Category: Business

Yet another retailer is closing stores in Atlanta, Georgia. Popular grocery store Kroger is set to close several locations in Georgia’s largest city.

The closures, scheduled between July and October 2025, reflect Kroger’s strategic consolidation amid economic uncertainty and a focus on more profitable stores. Affected employees will be offered transfers to nearby Kroger locations, the company has said.

List of Kroger Locations Closing in Atlanta

Why Are Atlanta Kroger Locations Closing?

Several Atlanta Kroger locations are closing as part of the company’s plan to shutter 60 underperforming stores nationwide over the next 18 months. The specific reasons for these closures include:

Declining Sales and Profitability

Kroger cited declining sales and negative profit over extended periods as key factors. First-quarter 2025 sales dropped slightly to $45.1 billion from $45.3 billion the previous year, reflecting broader challenges like changing consumer habits, inflation, and competition from discount chains and online retailers.

Underperforming Locations

The four metro Atlanta stores—in Alpharetta (11877 Douglas Road), Atlanta (2452 Morosgo Way), Brookhaven (3855 Buford Highway), and Decatur (3479 Memorial Drive)—were identified as underperforming. For instance, the Brookhaven store is small by modern standards, limiting its ability to offer high-margin items, while the Decatur store, despite offering fuel, is outdated.

Operational Efficiency

Kroger aims to streamline operations and ensure long-term business health by closing unprofitable stores. The company expects a “modest financial benefit” from these closures, with savings reinvested into customer experience initiatives at remaining locations.

Market Competition

In Atlanta, Kroger faces stiff competition, particularly from Publix, which has a growing presence. Data from 2024 shows Kroger’s market share in Atlanta dropped to 21.3% compared to Publix’s 20.5%, with Publix operating more stores (159 vs. Kroger’s 124). New Publix locations in areas like Buckhead and Brookhaven may have impacted Kroger’s performance.

Final Word

Kroger has faced some local challenges around Atlanta for sure. Some have mentioned issues like theft and undesirable customer experiences at specific locations, such as the Morosgo Way store, which may have driven away business. However, these are anecdotal and not officially confirmed by Kroger as primary reasons.

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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As of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Uber and Alphabet’s Waymo have launched public robotaxi services in Atlanta, expanding their partnership.

Waymo’s driverless Jaguar I-PACE SUVs, equipped with the Waymo Driver, cover 65 square miles in Atlanta but avoid highways and the airport.

Waymo, Uber Start Robotaxi Service in Atlanta

Perhaps you’ve seen the driverless cars whizzing by on Peachtree Street or somewhere downtown or in Midtown, where there is pedestrian traffic looking for rides.

The companies announced plans in September to bring Waymo One to Atlanta and Austin, with Austin services starting in March, ahead of Tesla’s robotaxi pilot.

Tesla’s invite-only service in Austin, using Model Y SUVs with a human valet, operates daytime-only in a limited area. Unlike Tesla, Waymo’s robotaxis run without human supervisors and use advanced lidar and radar sensors.

Final Word

Don’t be surprised when you see a driverless vehicle next to you in traffic. They are here, courtesy of Waymo. You can expect more companies to join the market.

Tesla, once a driverless leader, now trails Waymo and Chinese competitors like Baidu’s Apollo Go and WeRide, which also partners with Uber. Waymo rides in Atlanta and Austin are booked via Uber’s app, while San Francisco and Los Angeles use the Waymo One app. The Uber-Waymo partnership excludes Uber Eats deliveries.

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The Atlanta BeltLine’s opened its Westside Trail on Monday, June 23, 2025, marking the expansion with a ribbon-cutting by city officials.

The gathering heralded the unveiling of the longest continuous trail segment to date.

Atlanta Beltine’s Westside Trail Opens

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, BeltLine Inc. President and CEO Clyde Higgs, city officials, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the launch. Read: Where to eat on the Beltline.

Westside Trail – Segment 4, a 1.3-mile addition, completes the 6.8-mile pathway along historic Washington Park, a century-old Black suburb and cultural hub.

How Far Does the Beltline’s Westside Trail Go?

The Westside Trail stretches 6.7 miles from Pittsburgh Yards in southwest Atlanta to Huff Road in Blandtown, now the longest uninterrupted segment of the BeltLine. Additionally, users can travel 7.2 miles from the Westside BeltLine Connector’s end to Pittsburgh Yards.

“This milestone goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about uniting communities and preserving Atlanta’s rich history,” said Higgs. “The 6.7-mile trail winds through neighborhoods shaped by resilience, built by Black architects and builders, and enriched by generations of pride. This extension honors that legacy as we work toward a complete 22-mile loop by 2030.”

The trail runs from Lena Street North to Law Street, passing streets named for civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Joseph E. Boone, and Joseph Lowery.

Christi Jackson, Board President of Washington Park Conservancy, noted, “The Westside Trail reflects the community’s past and its commitment to growth. Segment 4 celebrates the city’s inclusive vision and the BeltLine’s dedication to engagement, linking diverse areas for outdoor activities, arts, and discovery.”

At the ribbon-cutting, Mayor Dickens said, “In 2014, when I joined the board, west and southside residents, including myself, doubted this would reach us. Now, it’s a reality, mirroring the eastside’s transformation.”

Read more about the Atlanta Beltline Project.

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.

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

“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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