THE ROOF AT PONCE CITY MARKET steps its game up!

Whoa! 19-hole mini golf on The Roof?! What will they think of next?

Cheers Y’all!

I love showing off the Atlanta skyline when I bring visiting friends, business partners, and family to The Roof at Ponce City Market. And now, I just got the news that they stepped their game up with a new, 18-hole miniature golf course! Based 10 stories above the historic Ponce City Market, the roof already boasts boardwalk games and rides at Skyline Park, the upscale 9 Mile Station dining destination, 12 Cocktail Bar’s elevated sips, RFD Social, and dope roller skating rink, SK8 The Roof. With the new 18-hole golf course, I need to get back up there and see what they did with once of my favorite locations to kick it in Georgia’s capital. Below is additional info straight from the source.

See you there!

 

THE ROOF AT PONCE CITY MARKET UNVEILS ALL-NEW MINIATURE GOLF COURSE, PLUS REIMAGINED GUEST EXPERIENCE

Adventures Await with The Roof’s 18-Hole Mini Golf Course, Weekday Tee Time Happy Hour, SK8 The Roof, Nightly Laser Show, Boardwalk Games & Rides, & More

The Roof at Ponce City Market announced today the opening of its new, 18-hole miniature golf course, plus new ticket options, allowing guests general admission access with the chance to “choose your experience” by adding mini golf. Opened in 2016, The Roof at Ponce City Market sits 10 stories above the iconic community hub’s historic main building and features classic boardwalk games and rides at Skyline Park, elevated American dining at 9 Mile Station, world-class cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar, a multi-tiered bar, gaming parlor, and private events space at RFD Social, and a rooftop roller skating rink, SK8 The Roof.

Set against the iconic Atlanta skyline, The Roof continues to offer a one-of-a-kind destination for dining, drinks, play, and events. The new mini golf experience was completely redesigned from the ground up by legendary golf course architect Bobby Cupp, known for his work on iconic Atlanta courses like Druid Hills Golf Club and Bobby Jones Golf Course, and brings the same thoughtful design principles to a playful, rooftop setting. The course introduces a more dynamic, elevated style of play with enhanced contours, new challenges, and a modern aesthetic inspired by today’s most engaging golf experiences. Whether guests are visiting for a casual round, a competitive group outing, or a date night with a view, the new course delivers a fresh take on a classic favorite. 

New this season, The Roof is also introducing Tee Time, a weekday happy hour. Offered Monday through Friday from 3-5pm, Tee Time features half-price mini golf and three-dollar Lucky One Lemonade or Tea, creating the perfect midweek moment to step away from the day, grab a cocktail, and get a round in with friends, coworkers, or out-of-town guests. 

Guests can pair their visit to The Roof with food and beverage offerings at 9 Mile Station or stop by 12 Cocktail Bar, which now hosts a monthly dinner series, Speakeasy Supper Club. The experience begins with cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar before moving to the Roebuck Room for a family-style dinner. Plus, RFD Social, a 16,000-square-foot multi-level destination equal parts speakeasy, parlor, and rooftop hideaway, offers cocktails poured with precision, parlor games, and gatherings full of vintage glamour.

Back again this spring and summer is SK8 The Roof, the rooftop roller rink with high-energy vibes and skyline views with a nostalgic twist, and the nightly, high-energy Laser Light Show at 9:15pm. This unforgettable visual experience under the stars is projected directly onto Ponce City Market’s iconic tower and paired with lively music for the ultimate vibes. The show is included with admission to The Roof, so every guest can get a view of the action.

Alongside the mini golf renovation, The Roof has introduced “choose your experience” ticket options, allowing all guests to enjoy general admission access ($15+ for adults, $7+ for kids 12 and under) to The Roof’s boardwalk games, rides, and SK8 The Roof, with the option to add mini golf ($12 for adults, $7 for kids 12 and under). Kids ages three and under are free to visit The Roof and play mini golf, and The Roof is open to all ages all the time. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets and more information about admission to The Roof are available here.

“We’ve always believed The Roof should feel like a place you can come back to again and again,” said Mandy Slater, owner of Slater Hospitality. “Not every visit looks the same, and now it doesn’t have to with our new flexible tickets. You can come up for the views, grab a drink, meet friends, and when you’re ready, jump into a round of mini golf that feels new each time you play it.”

About The Roof at Ponce City Market – Owned and operated by Slater Hospitality, The Roof is Atlanta’s go-to destination for fun, featuring Skyline Park’s classic games and rides, elevated American dining at 9 Mile Station, world-class cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar, and now, SK8 The Roof – a rooftop roller rink taking summer play to new heights. 

