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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) desperately needed meals supplied to Puerto Rico residents affected by a natural disaster: Hurricane Maria had slammed the island in September 20217. FEMA put out an RFP (request for proposals), which was answered by Atlanta entrepreneur Tiffany Brown.
Brown, who ran a ,, was supposed to supply 30 million meals. She subcontracted the contract to two businesses, including a local caterer with 11 employees.
Now Brown has been sentenced to 12 years in prison in a $156 million FEMA fraud case. Brown must pay $1.7 million in restitution after she supplied only 50,000 meals. Why couldn’t she fulfill her contract?
“I’ve had challenges in this area, particularly because I’m so young and being a woman in this world, in the food industry world,” she told CBS News. “My biggest mistake was that I didn’t ask for more help.”
But FEMA says her mistake was criminal in nature. The agency accused Brown of fraudulently obtaining $700,000 in litigation advances from the Litigation Funding Group of Georgia (“LFG”) by falsely claiming that she had settled with a logistics company who failed to deliver the meals to FEMA.
“Brown resorted to extraordinary lengths to defraud FEMA during a critical period when individuals were in desperate need of food resources during the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., said in a Department of Justice press release. “Our Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant in pursuing and prosecuting individuals who exploit the devastation caused by natural disasters as an opportunity to commit fraud.”
Christopher Brown, who local entrepreneur who has secured contracts on the state level, says getting into the government contracting business is not for the faint of heart.
“I’ve had to pull out of some contracts because I just couldn’t scale the way the RFP said I needed to,” he told AtlantaFi.com. “This, what happened to this young lady, is a cautionary tale for Atlanta business owners.”
Brown’s plight is a solemn reminder that small businesses must be honest and transparent with themselves if they apply for government contracts.
On YouTube and other mediums, many people hawk easy ways to score government contracts, but they are not so easy to deliver on.
Before You Apply For a Government Contract, Know Your Capabilities
Before a small business applies for federal government contracts, there are several key factors to understand to navigate the process effectively and avoid pitfalls. Here’s a concise breakdown:
Find Out If Your Business Qualifies
First, ensure your business qualifies as a small business under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) standards. These standards vary by industry and are based on your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, which categorizes your products or services.
Typically, manufacturing businesses with 500 or fewer employees or non-manufacturing businesses with average annual receipts under $7.5 million qualify, but exceptions exist by industry.
Use the SBA’s Size Standards Tool to confirm eligibility, as size standards determine if you can bid on contracts set aside for small businesses.
Sign Up With SAM.Gov
You’ll need to register your business with the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov. This is mandatory to bid on federal contracts. During registration, you’ll receive a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), a 12-character alpha-numeric code that replaced the DUNS number in 2022 to streamline the process.
SAM registration is free, but it’s your business’s résumé for government agencies—make your profile detailed and accurate to stand out. Some transactions, like sub-awardee reporting, may only require a UEI without full registration, so assess your needs.
Make Sure Your Business Is In Compliance
Compliance with federal regulations is non-negotiable. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) governs the contracting process, and small businesses must adhere to it, along with other rules like 13 CFR 125 for small business programs.
If bidding on Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, you’ll need to meet Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) levels, which can involve significant upfront costs to secure your systems. Non-compliance can lead to audits, penalties, or losing contracts, so be prepared for scrutiny.
Know Your Competition
Understand the competitive landscape. The federal government aims to award 23% of prime contract dollars to small businesses, often through set-aside or sole-source contracts for specific groups like women-owned, veteran-owned, or HUBZone businesses.
However, competition is fierce, and larger contractors often dominate. Research the market using tools like SAM.gov, which lists contracts over $25,000, and the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) to find opportunities and partners.
Also, check USASpending.gov to identify agencies’ spending patterns and procurement forecasts from agencies’ Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).
