ATLANTA – The revitalized Cascade Heights Business District is preparing to welcome global soccer fans as Atlanta gears up for a World Cup economic impact projected to exceed $500 million.

Cascade Heights businesses prepare for global stage

What we know:

Local business owners in the historic district are already pivoting their operations to cater to international crowds from countries like Spain, Haiti, and South Africa. Jason Davis, owner of Aiskrimu Ice Cream Bar, named after the Swahili word for ice cream, noted that June is “perfect timing” for his business given the district’s proximity to the airport. 

Nearby, Cafe Bartique owner Angela Ingram plans to partner with a Haitian coffee company to offer specialized drinks and potentially host a large-scale block party. 

To support these efforts, Invest Atlanta has offered $15,000 loans to help small merchants “beef up” their infrastructure ahead of the tournament.

What we don’t know:

It remains unclear if local businesses will be granted the “official” designation required to market their events as sanctioned FIFA watch parties. 

Additionally, the specific number of businesses that have successfully secured the $15,000 loans from Invest Atlanta has not yet been disclosed.

Legal hurdles for official ‘World Cup’ watch parties

What they’re saying:

The desire to host official events faces a hurdle: the strict licensing of the FIFA brand.

“The FIFA World Cup is a licensed entity,” said Atlanta City Councilman Wayne Martin. “We have to be ensured that that is legal for us to do that. We’re certainly exploring it. I’m not sure if it’s too late.” 

Despite the legal red tape, business owners remain optimistic about the exposure. 

“There’s potential to really bring people here who want to see what the original old Atlanta legacy, wealth, those things live right here in this district,” Ingram said.

Local perspective:

While much of the World Cup focus remains on Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, Cascade Heights leaders are fighting to ensure “Old Atlanta” is not overlooked. 

Business owners believe the district offers a unique cultural experience that reflects the city’s heritage, providing a different flavor of Atlanta to visitors who might otherwise stay within the city’s more commercialized corridors.

What’s next:

Councilman Martin and city officials will continue to investigate the legality of official watch party designations for neighborhood districts. 

Meanwhile, merchants will begin utilizing available loan funds to finalize their “summer tourney” preparations and menu expansions.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – We’re still two days away from the official start of spring — but the new season is already in full bloom around Forsyth County’s Halcyon.

The popular restaurant, retail, and residential development (at 6365 Halcyon Way in Alpharetta) has a packed schedule of events celebrating the return of warmer weather — and this morning on Good Day Atlanta, we spent a few hours there getting an exclusive preview of the action! 

First up is this Saturday’s “Spring Un-Leashed: Pawsome Family Fun!” celebration. Happening from Noon to 3:00 p.m. on the Village Green, the event is aimed at four-legged guests and their humans, and will feature vendors specializing in dog-themed products and services, plenty of pup-appropriate treats, and live music. There will also be guided walks on the Big Creek Greenway leaving from the Halcyon Trailhead at 6265 Cortland Walk.

Then, next weekend, the fun continues with the Spring Artisan Market on the Village Green. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the outdoor space will be filled with vendors selling handmade goods (the lineup is curated by Makers + Markets ATL). Organizers say it’s a great way to support local artisans — and to get shopping done for upcoming holidays including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!

Of course, these are just two of the many events planned for Halcyon in March; for more information on upcoming events, click here. And click the video player in this article to check out our morning hanging out at Halcyon!

ATLANTA – Travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport faced major headaches Tuesday as the partial government shutdown continued, leaving TSA officers working without pay and forcing some to make tough choices, including calling out.

Passenger surge at international terminal

What we know:

The impact was immediate, with closed security checkpoints and long lines stretching through both the domestic and international terminals. 

Atlanta’s international terminal was overwhelmed in the morning, as travelers hoping for a shorter line found anything but.

Security checkpoints became a choke point again Tuesday, with travelers waiting up to two hours to be screened.

According to the airport’s general manager Ricky Smith, around 34% of Hartsfield Jackson’s TSA agents have called out as the partial shutdown continues. 

‘Carry on if you can’

What they’re saying:

“I don’t fly often, but it’s never this bad,” one traveler said.

Christa Rheingans, another passenger, said rumors that the international terminal would be faster drew crowds.

“There was a rumor floating around that the international terminal was better, so everyone kind of like, gathered here,” she said.

Rheingans added that the congestion made entry nearly impossible. “When I got here, I couldn’t get in the doors. It was just like mass chaos. I couldn’t find the end of the line.”

Jennifer Goldstein, also traveling, said, “When I came here, it was 100 minutes on the domestic terminal. So here I am, 90 minutes in international terminal.”

Airport staff eventually urged passengers to return to the domestic terminal in an attempt to ease the backlog. For some, it was too late.

“I’ve been here for about 2.5 hours, and so I’ll end up just staying at a hotel,” a traveler said.

With missed flights, delays, and cancellations piling up, travel experts say planning is key as TSA officers continue working without pay.

Becky Blaine, managing editor for The Points Guy, advised, “Anything that you can do to cancel out any potential for delay, so get there early enough, carry on if you can.”

Many travelers said they understand the situation. Goldstein said, “I don’t blame them for calling out. I feel bad for them. They need to pay their bills.”

Navigating the shutdown

What you can do:

Travel experts recommend arriving significantly earlier than usual and using carry-on luggage to minimize potential delay points. Passengers should monitor real-time airport updates as the shutdown continues to impact federal staffing levels.