Category: Atlanta, Georgia Local News

Civil rights groups, lawmakers, and community advocates gathered Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Rand Chapel of Central Presbyterian Church across from the Georgia Capitol to urge legislators to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, warning that looming federal cost shifts could deepen food insecurity for families across Georgia.

The press conference, titled “No Empty Plates: Affordability for Every Georgia Family,” was organized by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, and a coalition of advocacy groups. Speakers said action is needed this legislative session as federal changes beginning in 2026 shift a greater share of SNAP administrative costs from the federal government to the states.

More than 1.3 million Georgians rely on SNAP to help cover food costs, according to advocates, including roughly 1.4 million residents statewide, nearly half of whom are children. Nationally, SNAP serves about 42 million people and has been shown to reduce food insecurity by as much as 30 percent, while improving long-term health and educational outcomes.

State Rep. Derrick Jackson said SNAP recipients are often working families struggling to keep up with inflation and rising grocery prices. He pointed to the federal government shutdown last fall as a warning sign of how quickly food insecurity can escalate.

“When that support wavered, the anxiety in our community was palpable,” Jackson said, noting that food pantries in Fulton and Fayette counties were stretched beyond capacity. “Our food banks are heroic, but they cannot do this work alone.”

Ife Finch, director of economic justice at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, said changes under HR 1, a federal tax and spending law passed last summer, would increase Georgia’s share of SNAP administrative costs from 50 percent to 75 percent starting this fall. Without full funding, Finch warned, the state could face nearly $47 million in losses and risk hundreds of millions of dollars in future penalties tied to benefit payment errors.

“SNAP is the largest and most impactful anti-hunger program in the country,” Finch said. “If we fail to fund administration properly, families will feel the consequences first.”

Isabel Otero, policy director at the Southern Poverty Law Center, said families are being asked to absorb the consequences of political decisions they did not make.

“SNAP is how hundreds of thousands of our neighbors keep food on the table,” Otero said. “Too many families are being asked to carry the cost of choices they did not make and cannot afford.”

Lawmakers also emphasized SNAP’s importance to Georgia’s economy, particularly in rural areas. State Rep. Kim Schofield said SNAP usage is often higher outside metro Atlanta, with some rural counties seeing participation rates above 30 percent. She noted that SNAP supports local grocery stores and jobs, with billions of dollars flowing into Georgia’s economy through food purchases and related industries each year.

“This is not just an urban issue or a rural issue,” Schofield said. “It’s about keeping families fed and our local economies stable across the state.”

The advocacy event coincided with Physicians’ Day at the Capitol, an annual lobbying day organized by the Medical Association of Georgia. State Rep. Dr. Michelle Au, who attended the SNAP event after meeting with fellow physicians, said food access is inseparable from public health, noting that doctors routinely see the effects of food insecurity on children and families.

Love Dyre, a single mother raising two children with special needs, including a nonverbal son who requires full-time care, told the crowd that his limited diet and medical needs make grocery costs especially high, and that caregiving responsibilities prevent her from maintaining steady outside employment. Dyre said she now homeschools her children after traditional school settings did not meet her son’s needs, and that SNAP benefits have provided stability when other resources fall short.

“Sometimes it can be one o’clock in the morning, and I might need something for my son,” Dyre said. “The food pantry is not going to help me.”

The post Advocates urge Georgia Lawmakers to fully fund SNAP as federal cost shifts loom appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Noah Washington

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Joe Reisigl

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Photo by Bryce France

Local restaurateur William Pitts, founder of Saints + Council in Colony Square, recently debuted his newest venture, just steps away from his first. Replacing Sukoshi on Peachtree Street, Cuevacía is an authentic Mexican restaurant designed to transport guests far beyond Colony Square and into Oaxaca’s historic architecture. The space has been completely remodeled, transitioning from a counter-service format to an elevated, sit-down restaurant complete with a bar. The food and drinks, too, are much more complex; there’s a mole with 27 ingredients.

Cuevacía means “empty cave” or “empty tomb.” As such, Pitts wants guests to feel as though they’ve stepped into a building more than 500 years old. “This kind of ambiance was a niche missing in Mexican in Atlanta,” he says. “This is what it feels like when you visit the museums and the old churches and the Michelin-starred restaurants in the old buildings in Oaxaca.” 