Follow the Bid Requirements Closely
Bidding requires careful preparation. Federal contracts often involve Invitations for Bid (IFBs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), or Requests for Proposals (RFPs), each with different expectations. IFBs focus on the lowest price, while RFPs prioritize value and solutions.
Your bid must address all requirements, highlighting your business’s stability, past performance, and experience. Be realistic about your capacity—overcommitting can lead to failure.
Subcontracting with a prime contractor via the SBA’s SubNet database can be a lower-risk way to gain experience before bidding directly.
Count the Cost Before Applying
Finally, consider the costs and commitments. Government contracts often have strict regulatory requirements, including labor, environmental, and equal employment opportunity rules. Cybersecurity compliance, especially for DoD contracts, can require significant investment.
Additionally, while the government is a reliable payer, the process involves extensive paperwork, potential audits, and sometimes delayed payments with interest. Ensure your business can handle the financial and administrative burden, and aim for contracts that align with your capabilities and profit goals—agencies often expect around a 15% profit margin.
Final Word
What happened to Tiffany Brown is sad, but unfortunately, it’s not rare. Too many business owners run before they should walk.
By focusing on eligibility, registration, compliance, market research, strategic bidding, and resource readiness, a small business can better position itself for federal contracting success.
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Parking rates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are increasing, effective May 1, 2025, the airport says.
The new rates will significantly raise costs, in some cases nearly tripling them. For example:
- South/North Hourly Decks: From $3/hour ($36/day max) to $10/hour ($50/day max on Day 1, $75/day thereafter).
- International Hourly Deck: From $3/hour ($36/day max) to $10 for the first hour, $15/hour thereafter ($70/day max on Day 1, $100/day thereafter).
- Daily Parking: From $19/day to $30/day.
- Economy Parking: From $14/day to $20/day.
- International Park-Ride: From $14/day to $30/day.
ATL’s assistant general manager, Tyronia Smith, stated that even with planned parking rate increases, ATL’s parking rates would remain “one of the lowest in the country” for daily parking compared to similarly sized airports.Reasons for the Increase:
- Economic Conditions: Airport officials cite a 34% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Atlanta metropolitan area since the last rate adjustment in 2017, necessitating updates to align with inflation.
- Operational Costs: Parking-related operational expenses have increased significantly.
- Infrastructure Investments: The airport has taken on new debt to fund parking facility modernization and construction, with annual debt service projected at $25.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and expected to grow. Projects include replacing North and South parking decks and adding facilities like the ATL West Deck and Sullivan Road Park-Ride lot.
- Maintaining Competitiveness: Despite the hikes, ATL claims its rates remain competitive compared to other major U.S. airports and off-site parking providers, aiming to ensure a safe, convenient, and reliable experience.
Why Are Parking Rates Going Up at Hartsfield?
Parking rates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are increasing due to several factors outlined by airport officials.
The primary reasons include rising operational costs and significant investments in parking infrastructure. Since the last rate adjustment in 2017, the Consumer Price Index for the Atlanta area has risen by approximately 30%, and parking-related operational expenses have grown.
Additionally, the airport has taken on new debt to fund modernization projects, with annual debt service projected to reach $25.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and expected to increase further over the next decade.
A key project is the $530 million South parking deck, which will add about 7,700 spaces and is set to be completed by summer 2026 to accommodate events like the World Cup.
These rate hikes, effective May 1, 2025, are intended to align pricing with economic conditions, support ongoing and future infrastructure improvements, and maintain competitiveness with other major U.S. airports and off-site parking providers, airport officials said.
Final Word
Airport parking aside, travel to and from Atlanta is booming. Boutique shops, unique galleries, and retail options add to Midtown Atlanta’s charm for those looking to shop local or find unique items.Downtown Atlanta is a hub for tech companies, startups, and corporate offices, giving it an energetic, innovative vibe.
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Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe recently opened its newest boutique at Phipps Plaza and first location in Georgia, featuring a full collection of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear and other accessories.
If you’re looking for things to do in Buckhead, this shop is a must-stop.
