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As the leaves turn and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, Atlanta shoppers are getting a holiday gift a little early: Sam’s Club is rolling out extended weekend hours starting today, giving busy families and last-minute gift hunters more time to stock up on bulk buys without the weekday rush.
The membership warehouse giant, a staple for Atlanta’s value-driven consumers, announced the change nationwide, but it’s hitting home sweet home in the Peach State with perfect timing.
Sam’s Club Extends Hours Into Holiday Season
Beginning Sunday, October 12, all Sam’s Club locations – including the bustling clubs in Atlanta, Marietta, Lithonia, and beyond – will swing open their doors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every single day. That’s a full two-hour extension on Sundays, where stores previously shuttered at 6 p.m., and a boost for Saturday shoppers too, who can now linger until closing without watching the clock.
“Your club has extended hours! Open ’til 8pm for all members,” reads the updated listing for the flagship Atlanta location at 2901 Clairmont Road NE.
Similar notices are popping up across metro Atlanta sites, from the Athens club on Atlanta Highway to the Buford outpost, signaling a seamless rollout for Georgia members. 10 15
Steven Zapata, Sam’s Club’s director of corporate communications, confirmed the permanent shift, noting it’s designed to “give members more flexibility – especially on weekends – as warehouse clubs compete to capture more of Americans’ grocery and bulk-buy budgets.” 0 4 Axios reports the move is part of a broader strategy to woo shoppers ahead of the holiday rush, when carts overflow with turkeys, trimmings, and toys. 3
For Atlanta’s retail scene, this couldn’t come at a better moment. With Thanksgiving looming just six weeks away and Black Friday fever already brewing, the extended hours align perfectly with the city’s high-octane shopping calendar
Local mom and Sam’s Club devotee Maria Gonzalez, spotted loading up on paper goods at the Clairmont Road store Saturday morning, called it a “game-changer.”
“Weekends are chaos with kids’ soccer and tailgates – now I can hit Sam’s after brunch and still make it to the park,” she said, eyeing a pallet of holiday-themed baking supplies.
Sam’s isn’t stopping at Sundays. The retailer is also tweaking holiday operations to keep the momentum going. Warehouses that once closed at 6 p.m. on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve will now stay lit until 8 p.m., offering extra elbow room for festive feasts and fireworks prep.
Christmas Eve will wrap up at 6 p.m., while full closures remain in place for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Gas stations at Atlanta locations, a godsend for road-tripping Atlantans, will hum along from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Plus members – those shelling out for the upgraded tier – get early-bird access starting at 8 a.m. daily, a perk that’s already drawing crowds to the tire centers and optical departments for quick pre-holiday tune-ups.
“We’re seeing more families bundling errands here,” noted a store associate at the Marietta club, where lines for Scan & Go checkout snaked through the electronics aisle.
In a city where traffic rivals the Super Bowl halftime show, these tweaks could ease the strain on Atlanta’s retail arteries.
Competitors like Costco maintain their standard 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekends, but Sam’s bold Sunday stretch positions it as the go-to for night-owl negotiators hunting deals on everything from organic turkeys to LED-lit artificial trees. With Sam’s Club’s total revenue topping $57 billion last fiscal year, the chain is clearly betting big on volume – and Atlanta’s 1.5 million-plus warehouse club members are primed to deliver. 11
Whether you’re prepping for a Falcons watch party or crossing off that endless holiday list, Sam’s Club’s longer leash on the clock means more time for what matters: scoring savings and skipping the small-talk small print.
Head to samsclub.com/club-finder to confirm your local hours and snag a membership if you haven’t already – because in Atlanta, the best deals wait for no one.
Looking to shop? Check out the best malls in Atlanta
NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, take a look at all the top deals on our Clothes Page, there are PLENTY of good deals that you don’t want to miss! Subscribe to our #ATLHaps Newsletter HERE and get the deals delivered to your inbox 🙂
Along with the wonderful things to eat and do in Atlanta, there are also so awesome places to shop.
In addition to malls, many Atlanta boutiques and consignment shops have daily deals so that you can save money.
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
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AtlantaFi.com is your pulse on the city’s shopping scene, from boutique openings to big-box booms. Got a tip? Email us at tips@atlantaretailbeat.com.