Cuevacía reflects that vision with limestone surfaces rather than veneer, reclaimed wood, and architectural elements meant to suggest a space shaped slowly over time. Throughout the nearly 100-seat restaurant, small cave‑like seating nooks create a sense of intimacy, giving diners a momentary escape from the busy Midtown surroundings. Expect vaulted, barrel ceilings, green velvet seating, and iron railings.

Photo by Bryce France

While the decor sets the tone, the food at Cuevacía is just as rooted in tradition. Pitts stresses that authentic Mexican cuisine is too often overshadowed locally by Tex‑Mex interpretations. At Cuevacía, authenticity begins with masa brought in directly from Mexico, used to make tortillas pressed by hand throughout the day. The kitchen leans into northern Mexican influences as well, using high‑end cuts of meat and slow‑braising techniques that celebrate regional cooking. 

Led by chef de cuisine Aaron Paik—who honed his skills at the Fontainebleau in Miami—the menu is completely from-scratch. Entrees include tlayudas (similar to Mexican pizza) layered with cheese, beans, avocado, tomatoes, chicken, or steak; banana leaf-wrapped tamales with poblanos, masa, chicken, and red mole; chochoyotes with shrimp in an herb broth; and slow-cooked beef in a rich, dark mole, finished with queso fresco, and pickled jalapeño onions. Diners will find familiar dishes in a menu section titled “Americana,” but often with subtle reinterpretations, such as guacamole brightened with a touch of mango. At dinner, guests are welcomed with a small, one‑bite “probadita,” or gift from the chef. This intentional gesture sets the tone for a meal of unique flavors such as pepita brittle or a tiny ramekin of molten Oaxacan cheeses crowned with mole. 

Photo by Bryce France

Photo by Bryce France

Lunch service begins February 18. The menu aims lighter with a focus on salads, taquitos, and molletes (traditional open-faced sandwiches). Sunday brunch leans traditional with huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and, for something sweet, tres leches French toast.

Cuevacía’s beverage program mirrors the kitchen’s focus on craft. Beverage director Eric Bradley—who also leads the Saints + Council drink program—built a 20-page bar list anchored by 130 mezcals and tequilas. Guests can explore it via flights or cocktails. Spirit-free options include mocktails, aquas frescas, Topo Chico and Jarritos sodas. The restaurant also offers a compact but thoughtful wine list featuring South American and Spanish producers, along with a lineup of Mexican beers. For dessert, there’s Mexican‑style hot chocolate.

Photo by Bryce France

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Carly Cooper

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There has been plenty of talk about how the Black male vote impacted the 2024 presidential election. Whether one believes it helped the current administration secure the electoral votes in Georgia or hurt the previous vice president’s chances of becoming the first woman to hold the office of Commander-in-Chief, the Black male vote will be under the microscope again in 2026.

Georgia has just over two million registered Black voters, according to data from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. The impact on an election can be swung in either direction if the Black voter base decides to support a candidate. In the 2026 gubernatorial election, several Black men are running for the state’s top seat. Former State Representative Jason Esteves, former multi-time statewide elected official Michael Thurmond, who most recently was the DeKalb County CEO, and State Representative Derrick Jackson (D-68) are all running for the governor’s seat and will have the attention of the state’s Black male voters.

On Tuesday, January 3, Esteves held what was being advertised as a Black men’s roundtable downtown at Atlantucky, a local business owned and operated by the rap group, Nappy Roots.  

Black men gathered in small groups near the bar closest to the stage and at the tables near the windows. The room was full of potential voters, and they were there to hear what Esteves had to say about running for governor. Before he took the stage, he shook hands with the men in attendance, posed for photos, and exchanged greetings. 

Asked how impactful the Black male vote can be in not only the gubernatorial election, but the other races being settled in November, Esteves said, “Black men have always had a significant impact on elections in this state. We are the second most reliable block when it comes to Democrats.” 

With the most reliable voting bloc being Black women, the Black male vote has a certain significance in these Georgia races, like it did when Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock was running, for example.

“In order for me to build a multi-generational, multi-racial coalition that it’s going to take to win, Black men are going to be an important part of that coalition. Which is why discussions like this are so important.”