The 1,237-square-foot location houses a full, highly sought-after collection of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear and other accessories.
Nodding to the brand’s Spanish roots, the space draws inspiration from the CASA LOEWE concept and intersperses LOEWE products with art, craft, and design pieces. Ceramic tiles in peach and silver envelop the façade and interiors, while glass, wood and concrete surfaces complement the space’s warmer textures, such as ceramic, brass and turned iron.
Reflecting Loewe’s commitment to blending traditional styles with modern accents, the boutique features a selection of contemporary furniture, including Utrecht armchairs, signature iron martini tables and a tufted leather puffer bench, as well as three black-and-white reproductions of British textile artist John Allen’s Pink House Cumbria.
Hand-selected artworks from LOEWE’s global art collection can be found throughout the space, illustrating the luxury brand’s devotion to craftmanship and artistry. These pieces include The Thuringer (2021) by Belgian-born artist Caragh Thuring and Pouch on a bent branch (2020) by Irish basket maker Joe Hogan, a finalist of the 2018 edition of the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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What’s better than a hoagie? A “voagie!” At least that’s the idea behind Atlanta restaurateur Pinky Cole-Hays.
On social media, Cole-Hays recently announced the opening of her sandwich shop, Voagies.
I know what you’re thinking: What in the world is a voagie?
It looks like a voagie is a vegan hoagie? We’re not entirely clear yet. Although Cole-Hays said that the sandwiches will have multiple types of meat and bread baked fresh daily?
In her social media post, Cole-Hays said that the eatery, which she described as “Slutty Vegan 2.0,” was created “Because I got tired of going to Subway and Jersey Mike’s and just getting veggies on bread.”
Why a Hoagie Business?
At first glance, you may say, Out of all the food businesses out there, why hoagies? But Cole-Hays is a savvy entrepreneur. Opening a hoagie shop can make sense depending on your market, resources, and strategy. Here’s a concise breakdown of why it could be a solid choice:
1. Demand and Appeal: Hoagies (or subs, grinders, etc.) are popular, versatile, and appeal to a wide audience—lunch crowds, students, workers, and families. They’re customizable, which suits diverse tastes and dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options).
2. Low Barrier to Entry: Compared to other food businesses, a hoagie shop requires relatively low startup costs. You need basic equipment (slicers, refrigeration, prep tables), a simple menu, and a small space. This makes it more manageable than a full-service restaurant.
3. Operational Simplicity: Hoagies are quick to prepare, allowing for high customer turnover, especially during peak hours. A focused menu reduces inventory complexity and waste, streamlining operations.
4. Market Fit: If you’re in an area with foot traffic (near offices, schools, or urban centers), a hoagie shop can thrive. Research local competitors—few direct competitors or a lack of quality sandwich options could signal opportunity. For example, in 2023, the U.S. fast-casual sandwich market was valued at ~$20 billion, with steady growth projected due to demand for quick, affordable meals.
Where Is Voagies Located?
Voagies is located at 1542 Ralph David Abernathy BLVD, Atlanta GA 30310. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
Best Restaurants On The Atlanta Beltline Right NowWhere To Eat In AtlantaThe Best Keto-Friendly Restaurants In Atlanta
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From time to time, we still need that weekend getaway even if it’s simply a trip to a nearby state. All you need is some flexibility and yes, some money.
5 Steps To Save Money On Your Next Trip
This article is going to show you how to save money on travel so that you can spend your cash how you please.
1. Get A Travel Rewards Credit Card
The first thing you want to do — perhaps a year in advance — is to see if you can get a travel credit card. These cards unlock savings that you can’t get anywhere else.
A travel credit card with a rewards program can save you big bucks because what you spend can be redeemed for points. Points can be transferred into miles or money toward your trip.
2. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
When it comes to saving money on travel, knowing when and the best time to book your trip is half the battle.
Travel experts say that if you book a flight between 21 and 30 days out, you should be able to get a deal.
