Connect with us

Atlanta, GA

Why Atlanta United dismissed Gonzalo Pineda & what's next | MLSSoccer.com

Published

on

Why Atlanta United dismissed Gonzalo Pineda & what's next | MLSSoccer.com


Now that responsibility falls on Valentino, who previously took over Atlanta on an interim basis in 2021 after the dismissal of Pineda’s predecessor, Gabriel Heinze. Valentino put together a 4W-2L-2D record during his brief stint in charge.

This time around, Valentino will likely be given more time to make an impact and potentially lock down the coaching job permanently. Lagerwey, the former Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC executive, referenced then-interim manager Brian Schmetzer’s MLS Cup-winning run with the Rave Green in 2016 to explain Atlanta’s lack of urgency in finding a permanent replacement.

Advertisement

“I’ve had some success in Seattle by supporting an interim coach,” Lagerwey said. “We do want to give Rob a chance to be successful here.”

In the event Valentino doesn’t work out, the MLS Cup 2018 champions are taking all the necessary steps to find the right person to take the reins of one of the league’s highest-profile clubs.

“With this incredible infrastructure, it’s going to be easy to recruit. We will be inundated with candidates for this job,” Lagerwey said. “… We’ll use some data, some analytics and some interviews to really sift through what will be an avalanche of candidates, I have no doubt.”

Advertisement

Lagerwey also acknowledged recent reports of negotiations between the club and Liga MX powerhouse Cruz Azul for Giakoumakis. The 2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year occupies one of Atlanta’s three Designated Player slots, along with Almada and Gregersen.

“Long-term we’re going to be committed to players who are committed to us,” Lagerwey said. “We have had conversations with Cruz Azul, I’m happy to confirm that. But there is nothing that’s happened at this point… Obviously it’s been out in the public, the possible transfer of Giorgos. The possible move of Thiago Almada, we’ve talked about that for months.”

Advertisement

As things currently stand, however, fans shouldn’t expect any major squad overhauls any time soon.

“If you’re looking for big changes, big evolutions in the roster, those are purely dependent on what happens in terms of sales of DPs in particular,” Lagerwey said. “And again our narrative, our belief is that after the last two transfer windows, we have a number of talented players on that roster and the potential of the roster as a whole is better than the results that we’ve seen.”





Source link

Advertisement

Atlanta, GA

Man arrested for knocking kids off bicycles

Published

on

Man arrested for knocking kids off bicycles


A man was arrested at a concert last week after he shoved two kids off their bicycles, causing one of them to fall into a fountain, Sandy Springs police said. FOX 5 Atlanta’s Brittany Edney reporting. 

Show more



Source link

Continue Reading

Atlanta, GA

Same DNA, new address: Muchacho expands to West Midtown

Published

on

Same DNA, new address: Muchacho expands to West Midtown


Photo by Luke Beard

When Muchacho first opened along the Atlanta Beltline and Memorial Drive, it became known as a place shaped as much by its surroundings as by its menu. That site, housed in a 100‑year‑old train depot, set the tone for how the brand approaches expansion: start with the bones of a building, then let the space tell the story. The newly opened Muchacho West Midtown follows that same philosophy.

“We like to celebrate unique attributes of each property and work with the palette we’re given,” says founder and owner Michael Lennox. While the original Muchacho is defined by its long, narrow footprint and Spanish tile roof—features reminiscent of its former life as a train depot—the West Midtown location leans into an industrial past rooted in automotive culture: a former Meineke car care shop. Big windows reference former garage doors, while retro racing details appear inside.

Inside Muchacho on the Westside

Photo by Luke Beard

Still, the connective tissue between the two locations is clear. Both spaces draw heavily from Muchacho’s Southern California skate‑and‑surf roots. At Muchacho West Midtown, familiar playfulness appears via a blue‑orange‑yellow racing stripe pattern, a three‑dimensional pegboard gallery wall used to hang art and plants, and vintage Meineke signage. A life‑size cardboard cutout of George Foreman, once the pitchman for Meineke, underscores Lennox’s willingness to lean into humor and nostalgia. “It’s a playful brand,” he says.

Advertisement

A functional halfpipe for skateboarding anchors the outdoor experience and will double as a performance space for bands and DJs. In about a month, a 4,000‑square‑foot “tropical secret garden” with tall bamboo lining the perimeter will open on the south side of the property. Another 1,500 square feet of patio space wraps the west and north sides, currently welcoming about 80 guests. Altogether, the West Midtown location will accommodate about 215 guests, making it comparable in size to the original, with a little more outdoor space.

Crispy chicken sandwich

Photo by Luke Beard

Muchacho West Midtown opened with the same core menu that made the Beltline location a staple: tacos, breakfast burritos, coffee, cocktails, and beer. Standouts like migas, chilaquiles, carne asada, and al pastor continue to be available. Over time, however, Lennox says each location is expected to develop its own personality, driven by the chefs who have “a pretty wide creative latitude.” Chef Betty Aparicio, formerly of Chido & Padre’s, steers the kitchen on the Westside.

“We want to nurture some immediate familiarity while providing space for some special moments you can only have at each location,” Lennox says.

Margarita

Photo by Luke Beard

One of these special moments will take place April 4 at a grand opening party dubbed MuchachoFest. Expect bands, a fortune teller, a mini skate park in parking lot, food and drink specials, and giveaways. “It’s going to be a fun day in West Midtown,” Lennox says.

A third Muchacho location will debut in the old Revival space in Decatur this summer. In addition, the Electric Hospitality team is bringing Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall to the Westside. Slated to launch in May on 11th Street, the convivial restaurant and bar will feature a 5,000-square-foot courtyard with an airstream bar, stage, and Crepe Myrtles, and a 45-seat island bar inside. Formerly a single-story warehouse from 1950s or ’60s, Ladybird West Midtown will offer the same food and beverages as its Eastside sibling with room for the chef and mixologist to add their unique touches.

Advertisement

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading

Atlanta, GA

Buckhead apartment building evacuated due to dangerous carbon monoxide levels

Published

on

Buckhead apartment building evacuated due to dangerous carbon monoxide levels


A Buckhead apartment building was evacuated for a time late Tuesday night due to a carbon monoxide alarm. 

What we know:

Advertisement

The incident occurred at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Pharr Court South. 

According to Atlanta Fire Rescue, firefighters are investigating elevated carbon monoxide levels.

The entire building was evacuated as a precaution. 

Advertisement

One person was evaluated at the scene for possible carbon monoxide exposure. 

Crews ventilated the building while they looked for the source.

Advertisement

Firefighters say they were able to finally locate the source and contain it.

Once readings were back to a safe level, residents were allowed back inside the apartments.

What we don’t know:

Advertisement

It remains unclear how many residents were displaced by the evacuation. 

The Source: The details in this article come from the Atlanta Fire Rescue.

Advertisement
BuckheadNews



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending