SweetWater 420 Festival 2026

Soul food and Black culinary heritage in Atlanta GA

In the heart of Atlanta, the evolution of soul food reflects a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.

Established in 1947, the Busy Bee Café has long been a cornerstone of the city's culinary scene.

In 2026, this iconic eatery is set to open a second location at Atlantic Station, offering expanded seating and a broader menu while preserving its cherished recipes.

Chef Demetrius Brown, known for his acclaimed Heritage Supper Club, plans to launch a brick-and-mortar restaurant named Heritage in Summerhill.

Scheduled for a 2026 opening, Heritage aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of African, Caribbean, and Afro-American cuisines, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.

Atlanta's culinary landscape is further enriched by events like Black Restaurant Week, which in 2025 spotlighted over 40 Black-owned establishments.

These gatherings not only showcase diverse cuisines but also foster community engagement and support for Black entrepreneurs.

In the West End, the vegan food scene thrives, rooted in the Black community's commitment to health and heritage.

Established in 1979, Soul Vegetarian #1 offers plant-based versions of classic soul food dishes, while Tassili's Raw Reality Café specializes in raw vegan fare, reflecting a dedication to nourishing both body and soul.

These developments underscore Atlanta's role as a hub where Black culinary heritage is both honored and reimagined, ensuring that the soul of the city's food scene continues to thrive.

"It's impossible to be unhappy in a city like this." - John Mayer

Designer brands affordable and savings in Atlanta GA

Nordstrom Rack is set to open a new location in Atlanta this fall, bringing designer brands at discounted prices to the heart of Midtown Atlanta.

The upcoming 28,000-square-foot store will be situated at Atlantic Station, a vibrant lifestyle center known for its diverse retail and entertainment options.

This addition aims to enhance the shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.

Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "We look forward to being a part of the Atlanta community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices."

She also highlighted the convenience of services such as online order pickup and easy returns, emphasizing the company's commitment to customer satisfaction.

The new store will occupy the space previously held by DSW, which closed its doors in January after nearly two decades at Atlantic Station.

This transition reflects the dynamic nature of the retail landscape in the area.

Vikram Mehra, senior managing director at Hines, the property management firm for Atlantic Station, welcomed the addition, noting that Nordstrom Rack is a natural fit for the retail mix and will offer the value-driven fashion and home selections shoppers desire.

Atlantic Station has recently experienced a series of retail changes, including the closure of Publix in December.

The introduction of Nordstrom Rack signifies a positive shift, aiming to attract more shoppers and revitalize the shopping center.

For those seeking designer brands at discounted prices, the new Nordstrom Rack at Atlantic Station promises to be a go-to destination in Midtown Atlanta.

Shoppers can look forward to a wide selection of apparel, accessories, beauty products, home decor, and shoes from top brands, all at significant savings.

As the opening approaches, anticipation builds for this exciting addition to Atlanta's retail scene.

No Coding Required

Teaching Experienced Professionals to Build Apps

Why did the Atlanta journalist go to therapy? 

Because he had too many "unresolved issues"!

Amanda Spann, a serial app creator,author, and founder of The App Accelerator, has spent years proving that you don't need a computer science degree to build a scalable digital solution. Her students - career professionals pivoting from finance, marketing, sales, and other non-tech fields - are launching app-based businesses, generating six-figure revenue, and rewriting what it means to be a tech entrepreneur in 2026.

Why it matters

Spann's work is challenging the traditional path to tech entrepreneurship, which has often required technical skills or a computer science degree. By empowering non-technical professionals to build successful app-based businesses, she is expanding economic mobility and opportunities in the tech sector, especially for those without formal coding experience.

The details

Spann's new book, "I Have an App Idea: The Essential Guide to Building an App Without Tech Skills," arrives next month. In it, she distills the proven methodology her students are already using to turn concepts into revenue-generating businesses. Spann's framework teaches non-technical professionals how to validate their ideas, build prototypes, and launch their apps without having to learn how to code.