But no matter what, it pays to be flexible with your travel dates. Use Google Flights to find wiggle room in the days you plan to travel. You’ll be thankful for the money you save.
3. Fly On A Budget Airline
If you really want to just get there, avoid the United and Deltas of the world by flying on a budget airline. You can save up to 60% on your airfare by choosing low-cost airlines that fly in smaller or regional airports.
Don’t know of any budget airlines? Check out WhichBudget.com to research some carriers.
4. Don’t Rent A Car
When you arrive at your destination, don’t rent a vehicle. Plan ahead so that you can use public transportation to get where you need to go.
Oftentimes, that may even mean staying at a hotel closer to the action. Rental cars eat up huge parts of your travel budget. And you may even have to pay for parking at the hotel or other places.
5. Eat Like A Local
One of the surest ways to go broke on vacation, especially overseas, is to eat exclusively at tourist traps. These restaurants will have you paying $8 for a bottle of water!
To really maximize your savings (and enjoy choice food), choose to eat where the locals eat. That way, you’ll pay what they pay, which is refreshingly affordable prices.
Final Word
Believe it or not, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Although, we want to have a good time, it can be done for less.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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America is having a tariff-ic time these days as countries respond to fees tacked onto products exported to the United States. What the ordinary American consumer may not realize is that tariffs will affect some household goods they use daily.
But what items will tariffs specifically affect? And what do the price increases mean for you and I? Let’s get into it.
What Products Are Going To Increase in Price Due To Tariffs?
Tariffs are likely to raise prices on a variety of consumer goods in the United States by increasing the cost of imported products, which is often passed on to consumers. Based on current economic analyses and the types of goods commonly imported, here are five consumer goods that are particularly vulnerable to price increases due to tariffs:
Electronics (Smartphones, Laptops)
Photo credit: Daria Shevtsova / Pexels.com A significant portion of electronics, such as iPhones and laptops, are manufactured in countries like China, which has been subject to tariffs as high as 20% (with proposals up to 60% or more). These tariffs directly increase the cost for importers, and studies indicate that much of this cost is passed onto consumers, potentially raising prices by 10% or more depending on the tariff rate and company pricing decisions.
Automobiles and Auto Parts
The U.S. relies heavily on imported auto parts and vehicles, especially from Canada and Mexico, which face 25% tariffs, and other countries subject to a baseline 10% tariff. This could add thousands of dollars to the price of cars—estimates suggest an increase of $2,500 to $5,000 for lower-cost models— impacting both new car buyers and those needing repairs with imported parts.
Fresh Produce (Avocados, Strawberries, etc.)
Agricultural products like fruits and vegetables, particularly from Mexico (which supplies about 90% of U.S. avocados), are hit with 25% tariffs. Since these are perishable goods with limited domestic substitution in the short term, prices are expected to rise quickly, potentially by 2.9% or more, affecting grocery bills.
Clothing and Footwear
A large percentage of apparel and shoes sold in the U.S. is imported from countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, facing tariffs ranging from 34% to 46%. Retailers often pass these costs to consumers, which could lead to noticeable price hikes for everyday items like sneakers and jeans.
Household Appliances (Washing Machines, Refrigerators, etc.)
Many appliances are imported from China and other nations, and past tariffs (e.g., on washing machines in 2018) have shown price increases of over 11%, adding roughly $86 per unit. With new tariffs in place, similar or greater increases are likely as manufacturers and retailers adjust to higher import costs.
Are Tariffs All Bad? Not Necessarily
One lesser-discussed aspect of tariffs is their potential to act as a strategic tool for economic development, beyond just protecting domestic industries or raising revenue. Economists often focus on the inefficiencies tariffs introduce—like higher consumer prices or trade wars—but rarely highlight how they can be used to foster long-term industrial growth in specific contexts.