Esteves said he wanted to make sure he was in front of Black male voters talking about the solutions to problems that are plaguing Black communities, but also 

“I’m the only candidate in this race who is offering plans and real solutions to the problems that people face every day,” he said. 

During the event, Esteves introduced a Black Men’s Agenda, a three-part agenda based on health, wealth, and opportunity. As one of four Black men running for governor, Esteves, a husband and father of two children, said that no matter who is running, the three pieces of his agenda are of interest to the voters. Black, white, Hispanic, or otherwise.

“No matter who you are, you care about those things,” he said. “We all know what the issues are, and for a long time, politicians ignored those issues.”

The former State Senator was joined on stage by State Rep. Eric Bell (D-75), who introduced him to the crowd, Curtis Akeem, founder of D Dubs Arts Foundation, Mario A. Reyes, the president of Undugu Brotherhood, a grassroots organization, Atlantucky’s operations manager Kevin Irvin, and Marty Monegain, the executive director of The Black Man Lab. Each man took a moment to introduce himself, his organization, and his profession before Esteves began explaining why they were there.

“This is a powerful moment as I look around the room and see Black men gathered to talk about the issues,” Esteves said. “We’re going to have a real discussion about the issues.” 

Sitting on stage at one of the few Black-owned breweries in Georgia, Esteves acknowledged that Black men don’t always get recognized for their contributions to the communities they live in, the families they help raise, and the businesses that help make those communities better. 

“We have to counteract that narrative,” Esteves, a small business owner, said. “We have this roundtable here this evening, and we’re going to continue to have roundtables throughout this election to make sure people understand that I’m not just talking the talk, I’m actually walking the walk. 

“We need to make sure we have a governor that has a plan, and I certainly have plans.” 

During the roundtable, the topics of discussion included investing in early childhood education, medicaid expansion, building fresh food systems throughout Georgia, strengthening fatherhood rights, and creating a universal childcare plan. Esteves has often used the state’s budget surplus as a way to pay for these programs and others. One of those programs would be a billion-dollar small business low-interest loan program. 

Many of the Black men in the room, who one could assume will be voters in the primary election in May and in the general election in November, took time to ask Esteves questions during and after the roundtable. He has their attention

“Black men need to know they are an integral part of the winning formula here in Georgia,” Paramount Consulting Group founder and CEO Tharon Johnson told The Atlanta Voice during a recent discussion on the Black male vote.

Johnson agreed with Esteves that the Black male vote will lean Democratic when the chips are down, and both men said Black voters want to be heard. 

“I believe Democratic candidates are going to take their concerns very seriously,” Johnson said. 

Esteves closed the evening by saying that he’s running to change politics in Georgia. His candidacy, along with those of Michael Thurmond, Olu Brown, and State Rep. Derrick Jackson, gives Georgia’s Black voters multiple Black male options in the May primary.

“If we work together, organize together, and vote together, we’ll change the face of leadership in this state,” Esteves said. 

The post Will Georgia’s Black male vote impact the 2026 election cycle? appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Donnell Suggs

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With a little over 100 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup lands in Atlanta, business owners and locals are prepping for the deluge of soccer fans, fun activations, and profitable opportunities that will accompany the biggest sporting event in the world. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and the City of Atlanta’s business leaders gathered on the second floor of City Hall on Tuesday to announce resources and grants designed to help Atlanta entrepreneurs prepare for and participate in major global events.

“When events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the rest of these events come to our town, I want to see that what they do happens with Atlanta and not to Atlanta. That belief led to the creation of Showcase Atlanta. One of our city’s greatest strengths, both culturally and economically, is our small business community,” Dickens said. 

Showcase Atlanta is a regional leadership initiative dedicated to ensuring Atlanta’s diverse business community is front and center as large-scale events come to the city. At the press conference, Dickens announced the Showcase marketing grant program, which provides eligible businesses in the Downtown Atlanta, Castleberry Hill, and Westside areas up to $5,000 in grants to increase visibility and customer engagement during national and global events. 

To qualify, the business must: 

• Be a local, small business located in the City of Atlanta
• Have a City of Atlanta business license
• Have been operating and in good standing for the past 12 months

Advancing his Year of the Youth initiative, Dickens also announced the Showcase Atlanta Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator, a program that is a part of the FIFA Human Rights Action Plan. The accelerator program will identify “exceptional” young people under 21 who are interested in starting and growing a business. Through the program, young aspiring entrepreneurs will receive tailored training on how to form a legal business, obtain a vendor license, participate in high-visibility marketplaces across the city, and provide pathways to vend at designed city events. A select few will receive a special ATL youth vendor license, which will allow them to obtain funding and a vendor space to sell their goods during the FIFA World Cup. 