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In a unanimous decision, Develop Fulton’s Board of Directors has greenlit a $149 million economic package for Hutch Development LLC, paving the way for a landmark mixed-use development poised to inject fresh investment and catalyze economic momentum along the Campbellton Road corridor in South Fulton.
Develop Fulton officials hail Sandtown Village—at 5746 Campbellton Road—as a pivotal advancement in enriching South Fulton’s residential, commercial, and leisure offerings.
Panel OKs South Fulton Development Plan for Sandtown Village
The initiative encompasses roughly 288 multifamily apartment units alongside up to 120,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.
It further dedicates over 10 acres to lush greenspace, complete with preserved wetlands, scenic boardwalks, and winding nature trails.
Beyond the incentive scope, the developer plans to add 74 single-family homes and 58 townhomes, injecting an extra $60 million in private capital.
Crafted to harmonize expansion with everyday quality of life, Sandtown Village promises substantial upgrades in infrastructure and sustainability, including:
- A $5.5 million commitment to greenspace and eco-friendly features;
- $1.3 million for addressing complex terrain and wetland restoration;
- And $7 million in road improvements, highlighted by a multi-lane roundabout endorsed by the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority to enhance safety and ease congestion.
“This is yet another dynamic venture in Fulton County, weaving together diverse housing options, economic momentum, and robust community alliances,” said Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall. “Sandtown Village signals a major infusion of resources that will revitalize this vital corridor, creating a vibrant hub where people live, work, and flourish amid innovative, community-centric design.”
Aligning seamlessly with Develop Fulton’s mission to promote intelligent, equitable progress across the county, the completed project is forecasted to generate 366 full-time positions, 191 part-time roles, and 1,800 construction opportunities—bolstering the local labor market and commercial ecosystem.
Financial forecasts underscore the project’s fiscal impact: The site presently yields about $18,199 in yearly ad valorem taxes. During the incentive term, it’s anticipated to surge to over $16.5 million in annual revenue, fortifying Fulton County’s budgetary resilience.
“Sandtown Village stands as a prime example of how strategic development can uplift an entire neighborhood and supercharge Fulton’s revenue streams,” said Develop Fulton Executive Director Sarah-Elizabeth Langford. “Backed by unanimous endorsement from the City of South Fulton, this endeavor fuses creative planning, stakeholder input, and critical infrastructure to reflect deep-rooted community and civic backing for its progressive blueprint.”
Final Word
From South Fulton to Cumming, Metro Atlanta’s development landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by large-scale mixed-use projects, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on revitalizing the city’s historic core. These changes reflect a broader effort to make Downtown more vibrant, walkable, and economically robust, particularly in preparation for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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As Atlanta’s real estate market heats up with a projected 3.2% rise in home prices and a 13.5% increase in sales volume this year, the industry is buzzing with opportunity. Mortgage rates are dipping to around 5.2%, drawing more buyers into the fold and signaling a more balanced market ahead.
But for those eyeing a career in real estate without the hustle of sales commissions or the need for a realtor license, the options are plentiful and diverse.
Beyond the Badge: These Real Estate Jobs Pay Well
From behind-the-scenes analytical roles to creative gigs that shape how properties shine, Atlanta’s booming sector offers paths that leverage market growth without the real estate agent’s spotlight.
With over 900 real estate-related jobs posted locally on platforms like Indeed, the demand spans far beyond traditional brokerage.
Whether you’re drawn to numbers, design, or operations, these roles tap into Atlanta’s expansion as a tech and logistics hub, where new developments in areas like Alpharetta and Midtown are creating waves of need.
Here are seven standout careers to consider:
1. Property Manager: Keeping the Portfolio Humming
Overseeing residential or commercial properties is a cornerstone of real estate operations, involving tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting.
In Atlanta’s rental market, where average rents are set to grow 1.9% by year’s end, property managers are in high demand to handle the influx of young professionals and families flocking to affordable suburbs.
No license required, though certifications like the Certified Property Manager (CPM) can boost prospects. Entry-level salaries hover around $50,000, with experienced pros earning up to $80,000 annually.
2. Real Estate Appraiser: The Value Detective
Appraisers assess property worth for sales, loans, or taxes using market data and inspections – a detail-oriented role perfect for analytical minds.
Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods, from historic Inman Park to burgeoning Westside developments, provide endless variety.