Historically, countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan used tariffs in their early development phases to shield nascent industries from foreign competition. This allowed them to build domestic capabilities, achieve economies of scale, and eventually compete globally. The “infant industry” argument is acknowledged in economic theory, but it’s often downplayed because it’s hard to implement without corruption or inefficiency creeping in. Success requires precise timing—knowing when to phase out protection so industries don’t become permanently dependent.
Another secret is the bargaining power tariffs create. By threatening or imposing tariffs, a country can negotiate better trade deals, extract concessions, or deter unfair practices like dumping. This isn’t just about economics; it’s geopolitics masquerading as trade policy. Few economists emphasize this because it blurs the line between their field and political strategy.
The catch? Tariffs are a double-edged sword. They can backfire if other nations retaliate, or if domestic firms get lazy behind the protective wall. Data from the World Bank shows that countries with prolonged high tariffs—like India pre-1990s—often stagnated compared to those that liberalized strategically. So, the real secret is less about tariffs themselves and more about how they’re wielded: as a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.
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If you’re a last-minute person, filing your taxes can be a chore. The good news is that you can file an extension on your taxes and avoid paying a penalty. Keep reading to learn how to do it.
When Is Tax Day 2025?
Tax day is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. That’s the last day to file. But what if you need an extension? We’re going to show you how to do it. Never pay someone to file an extension for you, it’s free to do.
Millions of Americans fail to file their taxes annually, subjecting themselves to huge penalties that accrue interest. You don’t want to be like that.
If you need to file a last-minute extension, here’s what you need to do.
How To File Your Tax Extension Form for Free
Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension.
- Filing this form gives you until Oct. 15 to file a return.
- To get the extension, you must estimate your tax liability on this form and should also pay any amount due.
Get An Extension When You Pay On Your Taxes
If you can only pay part of your tax bill, you can indicate that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a credit or debit card. This way you won’t have to file a separate extension form and you will receive a confirmation number for your records.
Extension Forms by Filing Status
Individuals
Special rules may apply if you are:
- Serving in the U.S. military in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area
- Living outside the United States
Business and Corporations
The easiest way for criminals to steal sensitive data is simply to ask for it. IRS urges people to learn to recognize phishing emails, calls or texts that pose as familiar organizations such as banks, credit card companies or even the IRS. Keep sensitive data safe.
Final Word
Tax season is one of many times of the year when you need to be especially careful about your money moves. File an extension on your taxes to save your cash.
If you’re interested in making extra income, don’t miss How To Make Money At Home and How To Quarantine And Make Cash.
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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Midtown Social, which was supposed to have a soft opening in February 2025 and a grand opening in March 2025, but it has been delayed. We’re now hearing that Midtown Social will open soon.
The new Atlanta restaurant comes from restaurateur Devon Green, the owner behind Milk and Honey Atlanta.
The eatery will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What’s On the Menu at Midtown Social?
The menu will showcase refined American cuisine, featuring dishes such as lamb chops, short ribs, steaks, chicken, and salmon. In the mornings Monday through Friday from 6 to 11 a.m., you can expect their Social Breakfast Express and Quick Serve Breakfast.
Guests can complement their meal with a variety of draft beers, artisanal cocktails, and choices from a comprehensive liquor, beer, and wine selection, expertly crafted by an in-house mixologist.
The venue will offer indoor seating for 48 guests, plus an additional 40 seats on the patio.
Where Is Midtown Social Located?
Midtown Social is situated at 1740 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30318. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Breakfast and brunch are household words in Atlanta’s food scene. Make sure you check out our best places to eat in West Midtown.
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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Fleurs de Villes, the internationally renowned immersive floral show that has captivated audiences across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, is making its Atlanta debut at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead.
The event, titled Fleurs De Villes Downton Abbey, will be making its Atlanta run from April 2-6 and is being presented in anticipation of the September release of the third film inspired by the beloved TV series.
Fleurs De Villes Downton Abbey To Make Atlanta Debut
Guests will experience 12 stunning fresh floral mannequins, each representing the show’s iconic characters and period fashion.