“We spent some time listening to what businesses are telling us, and they’re telling us what they need: access to, capital, visibility, marketing support, workforce connections and clear and trusted information around the World Cup events. Today’s announcements highlight access to funding resources, workforce opportunities, pop-up activations, educational workshops and more,” Dickens said. 

In conjunction with the initiatives that Showcase Atlanta put forth, Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, announced additional funding for small businesses during large-scale events. The Atlanta Business Readiness Loan Fund is designed to help small businesses prepare and capitalize on large events by aiding them in obtaining the capital to hire staff, purchase inventory, upgrade equipment, and strengthen overall operations.

The loans will amount to between $5,000 and $15,000 with a 5% match, allowing up to 115 businesses to benefit from the program. Payments on the loans won’t start until August. 

A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, announced the Downtown Pop-up Opportunity Fund, which will award a limited number of grants to eligible landlords seeking to improve and occupy their vacant retail storefronts. Lamar Stewart, interim executive director of Showcase Atlanta, introduced the Small Business Readiness Online platform, where registered small businesses can receive personalized curricula after an assessment to help them gear up for large-scale events and open additional funding pathways. 

More information on these resources and applications can be found at showcaseatlanta.com/business.

The post Small Businesses are at the forefront of Atlanta’s mind ahead of FIFA World Cup appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Laura Nwogu

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(Family Features) If you’re tired of the same bland protein bars and powders, there’s a tastier way to rehydrate and replenish after exercise: fresh fruit.

With a delicious solution like watermelon, you can look forward to post-workout recovery snacks, smoothies and shakes. While watermelon satisfies your sweet tooth, it’s also a nutrient-dense food, according to the FDA, which qualifies foods and beverages as nutrient-dense when they contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other beneficial substances that may have positive health effects.

Plus, watermelon is 92% water, making it a delicious way to rehydrate and boost daily fluid intake since you don’t need to rely only on what you drink to meet hydration needs. Every day, you lose water through breathing, perspiring and more, and even mild dehydration can drain your energy. For your body to function properly, it’s important to replenish your water supply with water and foods that contain water.

Incorporating a variety of healthy ingredients like turmeric, kefir and collagen can help round out post-exercise recipes for both everyday athletes and active lifestyles. Consider this Watermelon Beet Post-Workout Smoothie as a convenient option for boosting energy or rehydrating after a long workout. Blend and enjoy watermelon, banana, beet, kefir and more to stay motivated day after day.

Loaded with superfood ingredients that provide a beneficial boost, a Rosy Red Superfood Smoothie combines watermelon, raspberry, hemp, kefir and agave for a perfect post-workout beverage. Or, to ensure your protein fix doesn’t become a bore, turn to a Watermelon Protein Shake that just might become your new go-to recovery drink with watermelon, mango and tart cherry juice.

To find more wellness-inspired smoothies and shakes, visit Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Beet Post-Workout Smoothie

 Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

 Servings: 2

• 1/2       medium cooked and peeled beet, chopped
• 1           cup chopped watermelon
• 1            banana, peeled
• 1/2        cup coconut water
• 1            cup low-fat, plain kefir
• 1/2        lime, peeled
• 2            tablespoons honey
• 1           teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2           tablespoons vanilla protein powder

1. In blender, blend beet, watermelon, banana, coconut water, kefir, lime, honey, vanilla extract and protein powder until smooth

Rosy Red Superfood Smoothie

Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

 Servings: 3

• 2        cups watermelon cubes
• 1         cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1         cup low-fat raspberry kefir
• 2         tablespoons orange juice concentrate
• 2         tablespoons hemp seeds
• 2         tablespoons agave syrup
• ice (optional)

1. In blender, blend watermelon, raspberries, kefir, orange juice concentrate, hemp seeds, agave syrup and ice, if desired, until smooth.