About Ponce City Market – Ponce City Market is a five-building, three-million-square-foot community hub in Atlanta, Georgia. The mixed-use property, located along Ponce de Leon Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward, features a dynamic blend of local and world-class food and retail offerings, Class A office space, and suite of residential and hospitality living options. With public green space and direct access to the Atlanta Beltline, Ponce City Market has become a defining marker of place in Atlanta’s urban landscape and iconic destination for area residents and visitors. Reflecting Atlanta's evolving identity, Ponce City Market brings together the old and new in one integrated community – with a buzzing food hall at its core. The property includes the adaptive reuse of an historic Sears, Roebuck, and Co. store and distribution center, as well as a series of newly constructed buildings with modern amenities and design features. For more information, visit: poncecitymarket.com. 

SKYLINE PARK & MINI GOLF HOURS:

Monday-Thursday: 3pm –10pm

Friday: 3pm – Midnight 

Saturday: 11am – Midnight

Sunday: 11am – 9pm

TEE TIME HAPPY HOUR

Monday–Friday: 3-5pm

www.poncecityroof.com

@poncecityroof

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

 Atlanta, GA 30308

 

Creature Comforts turns 12!

We kicked it hard at Creature Comfort's 11th birthday,
and this year should be even more of a blast!

It’s no secret that Creature Comforts is one of my favorite breweries and I have a rich history with them including  me choosing them to collaborate with me to make this year’s Piano Keys chocolate and vanilla imperial stout. Needless to say, we crushed it! Well, they are turning 12 next weekend—Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2—at its Athens Taproom (271 W. Hancock Ave) and it will be a helluva weekend judging from all their past birthday celebrations. Hopefully there will be some more Keys left to pour from the taps in case you haven’t had it plus merch to cop, but regardless, there are so many one-off brews, cocktails, special concoctions to enjoy during the festive vibes.

Below is all the information straight from the source.

Cheers!

Cheers! Creature Comforts Celebrates 12^th Anniversary May 1-2

State’s largest independent craft brewery to showcase its spirits lineup alongside live music, DJs, food trucks, glassware and more

Creature Comforts, an award-winning, purpose-driven craft brewery, is hosting a community-wide 12^th anniversary celebration on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at its Athens Taproom (271 W. Hancock Ave.). The weekend festivities are free to attend and include specialty beer and spirit releases, live music, DJs, food trucks, and limited-edition merchandise.

“Creature Comforts exists to foster human connection, and great drinks help bring people together,” said Creature Comforts Co-Founder and CEO Adam Beauchamp. “We want to meet our passionate fans in different areas of the bar menu. And, we’re excited to showcase the full range of Creature’s beverage offerings, including some surprises from our expanding spirits portfolio.”

Specialty Tropicalias + Limited Release Beers

Guests can enjoy core and seasonal drafts alongside limited releases, including new variations of the brewery’s flagship Tropicália IPA. Highlights include versions dry-hopped with New Zealand Riwaka and Krush hops, each designed to showcase distinct flavor profiles.

Additional releases include:

●      Creature XII – an Imperial West Coast IPA brewed with experimental hops

●      12-Year Anniversary Stout – aged 24–58 months in select bourbon barrels

●      One-off drafts like Summer Grapefruit Radler and Orange Creamsicle

Expanding Spirits Lineup + Sneak Peeks

The weekend also spotlights Creature Comforts’ growing spirits lineup, including unreleased offerings available throughout the taproom and at Cura, the brand’s cocktail bar located next to the brewery.

The brand’s spirits lineup includes Sun Glow, a ready-to-drink vodka seltzer made with 7x distilled American vodka, real fruit juice and no added sugar, available in Cherry Lime, Peach, Citrus and Tropical. Full-bottled house spirits include London Dry Gin, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and Coffee Liqueur.

Featured cocktails include:

●      Moscow Mule, Finnish Long Drink, Matcha Honey Bourbon Highball

●      Frozen favorites like Bee’s Knees, Blueberry Daiquiri, and Paloma

●      Cura exclusives such as a Peach Julep and Revolver (featuring house coffee liqueur and small-batch bourbon)

●      Saturday highlights include creative cocktails like a Strawberry Basil Bee’s Knees and Spicy Pineapple Margarita made with infused spirits.

DJs, Bands + Food Onsite

Entertainment spans both days, with DJs and live bands including Athens All Stars, Night Fever, The Four Fathers, Funk Brotherhood, Karma Kat, Cicada Rhythm, and Thee Lo-Fills. Food trucks include Punta Cana Latin Grill (Friday) and Cafe Racer (Saturday).

