Atlanta, GA

Piastra transforms into a community‑driven grocery called Asher & Rose

Published

1 month ago

January 19, 2026

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Piastra transforms into a community‑driven grocery called Asher & Rose

Caramel pecan role

Courtesy of Asher & Rose

After more than 10 years serving lasagna and bolognese in Marietta Square, Piastra has closed its doors. Come January 22, it will reopen as Asher & Rose, a specialty grocery and cafe shaped by local sourcing, prepared foods, and the same hospitality the restaurant was known for.

The name reflects the middle names of mother-and-son ownership team Betty Bahl and Greg Lipman. They had been contemplating a second concept when Burger’s Market shuttered nearby. The arrival of multiple new restaurants on the Square encouraged Bahl and Lipman to reimagine the space.

“Marietta Square is a food desert. There’s not a grocery store within a little over a mile,” Lipman says.

Renovations were minimal, as they kept the bar, maintained the private dining room for events and meetings, and even left some of the local artwork on the walls.

The eight-seat bar will shift from Italian-focused drinks to about a dozen craft cocktails, plus rotating beer taps, and a strong zero ABV lineup. There are 109 wines on the menu, with each available by the glass (with a two-glass minimum).

“When was the last time you went grocery shopping with a martini in your hand?” Lipman exclaims. “We’re taking the Disney philosophy for our business. When was the last time you had fun grocery shopping?”

Patrons can dine at the bar and ring up their groceries there, too. “We’ll still be serving food; it just won’t be Italian,” he says. Bottled beer and wine will also be sold on the retail side.

A counter-service cafe will serve house‑made pastries, including croissants and cinnamon buns, as well as local eggs, sausage, pork, and stone‑ground grits. A separate “all‑day menu” will feature Piastra favorites like spaghetti bolognese and rigatoni, as well as vegan roasted tomato soup matzo ball soup, muffaletta and miso salmon on house‑baked Japanese milk bread.

The grocery will continue the restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing, from cheese and chicken to beef and pork. Lipman says prepared foods comprise at least half the offerings. Items range from mushroom ravioli to meatloaf, beef stew, lamb shank, fried rice, and dumplings, each with heating instructions. A Whole Foods-style prepared foods counter will offer fresh eats, in addition to the refrigerated and frozen sections. A variety of gluten-free offerings will be available with advance notice.

Lipman, who served as executive chef at Piastra and previously worked in pastry at Alon’s, will continue to lead the kitchen. Piastra general manager and lead bartender Jessica Lakos will fill those roles at Asher & Rose, too.

The team will collaborate with the Marietta Square Farmers Market through a weekly chef’s stage. The store will also host monthly “meet the maker” events to showcase local farmers, producers, and artists.

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Atlanta, GA

Soccer Frenzy: Cities, Fans, and What to Know | Futbol HQ

Published

2 hours ago

February 27, 2026

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Soccer Frenzy: Cities, Fans, and What to Know | Futbol HQ

With the World Cup just months away, host cities ramp up preparations for a global surge of fans. Philadelphia takes center stage as the World Cup draws closer. From major fan event changes and security planning to base camps and short-term rentals, here’s what to know ahead of the matches.

Posted February 27, 2026 5:19pm EST

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta runners honor Olympian Jeff Galloway after his passing

Published

14 hours ago

February 27, 2026

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Atlanta runners honor Olympian Jeff Galloway after his passing

Jeff Galloway, pioneer of run-walk-run, dies at 80

The running world is mourning the loss of Jeff Galloway, a transformative figure who democratized distance running for millions. An Olympian and the winner of the first-ever Peachtree Road Race in 1970, Galloway was best known for his revolutionary Run-Walk-Run method.

ATLANTA – Atlanta runners are finding ways to honor the legacy of former US Olympian Jeff Galloway, who was widely known for his run-walk-run strategy, after his death on Wednesday at 80.

What we know:

Officials say Galloway suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and died in a hospital in Pensacola, Florida.

His daughter-in-law, Carissa Galloway, also a running enthusiast, shared a tribute to him through social media following his death.

What they’re saying:

“With Jeff being the winner of the first Peachtree, he sort of automatically is a legend here in Atlanta,” said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club CEO.

Kenah says Galloway will likely be remembered most for inspiring so many people to lace up their sneakers and start running.

Running legend Jeff Galloway passes away in Florida

“We know Jeff in the running world as our hometown hero. You know, our celebrity. But he leveraged that celebrity to bring more people into the sport than anybody else that I can think of. I think that should be his legacy,” said Kenah.

At a Thursday night run along the Beltline, the group held a moment of silence in Galloway’s honor.

“He’s a big advocate for encouraging people to go and run. I was influenced by him. I ran my 1st marathon back in December of 2024,” said Alex Lewis.

As the group took off on their run, they remembered the elite athlete who spent a lifetime motivating others to lead a healthy life one step at a time.

“Even though he was an Olympian and kind of like a celebrity in his own right, he still acted and talked to us normal people, just like a regular guy. He’ll be deeply missed here in Atlanta,” said Lewis.

Atlanta Track Club officials say there will be a moment to recognize Jeff Galloway before the start of Sunday’s Publix Atlanta Marathon.

They’re still planning how they will pay tribute to him at this year’s Peachtree Road Race.

The Source: This is a FOX 5 original report where Denise Dillon spoke with members of the Atlanta running community.

AtlantaNewsFlorida

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Hawks partner with iconic strip club for ‘Magic City Monday’

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

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Atlanta Hawks partner with iconic strip club for ‘Magic City Monday’

Two Atlanta institutions are coming together to bring a new experience to NBA fans.

The Atlanta Hawks and Magic City are partnering for “Magic City Monday,” a celebration of a cultural institution during the team’s game against Orlando Magic on March 16.

Magic City is a self-identified “premier Atlanta strip club,” and well-known across the city for their performances as well as their kitchen. The club is regularly featured in lists identifying the best chicken wings in the city. Magic City is in downtown Atlanta.

What to expect at ‘Magic City Monday’

Before the game, Hawks’ principal owner Jami Gertz, a filmaker and actor, will present a live recording of the Hawks AF podcast, according to a news release from the organization.

Gertz recently produced a five-part STARZ docuseries about Magic City, working with Atlanta native Jermaine Dupri and featuring interviews with Big Boi, Killer Mike and T.I. The series explores the “pivotal role” the club played in “hip-hop and Black culture,” in Atlanta and beyond.

The live recording will include a conversation about the documentary, as well as chats with Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney, T.I. and D.C. Young Fly.

“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy,’” Gertz said in the release. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”

During halftime, T.I will perform in State Farm Arena, and the organization will rely on DJ Esco for pregame music.

“We doin’ this one for the city… Magic City,” T.I. said in the release.

Magic City is bringing the wings

Magic City will bring their famous lemon pepper wings into State Farm Arena, serving the Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ wins and traditional Lemon Pepper at sections 114, 120 and 211. Wings will also be available at two all-inclusive premium experiences including Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s Club and the Players Club.

“From the food to the music to the exclusive merchandise, we are excited to team up with Magic City to create an authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience,” Melissa Proctor, Hawks executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said in the release.

Limited-edition merchandise, including a ‘MAGIC CITY’ hoodie, will be available at State Farm Arena and online starting Monday, March 16.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. E.T., but fans are invited to enter the arena early for the podcast taping. You can purchase tickets here.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

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