened up on the many verbal attacks and racist threats she said she’s endured over the past couple of months.
Final Word
“If you commit yourself, God will turn your hard-headed self into the extraordinary for his Kingdom,” she said.
With 2024 being a presidential election year, it remains to be seen how the year will shape up for Willis, but not just her, America.
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One of the hottest musicals in this day and age is Hamilton, an entertaining historical take on the rise of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. The play traces the ruthless politician as he pursues honor, love, and a legacy that will influence the America in its infancy.
When Is Hamilton Coming To Atlanta?
Hamilton is coming to Atlanta on on Wed, Jan 31, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. The show will be at the Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta.
You can buy tickets to Hamilton from the Fox Theatre. Tickets anywhere from $179 to $1,079 depending on available seating.
Hamilton presents a fresh and innovative take on the traditional Broadway musical by blending hip-hop, R&B, and other contemporary musical styles with a historical narrative about the life of Alexander Hamilton.
What Is Hamilton About?
Hamilton tells the story of one of America’s founding fathers in a way that feels relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences, making history come alive on stage.
The play has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Tony Awards, further boosting its popularity and reputation.
The play addresses themes such as immigration, diversity, and the American Dream, which resonate strongly with modern audiences.
Hamilton features a diverse cast, including actors of color portraying historical figures traditionally depicted as white. This casting choice has been celebrated for its inclusivity and representation.
Who Created Hamilton The Musical?
Hamilton was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He wrote the music, lyrics, and book for the musical, drawing inspiration from Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. Miranda also starred in the original Broadway production in the lead role of Alexander Hamilton.
Miranda has been praised for its creativity, catchy tunes, and clever wordplay. The combination of memorable music and engaging storytelling has contributed to its broad appeal.
Final Word
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.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
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In a move that many sports fans actively hoped for, the Atlanta Falcons fired Head Coach Arthur Smith after another 10-loss season in three years.
The firing came hours after the Falcons were blown out 48-17 by the New Orleans Saints. Both teams missed the playoffs this year.
Falcons Fire Arthur Smith
In a statement, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said although Smith was good for the locker room, none of it translated to the field.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” said Blank. “We have profound respect for Coach Smith and appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the last three years. He has been part of building a good culture in our football team, but the results on the field have not met our expectations. After significant thought and reflection, we have determined the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head coaching position.”
Smith became the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in January 2021, succeeding Dan Quinn. Prior to joining the Falcons, Smith had served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, where he gained recognition for his work with their offense. If there have been any developments regarding Arthur Smith’s status as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons since then, I would recommend checking the latest sources for the most up-to-date information.
Final Word
If you watch the Falcons, you saw that they were a team that could never get over the hump. We’ll see if quarterback Desmond Ridder can improve with another coach.
If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
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Buying a house in 2024 is a bit more challenging than in recent years, but according to real estate experts, the market is set to improve.
In this article, we’ll go over how to buy a house in Atlanta.
How Much Do You Need To Make To Buy A House In Atlanta?
According to recent data, the median home price in Atlanta is around $350,000. However, home prices can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and type of property you’re interested. If you’re a novice homeowner (or not), it’s best to do your homework on the front end.
Read our guide on how much home to afford.
Atlanta’s real estate market features the best of the Southeast, which means you’ll likely get plenty of land, but the prices continue to encroach upon what you’d find in the Northeast.
Thinking about buying a home this year? Here are a few factors you might want to consider:
Get Your Money Right
There’s nothing like falling in love with a home you know you can’t afford. Places like Buckhead, Dunwoody, Fayetteville and Locus Grove have big homes but so are the mortgages.
Before you start looking for a house, it’s important to understand your financial situation. This includes knowing your credit score, saving for a down payment, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
Read our guide on how to get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Understand the Atlanta Market
The Atlanta real estate market is a volatile one in that it can trend in different directions throughout the year. It’s your job to stay on top of the changes.
Real estate markets can vary widely depending on location and economic conditions. Research the housing market in the area where you want to buy to understand pricing trends, inventory levels, and competition.
Make a Wish List
It’s important to get what you want out of your home. Some people need privacy; others need entertainment space.
Make a list of what you’re looking for in a home, including must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on properties that meet your criteria.
Hire a Real Estate Agent
A good real estate agent can be invaluable in helping you find the right home, negotiate a fair price, and navigate the buying process.
The best real estate companies take their time with you and provide excellent customer service all while making you feel heard and seen.
Get a Home Inspection
Once you’ve found a home you like, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional. This can uncover any potential issues with the property that could affect its value or your decision to buy.
A home inspection can provide peace of mind knowing that you’re making an informed decision about the condition of the property.
Overall, a home inspection is an important part of the home buying process that can help you make a more informed decision and avoid potential issues down the road.
Make an Offer
When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, your real estate agent can help you determine a fair price based on comparable sales in the area and other factors. They can also guide you through the negotiation process.
Secure Financing
Once your offer has been accepted, you’ll need to finalize your mortgage. This involves providing documentation to your lender, getting an appraisal, and completing the underwriting process.
Close on the House
The final step in buying a house is the closing process, where all the necessary paperwork is signed, and the ownership of the property is transferred to you. This usually involves paying closing costs and fees, so be prepared for these expenses.
Final Thought
Buying a home is a wonderful experience when you think about the dream of homeownership and its many benefits.
The process of buying a house can vary depending on your individual circumstances, so it’s important to do your research and work with professionals who can help guide you through the process.
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.