Award-Winning Beers + Growing Presence

Known for its wide range of highly rated and award-winning beers, Creature Comforts offers year-round and seasonal offerings such as Tropicália (American IPA), Classic City Lager (Lager), and Flash Cat (Hazy Imperial IPA). Classic City Lager earned Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival in 2022 and 2024.

Since its founding, Creature Comforts has grown into the 29th largest craft brewery in the U.S. In 2023, it was named the Official Taproom and Craft Beer of University of Georgia Athletics. Earlier this month, the Creature Comforts Beer Garden opened in Chattanooga, Tenn.

For more information about Creature Comforts, please visit www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com.

 

The SweetWater 420 Fest Is this weekend!

Cheers Y'all!

It's about to be on this weekend in ATL regarding one of my favorite music and beer festival combos, the annual SweetWater 420 Fest! Below is all the info direct from the source celebrating its 21st birthday! The direct link for the tickets is here.
I hope to see you there. 

SweetWater 420 Fest Announces New Artists, Sustainability Efforts, Experiences and Ticket Giveaway Coming for 21st Year

The festival kicks off in one month at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park

 

SweetWater Brewing Company (“SweetWater Brewing” or “SweetWater”), the leading craft beer brand in the Southeast by Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY and TSX: TLRY), today announced additional musicians and experiences coming to Sweetwater 420 Fest 2026 taking place April 17-18. 

The festival, held for the first time this year at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, features incredible headliners over Friday and Saturday, including Umphrey’s McGee, Thievery Corporation and Chromeo, alongside sets from The Moss, lespecial, Cimafunk, Watchhouse and more. Bluegrass jam band Clay Street Unit has also been added to the line-up, playing a set on Saturday and the winners (TBA) of SweetWater’s Battle of the Bands will be performing on Friday. 

The 21st iteration of 420 Fest continues the festival and the brewery’s commitment to sustainability. Clean water advocacy nonprofits Waterkeeper Alliance and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will be on the festival grounds, promoting their conservation efforts and highlighting their partnership with SweetWater Brewing Company. One dollar from each beer sale will be donated to Waterkeeper Alliance to support this important work, and attendees can also choose to make an additional donation at the time of ticket purchase. 

“We deeply value our longstanding partnership with SweetWater Brewing Company and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to protect and restore waterways across the Southeast,” said Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance. “Through this collaboration, we advance our global mission to defend the right to clean water by mobilizing local action and stewardship in the greater Atlanta area and beyond. We’re grateful for partners who help turn that mission into impact on the Chattahoochee River and surrounding communities.”

SweetWater Brewing Company and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper have worked to protect Georgia’s waterways, primarily through the “Save Our Water” program for over 20 years. The Chattahoochee River not only provides drinking water for over 5 million Atlantans, but also is a primary ingredient in SweetWater’s brews. Additionally the Bellwood Quarry, located in Shirley Clarke Franklin Park and visible from the ground of this year’s 420 Fest, stores much of the city’s emergency drinking water, an accomplishment attributed to the park’s namesake. 

“The Chattahoochee River is the lifeline of clean drinking water in Atlanta and partners like SweetWater allow us to bring awareness to the conservation issues the river faces each and every year,” said Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. “We’re looking forward to being back at the festival, educating festival go-ers about the importance and the impact of Shirley Clarke Franklin Park and getting them involved with the great work and clean-ups we have coming this year with SweetWater.”

SweetWater has also announced another way for fans to snag tickets to 420 Fest 2026. Through the end of the month, fans who buy two 12-packs of SweetWater’s craft classic 420 Extra Pale Ale will receive a free 1-day general admission ticket for 420 Fest. 

“We’re officially a month out from 420 Fest 2026 and can’t wait for fans to experience both our 21st festival, but also what we expect to be one of our best 420 Fests yet,” said Mike Boudreaux, South East Events and Brand Activation Manager for SweetWater. “Each year, the DNA of our festival remains the same, but with these bands, these partners, this location and new, affordable ways for fans to join us, we’re ready to get the party started!”

To purchase tickets and/or get updates on the festival, please sweetwater420fest.com. 

Introducing the 'Velvet Cake Hop Blend' partnership!

Cheers Everyone!

I am happy to present the Velvet Cake Hop Blend partnership between Roy Farms and my National Association of Black Brewers (NB2A) team, This is a historic collaboration. In a nutshell, the official press release states, "The partnership marks a historic philanthropic initiative that provides both access to educational resources and capital for underserved and underutilized small businesses and brewers within the Black diaspora in the United States. A portion of the sales of this specialty hop blend will benefit the efforts of the National Black Brewers Association."

