Georgia
Eats reopens in West End and more from Atlanta’s dining scene
The Eats sign from the original building was restored inside Wild Heaven’s West End brewery in the Lee + White development. (Courtesy of Wild Heaven)
This week on the Atlanta food and dining scene: A comfort-food classic was resurrected, a group of chefs was recognized by the state for their work with local farmers, a new cocktail bar opened in west Midtown and more.
Eats has brought the same menu, staff and equipment to Wild Heaven’s brewery in the Lee + White development. (Courtesy of Wild Heaven)
Comfort-food favorite Eats is now open at Wild Heaven West End
Eats has officially risen from the dead after closing its iconic location on Ponce de Leon Avenue in October.
The new location opened Thursday inside Wild Heaven’s West End brewery at the Lee + White development with much of the original menu, decor and staff.
Longtime manager Levi Nichols was retained and continues to lead the kitchen, according to a news release.
The new location of Eats has the same menu of comfort-food favorites as the original. (Courtesy of Wild Heaven)
“Eats has always been about consistency, value and food people come back for again and again,” Wild Heaven co-president Nick Purdy said in a press statement. “When the opportunity came to keep that alive, we took it seriously. The same kitchen team led by Levi Nichols is here, much of the original equipment is still in use, and we’ve even brought over furniture and memorabilia from the Ponce location.”
Eats at Wild Heaven will be open daily.
1010 White St. SW, Atlanta. 404-254-2232, wildheavenbeer.com
Front row (from left): Chef Burns Sullivan, GRA President & CEO Stephanie Fischer, Chef Holly Chute, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Chef Laura Orellana, Chef Taylor Mead, Chef Hudson Terrell
Back row (from left): Chef Christian Bell, Chef Gary Caldwell, Pitmaster Kyle Bryner, Chef Holden McKinstry. Not pictured: Chef Ben Vaughn. (Brandon Amato/Courtesy of Georgia Grown)
Georgia chefs honored for ties to local farmers
Georgia’s Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Restaurant Association named nine chefs to its Georgia Grown Executive Chefs program Monday, according to a news release.
The Georgia Grown program is a statewide initiative meant to develop closer relationships between farmers and chefs.
“These chefs were selected not only for their outstanding culinary abilities, but also for their commitment to sourcing Georgia Grown products directly from Georgia farmers,” Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper said in a press statement.
The 2026 class of Georgia Grown executive chefs includes:
- Ben Vaughn of White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails (Atlanta)
- Burns Sullivan of 5 & 10 (Athens)
- Christian Bell of Oreatha’s at the Point (Atlanta)
- Gary Caldwell of Marcus Bar & Grille (Atlanta)
- Holden McKinstry of Vice Steak Bar (Alpharetta)
- Hudson Terrell of Animal Farm and Gabagool (Columbus)
- Kyle Bryner of Blue Hound Barbecue (Dillard)
- Laura Orellana of Osteria Mattone (Roswell)
- Taylor Mead of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (Atlanta)
georgiagrown.com
Local developer plans to reinvigorate Virginia-Highland retail
Third & Urban, a local real estate development firm, recently announced an investment in one of the Virginia-Highland neighborhood’s primary retail and restaurant corridors, Urbanize Atlanta reported.
The developers have assembled more than 60,000 square feet of retail space along North Highland Avenue near the nightlife cluster of Neighbor’s Pub, Atkins Park Restaurant and Dark Horse Tavern, according to the real estate-focused publication. Third & Urban will spend more than $3 million on streetscape upgrades for the project, which has been named the Atkins Park Collection. Construction will reportedly begin later this spring.
thirdandurban.com
More metro Atlanta food happenings
Jardi Chocolates is selling a special Eid collection. (Brandon Amato/Courtesy of Jardi Chocolates)
Local chocolate shop celebrates Eid
Jardi Chocolates is offering a limited-edition collection celebrating the end of Ramadan. The chocolates are made without alcohol in flavors like caramel cashew crunch, apricot almond, honey cake and date and vanilla. A box containing four chocolates, one of each flavor, costs $12. Orders can be placed online and local pickup is available 24/7 from the climate-controlled lockers by Jardi’s production facility in Chamblee.