“We are thrilled to partner with Fleurs de Villes to host another celebrated floral show in Atlanta,” said Lindsey Jones, area director of marketing at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. “This event offers our community a unique and immersive experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.”
The floral creations will be displayed across Mall Level 1 at Phipps Plaza, offering visitors a chance to admire the detailed and imaginative designs brought to life by Atlanta’s top florists.
“After the success of last year’s Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE exhibition, Phipps Plaza was the perfect choice for our Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey tour,” said Karen Marshall, co-founder of Fleurs de Villes. “The luxurious setting complements our vision, transporting visitors to the early 20th century through the artistry of floral design.
From elegant gowns to period uniforms, each mannequin reflects the dedication and creativity of the talented local florists who made this exhibition possible.”
Participating floral designers include Ansley Maynard Flowers, Ebonee Benson Designs, Epting Events, Gresham’s Florist of Atlanta Since 1913, Morning Glory Floral Design, Rose Jasmine Flowers and Decor, Rhapsody in Blooms, Sugared Florals Studio, and Summer Breeze Flowers & Gifts.
In addition to enjoying Fleurs de Villes’ renowned floral mannequins, visitors can attend free floral demonstrations on Saturday, April 3rd, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A pop-up flower market featuring local florists will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., offering fresh blooms for purchase.
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the talented floral designers behind Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., gaining insight into their creative process and the inspirations behind their intricate designs.
Throughout the exhibition, attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite floral mannequin for a chance to win a luxurious two-night stay in Nobu Hotel Atlanta’s Zen Suite, complete with complimentary valet parking and breakfast for two. Additionally, visitors can explore a special floral installation in the Nobu Hotel lobby throughout the event.
This marks the second collaboration between Fleurs de Villes and Phipps Plaza, following the success of last year’s Atlanta premiere of Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE. Atlanta serves as the second stop on the Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey 2025 global tour, which will span ten cities across three countries, including the United States, Canada, and England.
Final Word
There’s a lot more to Atlanta than Buckhead. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
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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NCAA March Madness is coming to State Farm Arena and everybody’s gonna have a ball: Atlanta will host the South Regionals of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, which will be played at Georgia Tech.
The Sweet 16 games began on March 28, followed by an Elite Eight game on March 30 at State Farm Arena.
NCAA Men’s Schedule: Who’s Playing This Weekend?
Sunday, March 30 (Elite Eight)
- Sunday, March 30 (Elite Eight)
- (1) Houston 69, (2) Tennessee 50
- (1) Auburn vs. (2) Michigan State, 5:05 p.m. | CBS
The college basketball action is bringing national attention, economic boosts from visitors, and excitement for sports fans, cementing Atlanta’s role as a key player in the “March Madness.”
The Final Four is scheduled for Saturday, April 6.
Watch March Madness At These Top Atlanta Sports Bars
To find out where the bars are that have huge TV screens, good drinks, great food, accommodating servers, hip bartenders and more. We culled numerous reviews from our friends at Yelp, Google and TripAdvisor. This is what we came up with. Here are the best Atlanta sports bars to watch the NCAA tournament.