Licensing varies by state but often requires coursework rather than a full realtor exam. With the city’s steady appreciation, appraisers command $60,000–$100,000, making it a stable entry into the field.
3. Home Inspector: The Property’s First Line of Defense
Inspectors scrutinize homes for structural issues, safety hazards, and code compliance before closings, offering peace of mind to buyers in Atlanta’s fast-paced market.
As sales ramp up, so does the need for thorough checks on everything from Victorian renovations in Grant Park to new builds in East Point. Certification through organizations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors is key, and no sales license is needed.
Pay ranges from $55,000 for starters to $90,000 for veterans, often with flexible scheduling.
4. Real Estate Photographer: Capturing Curb Appeal
In a digital age, stunning visuals sell properties faster – and Atlanta’s vibrant listings need pros who can highlight Buckhead luxury or Ponce City Market lofts under the golden hour.
This creative role involves shooting high-res photos and virtual tours, requiring photography skills over any real estate credential. With remote work options, it’s ideal for freelancers.
Local gigs pay $40,000–$70,000, with top shooters pulling in more through volume.
5. Title Examiner: Unraveling Property Histories
Title examiners review public records to ensure clear ownership chains, flagging liens or disputes before transactions close. As Atlanta’s market matures with more flips and investments, this meticulous job prevents costly snags.
A background in legal research helps, but no license is mandatory. Salaries average $50,000–$75,000, with steady demand from title companies downtown.
6. Real Estate Staging Specialist: Transforming Spaces
Stagers furnish and decorate empty homes to appeal to buyers, boosting sale prices by up to 20% in competitive spots like Atlanta’s intown condos.
Blending interior design with market savvy, this artistic career thrives on trends like sustainable decor for eco-conscious millennials.
Certification from the Real Estate Staging Association adds credibility. Earnings vary from $45,000 salaried to $100,000+ for independents charging per project.
7. Development Coordinator: Building Atlanta’s Future
For big-picture thinkers, coordinating real estate development involves permitting, budgeting, and stakeholder management for new projects.
Atlanta’s growth as a film and tech epicenter fuels mega-developments like the BeltLine expansions. A degree in urban planning or business helps, but hands-on experience trumps licenses. Mid-level roles fetch $70,000–$120,000, with room to climb in a city reshaping its skyline.
These roles not only sidestep the variability of agent commissions but also offer work-life balance and direct ties to Atlanta’s economic pulse – from job growth in high-income sectors to a vacancy rate stabilizing around 27% in office spaces.
Final Word
As the market evolves, professionals in these positions will be pivotal in sustaining momentum.Ready to stake your claim?
Atlanta Job Hub lists hundreds of openings in these and more real estate-adjacent fields. Browse our site today, upload your resume, and connect with recruiters shaping the Peach State’s property landscape. Your next chapter in real estate awaits – no license required.
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The Home Depot – with its sprawling headquarters just north in Atlanta – is making it easier than ever for locals to break into those fields, launching free certifications through its Path to Pro Skills Program that could turn weekend DIYers into full-fledged pros.
The initiative, which kicked off earlier this year and has already trained thousands nationwide, offers no-cost online and in-person courses covering essentials like general construction, electrical work, HVAC systems, plumbing, painting, and more.
Home Depot Is Offering Free Certifications in the Trades
Participants wrap up with official completion certificates, arming them with the basics of jobsite safety, tool handling, material management, and even soft skills like team communication – all tailored for real-world home improvement gigs.
Available in English and Spanish, the program is designed for beginners eyeing a career pivot or seasoned hands looking to upskill, with flexible modules that fit around a 9-to-5.
For Atlantans, this hits close to home. Georgia’s construction sector is booming, with over 200,000 jobs statewide and Atlanta leading the charge amid projects like the $5 billion expansion at Hartsfield-Jackson and the ongoing BeltLine developments.
“We’re not just selling hammers; we’re building futures,” says a Home Depot spokesperson, highlighting how the program connects graduates to Pro Xtra members – local contractors hungry for talent. In metro Atlanta alone, dozens of stores from Buckhead to Decatur host in-person sessions, making it a hop, skip, and a MARTA ride away.
Take Marcus Johnson, a 28-year-old from East Point who’s already enrolled: “I was flipping burgers, dreaming of electrical work. Now, with this free cert, I’m wiring my first job site next month – all from Home Depot’s backyard.”