3400 W. Hospital Ave., Chamblee. 470-240-8353, jardichocolates.com
Mural opportunity for local artists
Johns Creek couple Steve and Randi Rubin, who are working to open a Toastique franchise in their area, are holding a contest for local artists to paint a mural in their forthcoming restaurant. The contest will award three prizes; first prize will win $2,500 in cash and a $500 Toastique gift card and second prize will win $1,000 in cash and a $250 gift card. Third prize will win a $500 Toastique gift card.
Entries should include a digital mural concept, portfolio samples and a short artist statement. Submissions are due Friday and can be made by emailing ToastiqueJohnsCreekMural@gmail.com.
3005 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. toastique.com
Restaurant openings and announcements
New Orleans-based cocktail bar Barrel Proof will open an Atlanta outpost in the space that formerly held Little Trouble. (Courtesy of Barrel Proof)
Barrel Proof, a cocktail bar with a location in New Orleans, opened Friday in the Westside Provisions District, restaurant representatives said.
1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. barrelproofatl.com
Restaurant closures
BrewDog closed on the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail this week, leaving a large space vacant in one of the city’s busiest pedestrian corridors.
Read more about the closing the brewery chain’s Atlanta location.
Mojave, a modern Latin restaurant in Sandy Springs, and Pinky Promise, a Champagne bar in west Midtown, both closed this month, Tomorrow’s News Today reported.
ICYMI… The AJC has a new system for restaurant reviews
This week, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution added another star to its restaurant rating system, moving from four stars to a maximum of five.
Read more about the change here.
Henri Hollis is a restaurant critic and food reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he covers Atlanta’s restaurants, chefs and dining culture. As part of the AJC’s Food & Dining team, he reviews new restaurants, reports on industry trends and explores metro Atlanta’s culinary scene through the neighborhoods and people that shape it.
The Georgia Bulldogs are expected to have one of the country’s best defenses again in 2026. Georgia has a lot of continuity from the 2025 defense and should be able to dominate many of their opponents this fall.
The Bulldogs defense will be led by potential All-American defensive backs KJ Bolden and Ellis Robinson. Georgia appears to be set at inside linebacker with the likes of Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, Justin Williams and Zayden Walker forming a formidable group.
Georgia’s defense is not without questions. The Bulldogs need defensive tackle Elijah Griffin to play like a star as a sophomore. Georgia has to get more pass rush production. UGA managed only 20 sacks a year ago and their top defensive transfer addition, Amaris Williams of Auburn, is expected to be out for the season. Georgia fans can all remember Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss running circles around the Georgia defense in crucial moments of the Sugar Bowl.
Outside of the pass rush, Georgia’s depth at outside cornerback is probably the Bulldogs’ second-biggest weakness. If Ellis Robinson gets hurt, then Georgia could be in trouble. Despite these concerns, Georgia’s defense should overwhelm weaker SEC opponents this fall.
Nose tackle
- Jordan Hall
- Xzavier McLeod
- Nnamdi Ogboko
Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Hall is a former five-star recruit with a significant injury history. His snaps will probably be limited at times this fall. Xzavier McLeod has improved in each of his two seasons at Georgia and should be one of Georgia’s top depth options in the defensive line rotation. Nasir Johnson is another big body to know up front at nose tackle.
Defensive tackle
- Elijah Griffin
- Josh Horton
- Nasir Johnson/London Seymour/Valdin Sone
Five-star defensive lineman Elijah Griffin is entering his second season and is looking to have a big year after making an impact as a true freshman. Josh Horton has plenty of experience, but Bulldog fans would like to see a bit more production. Another defensive lineman to know is freshman Valdin Sone, who is a five-star recruit.
Defensive end
- Gabe Harris
- Joseph Jonah-Ajonye
- Justin Greene/JJ Hanne
Gabe Harris has the size to play both defensive end and outside linebacker. Georgia needs him as a pass rusher. He missed the Bulldogs’ Sugar Bowl loss and spring practice due to a turf toe injury. Joseph Jonah-Ajonye is a former elite recruit.
Outside linebacker
- Quintavius Johnson
- Chase Linton/Isaiah Gibson
- Darren Ikinnagbon/Khamari Brooks/PJ Dean
Quintavius Johnson is expected to start after a promising 2025 season. Gabe Harris and Chris Cole will also see action at outside linebacker. One of these second-year players needs to step up: Isaiah Gibson, Chase Linton and/or Darren Ikinnagbon. All have a lot of talent and are in for bigger roles after Auburn transfer Amaris Williams suffered an ACL injury in the spring. Freshmen Khamari Brooks and PJ Dean were both four-star signees.