STATS Brewpub
300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, (404) 885-1472The go-to sports bar in downtown Atlanta, STATS is a short walk from the Omni, CNN Center and College Football Hall of Fame. Inside the brewpub, customers can try their hand at tabletop beer taps and exquisite food with screens all around to watch the NFL playoffs.One Google reviewer says: “This place was incredible! Service was excellent, food was amazing! There were so many delicious looking things on the menu that my waitress had to help me out with a recommendation. I’m glad I listened to her, the BBQ Brisket Burger was out of this world. The fries were really good too. And then she talked me into getting the key lime pie, it was every bit as good as everything else was. I will definitely go back whenever I’m in Atlanta again.”The U Bar
3515 Camp Creek Pkwy #50-70, East Point, GA 30344, (404) 349-2301The premiere sports bar at Camp Creek, the U Bar features cool music, wings specials in a club environment that is packed on the weekends.One Google reviewer says: “Pretty lit. Moreso a place to socialize, eat and watch games. Music was good . You can dance but Its not a club. Hoped this helped. Oh and 10 for women 20 for me. I heard they have good wings.”Popular party spot with sports, DJs & dancing, with drink specials & a full menu for dining.The Tavern
3560 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344, (404) 349-9285The Tavern, known as Camp Creek’s OTHER sports bar, bhas events almost every weekday night, including karaoke, drink specials and more.One Google reviewer says: “The lemon pepper and hot mixed wings are AMAZING. I also enjoy their karaoke nights which are live and many patrons participate so it makes me feel okay because I can’t sing to save my life. I’d definitely recommend checking them out on Wednesday night and enjoy the atmosphere.”Hudson Grille
942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (404) 892-0892Hudson Grille has three locations in Atlanta, one downtown, one in Midtown and the other one in Brookhaven. Huge TV screens at every turn and good food make this one of the best Atlanta sports bars to enjoy the game.One Google reviewer says: “Food is always great along with service and overall atmosphere. I personally come here frequently during football season because it is home to Raven Nation South, located in the upstairs area of the bar. I love the sports atmosphere that Hudson Grill provides.”Yard House
261 19th St NW #1100, Atlanta, GA (404) 815-8990 Thanks to an awesome Midtown location (there’s another one at The Battery next to SunTrust Park) and above-average beverage program, Yard House at Atlantic Station has a devoted following among sports fans. The stylish sports bar’s patio is a great people-watching spot and the burgers, steaks and tacos on the menu make this place a must-visit to watch the NFL playoffs. One Google reviewer says: “Happening place with excellent food! You just can’t go wrong with Yard House. We visit Atlanta every year at Christmas time, and Yard House has become a family tradition. The menu is extensive and everything we’ve tried has been delicious! They have an excellent Happy Hour … that includes a HUGE selection of 1/2 price appetizers. I think we have literally ordered everything on the happy hour menu! You can’t beat the price!”Topgolf
1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 475-4000
Topgolf caters not to the golf fan so much, but the sports fan. With flat-screen TVs at every station, you can swing clubs or sit back and enjoy your game when you want it. Inside at the bar, you can see multiple screens from several vantage points while you eat and drink.One Google reviewer says: “This is a really fun place for all age groups. If golf is not your thing, they also offer table tennis or ping pong upstairs and pool tables downstairs. The putting area is spacious. Of course it is outdoors, but they offer large heat lamps directly over the seating area. There are two levels to the seating area. The first is a high bar with chairs. The second is a u-shaped outdoor sofa with a center table. All food and drink orders can be placed from your bay. For each game, each player gets 20 chances to “put the ball in the hole”. You can take all 20 swings in a row or rotate players as you’d like. If you aren’t interested in playing any of the game options, you can also dine in or have a round at the bar. Enjoy!”Taco Mac
933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (678) 904-7211With eight locations in Atlanta, including in Midtown on Peachtree and in Dunwoody, Taco Mac is a sports fan’s favorite place to watch the NFL playoffs, the Hawks or any sports event. Featuring the most expansive beer menu of any Atlanta sports bar, Taco Mac is the perfect place to enjoy a craft beer, malt, ale or IPA with your buffalo wings.One Google reviewer says: “Fast and delicious food. Live music on Friday night. Very personable servers. Really great fajitas. They are very open to accommodate changes to menu. One of my favorite places to eat.”Last Words
The good thing about Atlanta is different sports bars are aligned with different teams. (Don’t go to Copeland’s on South Cobb Drive unless you’re an LSU/Saints fan).
If all you want is great food, drinks and a TV, Atlanta has some of the best sports bars in the Southeast, not to mention being a craft beer oasis. You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