Watermelon Protein Shake

Recipe courtesy of Chrissy Carroll on behalf of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

 Servings: 1

• 1         cup chopped watermelon
• 1         cup frozen mango, chopped
• 1/4         cup tart cherry juice
• 1/2         cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/2         scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder
• 1         tablespoon honey or to taste (optional)

1. In blender, blend watermelon, mango, cherry juice, Greek yogurt, protein powder and honey about 30 seconds until well combined.

SOURCE:

National Watermelon Promotion Board

The post Supercharge Workouts with Watermelon Smoothies and Shakes appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Courtesy of Family Features

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Myrydd Wells Walljasper

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(CNN) — President Donald Trump called on Republicans to “nationalize the voting” in an interview that aired Monday, as his administration pushes to overhaul election ground rules ahead of the pivotal midterm races this year.

“The Republicans should say, we want to take over, we should take over the voting, the voting in at least many, 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting,” Trump told Dan Bongino, the former deputy director of the FBI, in a podcast appearance.

The president’s comments come less than a week after the FBI searched an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, which has long been a centerpiece of Trump’s baseless claims that his 2020 loss to Joe Biden was fraudulent. The search was related to a Justice Department effort to seize election records and search for alleged voter fraud in the county, CNN previously reported.

“We have states that are so crooked and they’re counting votes. We have states that I won, that show I didn’t win,” Trump said. “Now you’re going to see something in Georgia where they were able to get with a court order, the ballots, you’re going to see some interesting things come out.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Trump himself directed her to go to Atlanta for the controversial search. In a sign of his involvement and interest in the probe, Gabbard put the president on the phone with some of the FBI agents involved in the search, according to two sources familiar with the call, with one source saying the conversation consisted of a brief “pep talk.”

The White House said Tuesday that Trump was talking about the need for a national voter ID requirement when he called on Republicans to “nationalize the voting.”

“What the president was referring to is the SAVE Act,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that Trump had spoken with GOP congressional leaders about the legislation, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. “It provides very commonsense measures for voting in our country, such as voter ID.”

Leavitt said Trump’s comment about taking over the voting in 15 places was also tied to his desire for a voter ID law, insisting he was referring to states where he believes there’s been a “high degree” of election fraud.

Critics have warned the SAVE Act threatens to restrict voting access by creating unnecessary hurdles that will make it harder to register to vote and wrongfully disenfranchise legitimate voters.

Elections are run by state and local officials, with the federal government playing only a limited role. But that hasn’t stopped Trump from attempting to revamp how elections are conducted.

Last year, he signed an executive order seeking to require voters to show proof of US citizenship when registering to vote in elections and prohibit states from counting mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. While it’s been partially blocked in federal court, noncitizens are already prohibited from voting in federal elections.

On several occasions, Trump has pledged to change how the country votes, zeroing in on methods he falsely claims lead to fraudulent voting. In August, he said he was going to “lead a movement” to end mail-in ballots, and vowed to sign an executive order banning them, in addition to voting machines. He did not end up signing the order.

The president also kicked off a rare mid-decade redistricting campaign intended to help Republicans win additional US House seats in November’s midterm elections.

The Justice Department, which has amplified claims that undocumented immigrants have infiltrated US elections, without independent evidence, has sued two dozen states for full voter rolls, including personal information such as Social Security numbers and home addresses.

Some Democratic election officials have moved to prepare for potential federal government intrusion in the midterms. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon told CNN late last month that he and his colleagues have discussed a range of moves, from seeking to protect voters from interactions with federal law enforcement at polling places to navigating the administration’s push for access to personal information about tens of millions of voters.

“This is now a legitimate planning category. It’s extraordinarily sad, but it would be irresponsible for us to disregard the possibility,” Simon said during the annual winter meeting of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Democratic secretaries of state said they were reluctant to provide explicit details about their advance planning for fear of alarming voters or providing a roadmap for any bad actors. But they said their preparations were evolving with the novel risks posed by the administration.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

The post Trump calls on Republicans to ‘nationalize’ future elections appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, Samantha Waldenberg and CNN

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On April 4, 2026 — a day Atlantans know simply as 404 Day — the city will lace up for something new. The 404 Run, a 4.04-mile community run rooted in Atlanta culture, is set to debut at Pittsburgh Yards, bringing together runners, walkers, and neighbors to celebrate movement, identity, and hometown pride.