Inside linebacker
- Raylen Wilson
- Chris Cole
- Justin Williams
- Zayden Walker
Once again, Georgia and coach Glenn Schumann have a stacked inside linebackers room. The Bulldogs will start two inside linebackers, but their backups will all play key roles. Chris Cole led UGA in sacks during the 2025 season. Cole and Zayden Walker are important pieces in Georgia’s pass rush. Raylen Wilson (knee) and Walker (shoulder) both missed the spring.
Georgia freshmen Nick Abrams has a lot of talent and veteran Terrell Foster is reliable, but they’re expected to be buried on Georgia’s depth chart along with redshirt freshman AJ Kruah.
Outside cornerback
- Ellis Robinson IV
- Demello Jones
- Braylon Conley/Gentry Williams
- Jontae Gilbert/Caden Harris/Justice Fitzpatrick
Georgia’s outside cornerback room is led by Ellis Robinson, who should be an All-SEC pick. The spot opposite Robinson should go to Demello Jones, but don’t rule out experience transfers Braylon Conley (USC) and Gentry Williams (Oklahoma). There is some concern about Georgia’s outside cornerback depth this season. Jontae Gilbert, Caden Harris and Justice Fitzpatrick all have talent, but Fitzpatrick did suffer a torn ACL in December.
Slot cornerback
- Khalil Barnes
- Rasean Dinkins
- Zech Fort
Rasean Dinkins did well in the SEC championship against Alabama, but not as strong in the Sugar Bowl. Clemson transfer Khalil Barnes is projected to start over him with Tyrique Green being another name to watch at star.
Free safety
- KJ Bolden
- Tyrique Green
- Jaylan Morgan/Jordan Smith
Georgia junior KJ Bolden should be an All-SEC pick. Four-star signee Tyrique Green is going to find a way on to the field this season.
Strong safety
- Rasean Dinkins
- Zion Branch/Ja’Marley Riddle/Kyron Jones
- Todd Robinson/Blake Stewart
Dinkins and Barnes will both likely start for UGA. Zion Branch, Ja’Marley Riddle and Kyron Jones should all see snaps with Jones’ health being a question.
Georgia
How Georgia’s economy drew the World Cup—and how the World Cup will strengthen Georgia’s economy
Illustration by Dan Matutina
It’s the $1 billion dollar question: What prompted FIFA to choose Atlanta as one of the host cities for this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026™? The answer is the same one that lures companies from all over the world to Georgia: the state’s robust economy, strong infrastructure, and cooperative culture.
Since the Olympics, Georgia has positioned itself as the Gateway to the South for global business. It has built a diverse industry base in fields such as agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, film and television, technology, and aerospace. Direct foreign investment is strong here: Atlanta is home to more than 70 foreign consulates, trade missions, and bi-national chambers of commerce.
One of Georgia’s biggest assets is global connectivity—by air, rail, road, and waterways, says Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Eighty percent of the U.S. population is within a two-hour direct flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest passenger hub. Georgia’s interstate system provides 20,000 miles of federal and state highways, and the Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing container terminal on the East Coast. All of this allows sports fans, foreign dignitaries, and corporate executives to get in and out of Atlanta very easily. “And business follows connectivity,” Wilson says.
These factors, combined with Georgia’s long history of cooperation between the private and public sectors, helped seal its position as a host city. And that, in turn, will pay dividends.
Courtesy of Georgia Ports Authority
Courtesy of Stone Mountain
Photograph by GenePage/ AMC
Take, for example, tourism. Explore Georgia, the state’s tourism arm, is betting big that FIFA World Cup 2026™ could potentially catapult the state’s visitor numbers to unprecedented levels. To maximize the possibilities, it has launched a global marketing campaign in conjunction with the tournament, including ads on stadium and railway-station billboards in the United Kingdom. “We want visitors to make Georgia their home-away-from-home during the World Cup,” Wilson says.
Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, is similarly bullish. Much like after the Olympics 30 years ago, she expects the city and state to leverage the global soccer tournament’s effects for decades to come. Economic-impact estimates range from $500 million to over $1 billion. “Atlanta does ‘big’ well,” she says. “And I’m confident that we will see increased foreign direct investment and show the world once again that here in Georgia, business culture and innovation naturally converge.”
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