How To Enroll in the Path To Pro Program
Step 1: Head to the Official Site
Visit pathtopro.com and navigate to the “Free Training” section. Click the prominent “Start Training” button to kick things off. This lands you on the registration page where the magic begins.
Step 2: Check Your Status and Register
If you’ve already got an account, hit “Already Registered” to log in and resume any progress. New to the program? Fill out the basic required fields – like your name, email, and password – then hit “Register.” You’ll be whisked to a quick secondary page for a few more details to complete your profile.
Step 3: Answer Profile Questions
Seal the deal with a short set of demographic and background queries. Expect to share:
- How you heard about the program.
- Basic info like your age group, gender, ethnicity (e.g., Hispanic or Latino), racial background, education level, and military service status.
These help Home Depot tailor resources and track impact, but they’re straightforward and take under two minutes. Once submitted, congrats – you’re officially enrolled! No fees, no tests, and no prior experience required; it’s free and accessible to all aspiring trades folks, from high school grads to career changers.
What Happens Next: Jump into Training and Beyond
Right away, you’ll unlock “Skills Basics” – a foundational course on jobsite safety, tools, materials, and soft skills like communication. Progress through interactive modules at your own pace (they’re mobile-friendly and remember your spot if you log out).
Then, explore “Trades Essentials” tracks tailored to hot Atlanta jobs, such as HVAC or electrical work – complete one for a shiny certificate of completion.Finish up? Get an invite to the Path to Pro Network, Home Depot’s free job board connecting you to local Pro Xtra contractors hiring in real-time. Build your profile there to showcase certs and portfolios, and watch opportunities roll in – all from the comfort of your Atlanta-area home. Got questions? Email Path_to_Pro@homedepot.com for support.
Final Word
Whether you’re a high school grad eyeing trades over college debt or a parent seeking stable hours, Home Depot’s bet is on you. Want an orange apron yourself? Read our guide on how to get hired at Home Depot.
As Atlanta’s housing crunch deepens, this could be the spark that fills those hard-hat voids – one free lesson at a time.
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: Best Work From Home Jobs In Atlanta, Georgia
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As the world’s busiest airport and Delta Air Lines’ global headquarters, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport stands to benefit from the carrier’s cautiously optimistic outlook for the holiday travel rush, even as third-quarter profits dipped amid higher costs and softening demand.I
In its latest earnings release, Delta reported total operating revenue of $15.4 billion for the September quarter, a 2% increase from the prior year, driven by strong demand for premium cabins and loyalty program perks.
Delta Forecasts Strong Holiday Season
However, pre-tax income fell to $1.3 billion from $1.6 billion a year ago, with net income dropping to $1.0 billion and adjusted earnings per share at $1.50, down from $2.10.
The airline pointed to moderated travel demand and elevated expenses as key factors, partially offset by a 5% surge in premium revenue from Delta One and First Class seats – a segment that’s increasingly popular among business travelers routing through Atlanta.
Looking ahead, Delta forecasts flat to 2% revenue growth for the December quarter, with capacity at its Atlanta hub expected to rise 2-3% year-over-year, prioritizing international routes that connect the city to global markets.
The airline industry has had to deal with customers’ pulling back amid inflationary pressures in the early part of the year.
Top 5 U.S. Airlines: Trailing Twelve Months Net Income
The top five major U.S. airlines by revenue—Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines—have shown varied profitability over the trailing twelve months ending June 30, 2025. Here’s a look:
Airline TTM Net Income (USD) Delta Air Lines $4.49 billion United Airlines $3.31 billion American Airlines $567 million Southwest Airlines $392 million Alaska Airlines $313 million This expansion could mean more flights and jobs for the 30,000-plus Delta employees based in metro Atlanta, bolstering the local economy during peak season.
The company also highlighted its “Win on the Wings” initiative, investing in employee training and AI-powered personalization to enhance customer experiences – potentially reducing delays at ATL and improving on-time performance, which hit record highs this quarter.
What Is Delta’ws Win on the Wings Initiative?
At the heart of the carrier’s latest strategy is the “Win on the Wings” program – a multifaceted operational excellence push designed to streamline flights, slash costs, and empower the 30,000-plus Delta workers calling metro Atlanta home.Launched as part of Delta’s broader transformation playbook, “Win on the Wings” isn’t just corporate jargon; it’s a targeted effort to make every takeoff and landing more efficient, sustainable, and employee-friendly.
The initiative sets ambitious goals: a 20% reduction in aircraft turnaround times and a 10% drop in fuel costs, achieved through smarter routing algorithms and greater adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
For ATL – Delta’s bustling super-hub handling over 1,000 daily flights – this could translate to fewer delays for passengers rushing to catch connections to Europe or the Caribbean, and a greener footprint for the world’s busiest airport.
But the real wings under this program belong to Delta’s frontline teams. A key pillar involves cross-training for ground crew, equipping ramp agents, mechanics, and baggage handlers with versatile skills to handle peak-season chaos more nimbly.
This builds on Delta’s $1 billion, three-year pledge to upskill its entire 80,000-employee workforce in digital tools and customer service mastery, fostering leadership and retention in a high-turnover industry.
Final Word
For Atlanta’s traveling public and tourism sector, the news underscores a resilient aviation giant navigating economic headwinds while doubling down on premium perks and tech upgrades. Full-year capital spending remains on track at $3 billion, with free cash flow projected to top that figure, signaling long-term stability for the Peach State’s flagship carrier.
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Kinship Butcher & Sundry is expanding to Atlanta’s Grant Park, opening its second location in fall 2026 in the former Beacon space with direct Beltline access.
Four years after launching in Virginia-Highland, owners Myles Moody and Rachael Pack are set to bring their signature sandwich shop and whole-animal butchery to a new neighborhood.
The 4,000-square-foot space will feature an enhanced butcher shop, increased whole-animal production, a new seafood butchery program, an upgraded dry-aging process, and more seasonal produce and local grocery items.
Kinship Grant Park will also debut an all-day café, serving popular breakfast sandwiches alongside new fish and meat dishes, while staying committed to its zero-waste ethos.
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.
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Tech founder and CEO Shay Levister of Alpharetta has unveiled HerPocket Coach—the world’s pioneering AI-powered pocket companion tailored exclusively for trailblazing women conquering love amid their high-stakes lives.
The app delivers a bespoke AI guide that crafts an intimate, transformative roadmap toward love that resonates deeply with who they are.Forget the superficial swipe-fests of conventional dating apps.
Introducing Shay Levister’s HerPocket Coach
HerPocket Coach is a sanctuary for inner work, evolution, and soulful synergy. Drawing on Shay’s decades of relational mastery and AI ingenuity, it forges a one-of-a-kind itinerary brimming with curated meditation soundscapes, restorative practices, intelligent journaling prompts, playful dating challenges, and ethereal avatar mentors that whisper guidance every step of the way.
“Our top-tier female leaders command elite arsenals for boardrooms and breakthroughs, yet love often feels like uncharted territory without the right map,” shares Shay Levister, founder and CEO. “HerPocket Coach levels the playing field, infusing their romantic worlds with the same cutting-edge empowerment they thrive on professionally. It’s infinitely adaptable, empowering them to steer relationships and claim love that’s authentically theirs—fierce, fulfilling, and fiercely on their schedule.”
Crafted for the unstoppable force of high-powered women whose ambitions fuel their hearts, Levister has mentored legions of Fortune 500 C-suite powerhouses into profound partnerships. These dynamos demand tools as bold and adaptive as they are—companions that don’t just prime them for soulmate-caliber love but flourish and refine with them through every chapter.
Final Word
Merging state-of-the-art AI with Shay’s battle-tested love frameworks, HerPocket Coach empowers women to infuse their romantic pursuits with the deliberate precision of their careers, sparking profound emotional expansion, heightened self-insight, and bonds that truly ignite.
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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Now, you know Atlanta is all about wings. Fast-casual chicken restaurant Wingstop has joined forces with Atlanta hip-hop artist Latto for Latto’s Lemon Herb Remix, a limited-time zesty dry rub that’s now available at all Wingstop locations nationwide.
Crafted in tandem by Latto and Wingstop’s culinary experts, this innovative dry rub blends zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and savory garlic into a mouthwatering profile that’s both comforting and fresh— a game-changer for chicken wings and sandwiches alike.But the collab doesn’t stop at the rub.