Unlike traditional races built around standard distances, the 404 Run embraces what makes Atlanta different. The 4.04-mile course is a direct nod to the city’s iconic area code — a reminder that Atlanta has always moved to its own rhythm.

“This isn’t about speed or competition,” said Stacy Magee, race director and president of Efitphany Races & Events. “It’s about celebrating Atlanta through movement. The 404 represents who we are — our creativity, our grit, our pride — and this run gives the city a way to express that together.”

A Distance That Reflects the City

While most races stick to familiar formats, the 404 Run was intentionally designed to break away from the norm. The 4.04-mile distance serves as both a physical challenge and a cultural statement — one that reflects Atlanta’s individuality and refusal to be boxed in.

“We didn’t want to create another generic race,” Magee said. “Atlanta doesn’t move like anywhere else. So the distance shouldn’t either.”

Open to runners and walkers of all paces, the event emphasizes participation, shared experience, and community connection rather than finish times or podium placements.

Rooted in Community at Pittsburgh Yards

Hosting the race at Pittsburgh Yards underscores the event’s commitment to community. Known as a hub for innovation, culture, and economic development, the space represents the kind of forward-thinking Atlanta the 404 Run aims to celebrate.

After completing the course, participants will gather in the 404 Village, a post-run community space featuring local sponsors, wellness activations, music, and opportunities to connect with organizations doing work across the city.

Building a New Atlanta Tradition

With more than 650 people already registered, organizers say the early response reflects a growing desire for events that feel authentically Atlanta — experiences created by and for the city, not imported concepts.

A portion of proceeds from the run will support cancer research, and hundreds of participants have registered in honor of loved ones impacted by cancer, adding another layer of meaning to the event.

“This is about building something people can say they were part of from the very beginning,” Magee said. “This first year is the foundation. Years from now, we want people to look back and say, ‘I ran that first one.’”

Telling Atlanta’s Stories

As the Official Media Partner, The Atlanta Voice will help amplify the stories behind the 404 Run — from the runners and neighborhoods involved to the broader conversation around movement, wellness, and community in Atlanta.

Through race-week coverage, community spotlights, and editorial storytelling, the partnership will highlight how Atlanta continues to show up for itself.

Event Information

What: The 404 Run
When: April 4, 2026 (404 Day)
Distance: 4.04 miles
Where: Pittsburgh Yards, Atlanta
Registration: www.the404run.com
Instagram: @the404run

Registration is now open.

About Efitphany Races & Events

Efitphany Races & Events is an Atlanta-based experiential events company focused on creating purpose-driven, community-centered experiences. Through movement, the organization aims to bring people together, strengthen communities, and celebrate identity across the city.

The post Join the 404 Run on April 4, 2026: Celebrate Atlanta’s spirit appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

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Photo by Kat Johnson

When I told my kids they were going to drive race cars, there were some concerns.

“But I don’t have a license, Mommy,” my 7-year-old lamented.

“Will we have to wear helmets?” my 9-year-old whined.

But one sip of our Designated Drivers (aka mocktails) quickly turned those frowns upside down. We were lucky to experience a preview of F1 Arcade, a new-to-Atlanta entertainment space opening February 6 in the Interlock on the Westside. Created by one of the founders of Puttshack and Flight Club, Adam Breeden, the high-energy restaurant, bar, and race car simulator venue first launched in London in late 2022 and recently introduced locations in Denver, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas.

Photo by Kat Johnson

Locally, the 15,500-square-foot space boasts 68 full-motion racing simulators, each with dual screens, surround sound, and eight tracks identical to Formula 1 tracks around the world. Drivers pay $20 for three races (about six minutes each) or $25 per person for five races as a team.

“You do not need to be an F1 fan to be here,” explains Liz Norris, vice president of U.S. launch strategy and communications. “You just need to be competitive, like adrenaline, and be open to try something.”

The simulators look complicated, but there are only a few buttons that matter. Like in F1, drivers use both feet—left for the brake pedal and right for the gas. The seats are adjustable based on your size. Even so, my shorty daughter required three cushions to prop her forward and high enough to drive. Had that not been an option, she could’ve utilized hand petals instead.

We started by scanning an on-screen QR code with our phones to connect the simulators to our names and pre-paid account. Then we used the steering wheel to select a driving level from Rookie (featuring full driver’s assist) to Elite (the most challenging). Courses are randomly assigned—our first was Las Vegas. When the on-screen lights all flash red, it’s time to race. The goal is to go as fast as possible without veering off the green arrow in the center of the track. Some of us struggled more than others. My husband quickly upgraded to Casual on the second race, while I kept crashing into walls. As we raced, my son, in particular, was keen on calling out each of our places on the leaderboard and jeering competitively when one of us passed him.

Courtesy of F1 Arcade

Lest you worry about lack of innate skill, note that accolades are awarded for everything from fastest average speed and fewest collisions to most time spent on the grass and highest damages. It was really nice to have a reason to applaud my daughter: “Lowest average speed? Yaaaay, Sydney!”

The races go by quickly, as they’re both exhilarating and exhausting. The constant seat jostling (think roller coaster rattling) and loud car noises can be a lot if you’re sensitive to motion or sound. However, Norris says a sensory-sensitive option is available upon request.

Three races in, we took a break for lunch. The options range from elevated—oysters and spicy tuna tartare—to classic—pepperoni flatbread and Caesar salad. Offerings lean spicy, so read the menu carefully. Our family liked the Wagyu beef sliders, pulled brisket tacos, and crispy French fries. For those who visit early, a brunch menu is available, featuring a sausage and bacon burrito, chicken and waffles, and avocado tostada.

Courtesy of F1 Arcade

After lunch, the kids were eager to return to the races. This time, we opted to play on teams. It became more interactive, as we could cheer on our partner when we weren’t behind the wheel. I could envision this working well for corporate team-building events and double date nights.

F1 welcomes all ages before 7 p.m., and switches to a 21-and-up spot afterward. There’s no cost just to hang out, and in addition to mocktails, a full beverage menu is available. Curated by Netflix “Drink Masters” champion LP O’Brien, it features signature cocktails such as the VIP Pass made with bourbon, mezcal, lemon, vanilla-passionfruit, and raspberry dust, served with a shot of Moet and Chandon. The Smokin’ Lap is a good choice for those who let the camera drink first, as it features rye, black walnut, bitters, and cherry, with smoke billowing out.

When F1 Atlanta opens on February 6, the first 100 guests will receive a Founder’s Club Card, entitling them to half-off food for first 3 months. Norris says Formula One watch parties, sound-on sports viewing, and DJ nights are in the works too.

No license or helmet needed.

Courtesy of F1 Arcade

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Carly Cooper

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Barlow’s, a premium breakfast brand founded by Atlanta entrepreneur Tiffani Neal, has been selected for retail placement in the museum store of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C. The placement coincides with Black History Month, offering museum visitors the opportunity to experience products from a Black-owned brand rooted in heritage, tradition, and culinary excellence.

Now available at the museum store are Barlow’s signature 3-in-1 Original Pancake, Biscuit, and Waffle Mix ($10.00) and the brand’s award-winning Peach Cobbler Syrup ($8.99), crafted in small batches. Located at 1400 Constitution Avenue NW on the National Mall, the NMAAHC is the nation’s premier institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture.

Barlow’s is named in honor of Neal’s grandfather, Arthur Harris Barlow, a U.S. Army veteran and farmer whose perseverance and work ethic shaped his family’s legacy. Although he spent his life working land he could never own, his determination inspired a new generation. Neal has transformed that legacy into a nationally recognized brand, offering nostalgic breakfast staples that celebrate resilience, tradition, and community.

“To have our products featured at the National Museum of African American History and Culture is deeply meaningful,” said Neal, founder of Barlow’s Foods. “This milestone honors my grandfather’s story and reflects what’s possible when heritage, hard work, and vision come together.”

Barlow’s products are crafted with simple, all-natural ingredients, including organic unbleached flour. The proprietary mix was originally developed in Neal’s home kitchen and later refined in collaboration with food scientists at the University of Georgia. The brand’s seasonal syrups, including its best-selling Peach Cobbler Syrup, are made using whole fruit and produced in small batches.

From its beginnings at Atlanta farmers markets to national platforms such as QVC and select Fresh Market locations throughout Georgia, Barlow’s continues to expand its reach while remaining committed to its mission: bringing families together over delicious, better-for-you breakfast favorites.

The post Atlanta’s Barlow’s breakfast brand makes history at NMAAHC museum store appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

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