Wingstop, Latto Team Up on Latto Deal
Wingstop and Latto are also rolling out The Latto Meal, a shareable feast designed to capture her ultimate Wingstop ritual. Nodding to her lucky 7-7-7 lottery vibes, it includes 21 classic wings (all flats, per Latto’s preference), two dips, and one large fry—perfect for group hangouts where the last wing sparks some friendly rivalry.”
“You can’t beat this flavor—don’t play with me!!! I crafted my very own Lemon Herb Remix flavor with Wingstop, and it’s 10/10,” Latto said. “I’ve been obsessed and eating Wingstop for years. To order The Latto Meal just how I do, go with all flats in my signature flavor and all the ranch. It’s so good that you’ll be fighting over the last wing, just like my sister Brook and I do.”
The hype builds with Wingstop’s latest commercial, where Latto crashes girls’ night armed with hand-sauced Lemon Herb Remix wings and seasoned fries, all set to the beat of her smash hit “Put It on Da Floor.”
Latto isn’t the first Atlanta, er ClayCo artist to partner with a national food brand.
Atlanta Hip-Hop Artists + Food Brand = Remix
Here’s a curated list of notable Atlanta-born or closely associated celebrities (primarily from the hip-hop scene) who have partnered with major brands on food-related items or products. These collaborations often involve limited-time menu items, sauces, or recipes, similar to Latto’s Wingstop partnership.
Celebrity Brand Collaboration Details Quavo (Migos) Zaxby’s Launched the Lemon Pepper Wings flavor in July 2025, paying homage to Southern tastes with a special promo code for free wings via the Zax Rewardz app. qsrmagazine.com Migos (Quavo, Offset, Takeoff) Popeyes Introduced limited-edition combo meals in 2019, each named after a member and featuring chicken sandwiches, tenders, fries, and sides like mashed potatoes. rap-up.com Offset (Migos) McDonald’s Co-created the Offset x Cardi B Meal in 2022 for Valentine’s Day, including a Quarter Pounder with Hi-C Orange, fries, and an apple pie, reflecting his personal order. rap-up.com 2 Chainz Krystal Served as Head of Creative Marketing starting in 2022, launching the “Side Chik” chicken sandwich campaign and developing co-branded menu items like custom chicken options. accessatlanta.com +1 Ludacris Knorr Partnered in 2024 to “remix” fast-food meals into home-cooked versions using Knorr Taste Combos (bouillon packets), featuring a music video and recipes for nutritious twists on classics like burgers and tacos. Final Word
Latto is bringing that ClayCo zestiness to Wingstop’s Lemon Herb wings. And Atlanta is all about wings.
For more information visit wingstop.com. In Atlanta, celebrities and food go together. No city has more celebrity-owned restaurants in the Southeast.
The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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The iconic red and white signs of Rite-Aid have dimmed for the final time in Atlanta, as the last remaining stores in the metro area shuttered their doors on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
The closure marks the end of Rite Aid’s retail operations nationwide after more than six decades in business, leaving a void in local neighborhoods that relied on the pharmacy chain for everyday essentials and prescription services.
Rite-Aid Closes Stores in Atlanta, Nationwide
Rite-Aid, once a cornerstone of American pharmacy retail with over 2,300 locations across 17 states, announced the complete wind-down of its operations following a second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in May 2025.
The company, which had already closed more than 520 stores since its initial bankruptcy in October 2023, confirmed on its website that “all Rite-Aid stores have now closed.”
This final step affects the handful of holdout locations in Georgia, including at least one in Atlanta at 1799 Briarcliff Road NE, which had been a fixture in the Druid Hills community.Local residents expressed mixed emotions over the news.
“Rite Aid was our go-to for late-night runs and quick refills,” said one Atlanta shopper who preferred to remain anonymous. “It’s sad to see another piece of our neighborhood convenience gone.”
The closures come amid broader challenges in the pharmacy sector, including intense competition from giants like CVS and Walgreens, opioid litigation settlements, and shifting consumer habits toward online shopping.The impact on Atlanta’s workforce is significant, though exact figures for local job losses remain unclear. Rite Aid employed thousands nationwide at its peak, and the liquidation process has led to widespread layoffs as the company sells off assets.
In Georgia, the chain’s footprint had already shrunk dramatically, with most stores acquired by competitors during earlier restructurings. Customers with outstanding prescriptions are advised to check Rite Aid’s transfer tool online to locate new pharmacies, as many have been seamlessly moved to nearby locations.
News of the closings rippled through social media, with Atlantans sharing memories of childhood visits and reliable service.As Rite Aid fades into history, local leaders are urging residents to support independent pharmacies and community health centers to fill the gap.
“This is a reminder of how fragile our access to essential services can be,” said Atlanta City Council member Jennifer N. Ide, who represents parts of the city affected by the closures. “We’ll work to ensure no one falls through the cracks.”
Rite Aid’s journey began in 1962 as a single thrift store in Scranton, Pennsylvania, growing into a national chain known for affordable health products and community involvement.
Its exit from Atlanta underscores the evolving retail landscape, where digital alternatives and consolidated markets are reshaping daily life.For more information on prescription transfers, visit Rite Aid’s official website.
AtlantaFi.com will continue to monitor the fallout from these closures and any opportunities for former employees.
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Atlanta’s restaurant scene knows few bounds as far as places to eat. The Summerhill neighborhood, which sits just below Interstate 20, is a great area with great restaurants.
Georgia Avenue has emerged as the neighborhood’s commercial heart, hosting a diverse array of chef-driven restaurants, bakeries, and breweries like Little Bear, Southern National, Talat Market, and Halfway Crooks.
Check Out the Best Places To Eat in Summerhill
Here’s a list of some great restaurants in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood.
Little Bear
71 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Menu Item to try: Chicken meatballs with congee and Manischewitz glaze
- What one reviewer says: “Food Service and Ambience is amazing! I live in the area and have been meaning to stop by for weeks.”
Southern National
72 Georgia Ave SE Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Menu Item to try: Lamb Burger Helper
- What one customer says: “The food was so good. My only concern is once the word gets out it will be hard to get in there. Navarro and Caleb made my drinks, Punch Royal and a Margarita and they were truly amazing bartenders. I had the oysters and the collard greens and mussels. The collards and mussels were next level amazing!!!”
Cava
572 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
- Menu Item to try: Harrisa Avacado: Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta, hummus, fire-roasted corn, avocado, rice, SuperGreens and more.
- What one customer says: “I can’t speak to every Cava but in a city where lunch spots come and go like shifting winds, there exists this humble cava that manages to marry precision with heart. Please say hi to ever-gracious Pricilla and her amazing colleagues, this establishment runs like a well-oiled machine, professional, efficient, and remarkably consistent. The food? Always warm. Always satisfying.”
Love eating healthy options? Check out the best salad restaurants in Atlanta.
Talat Market
112 Ormond St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
- Menu Item to try: Green curry with catfish
- What one patron says: “Talat Market is a gem! The food is absolutely incredible, blending Thai flavors with Southern ingredients in such a creative way. The green curry with catfish was a standout, and the atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant. Highly recommend!”
Wood’s Chapel BBQ
85 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Photo credit: AtlantaFi.com - Menu Item to try: Whole hog barbecue
- What one customer says: “Great barbecue joint feel with friendly staff and amazing food. I enjoyed the chopped brisket, smoked wings, Mexican corn, and beans. My wife enjoyed it as well.”
Hero Doughnuts & Buns
33 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Menu Item to try: Brioche-style yeast doughnut
- What one customer says: “Hero Doughnuts is a must-visit! The doughnuts are fluffy and flavorful, and the staff is super friendly. Perfect spot for a sweet treat in Summerhill.”
Maepole
72 Georgia Ave SE Unit 500, Atlanta, GA 30312
Photo credit: Maepole / Instragram - Menu Item to try: Super greens, brown rice, sweet potatoes
- What one customer says: “Great hidden gem in Summerhill Atlanta! Parking in the back, and neighborhood parking nearby. I really loved the bowl and sauce options! You could build your own, or choose one of their chef specialties! Really cool how they have classic southern cooking options, like Mac and cheese and sweet potatoes, makes them stand out against places like sweetgreen or cava. They also have some yummy teas to choose from! Really love the vibe all around.”
Final Word
Summerhill is one of Atlanta’s most dynamic neighborhoods and one of the best places to eat on the southside. The street’s walkable, trendy vibe, enhanced by vibrant murals and restored brick storefronts, draws food enthusiasts and supports a burgeoning dining scene.
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