I proudly had a hand in the conception of the Velvet Cake Hops alongside the NB2A and Roy Farms, by conceptualizing and designing the logo for it. You know how I love the creative side of whatever a project needs. I am excited to see this collaboration come into fruition and work alongside brewers across the world. Cheers again to Roy Farms for understanding the importance of diversity and equity within the industry. 

Read on below for a more informative explanation direct from the source. 

Holler!

The properties of the new Velvet Cake Hops. 

Roy Farms of Moxee, Washington Launches Premium ‘Velvet Cake Hop Blend’ in Partnership with the National Black Brewers Association 

Roy Farms, a multi-generational farm located in Moxee, WA, announces the launch of the Velvet Cake hop blend, a new premium hop blend created in partnership with the National Black Brewers Association nonprofit 501(c)(6) and members' support network. With oversight from Roy Farms leadership, Master Brewers from the National Black Brewers Association hand-selected the blend to add to Roy Farms' world-class portfolio of hops. The blend will be released for purchase From Roy Farms and partners for the first time at the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America that will be hosted in the city of Philadelphia — April 20-22, 2026.

Members of the National Black Brewers Association visited Roy Farms during 2025 Harvest to hand-select their favorite varieties and create the first-ever Velvet Cake Hop Blend. The group collectively agreed upon a blend consisting of 40% Cashmere, 30% Azacca, 15% Chinook and 15% Amarillo, imparting desirable notes of Sweet Candy-like, Citrus and Tropical with hints of Resin & Spice.

Roy Farms has been at the forefront of agriculture and sustainability since the family’s first harvest in 1907. As a leader in both conventional and organic hop growing, Roy Farms is a fully integrated hop grower and processor, ensuring the highest quality from field to pellet. Additionally, Roy Farms serves as the managing partner of Latitude 46°, a Pacific Northwest breeding company dedicated to discovering innovative and sustainable hop varieties for future brewers.

The partnership marks a historic philanthropic initiative that provides both access to educational resources and capital for underserved and underutilized small businesses and brewers within the Black diaspora in the United States.  A portion of the sales of this specialty hop blend will benefit the efforts of the National Black Brewers Association.  

“This partnership is a vital example of leadership working together in the food and beverage sector to build and foster community.  The Velvet Cake hop blend is a very phenomenal product that embodies the best attributes of collaboration, fellowship, and STEM research.  We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this milestone occasion will bring forth.”

- Jon Renthrope, President, National Black Brewers Association

“Roy Farms is beyond grateful to collaborate with NB2A on this exciting new blend.  Life is layered much like this blend with opportunities and surprises around every corner. We hope to be a partner for good alongside the enthusiastic and driven people associated with the NB2A, while adding a dash of fun as well.  This blend has familiar, favorite notes with a unique twist.”

- Michael Roy, President, Roy Farms

My bro and NB2A member Rodney with Mertier Brewing Co. literally working hands-on with the Velvet Cake Hops, 

 For more details please email sales@royfarms.com

 

It's Team Hidi time Sunday, March 15th at Truist Park!

 

Cheers Everyone!

You know I always have love for The Giving Kitchen, serving as a proud member and representative of their team who collectively does everything they can to support food workers in times of need. Speaking of teams, their annual Team Hidi event is happening on Sunday, March 15^th at Truist Park. Here is the site. You will eat and sip with some of the most esteemed gourmands, entrepreneurs, executives, and restauranteurs, but most importantly, you will be contributing to an awesome cause! Below are the details straight from TGK, including a list of who will be participating, and what this event is all about.

See you there!

 

Join us on Sunday, March 15, 2026, as we return to Truist Park for an evening of exclusive tastes and unforgettable experiences from nearly one hundred of Atlanta's most esteemed restaurants including James Beard Award winners, Michelin-recommended favorites, and beloved neighborhood gems. 

Welcome to all our returning and new Team Hidi attendees! We are excited to share this unforgettable evening with you! Each year, we elevate this experience, and we're thrilled to feature seasoned favorites, new restaurants joining Team Hidi for the first time, top entertainment, and our legendary Team Hidi live auction that brings energy and excitement to the night.

All benefiting food service workers! 

To elevate your experience, we're offering three unique ways to enjoy the evening:

 

Grand Slam VIP
Early admission at 3:30 p.m. with first access to the event. Enjoy exclusive tastings, VIP area access, specialty sips during the Tastemaker hour, a signature gift bag (one per household), and meaningful moments with special guests, plus the full Team Hidi experience.

All guests enjoy tastes and sips from 90+ partners along the First Base Concourse, Outfield Market, and Monument Garden, with live music and our signature Team Hidi auction.

 

Tastemaker VIP
Early admission at 4:00 p.m. before General Admission opens. Enjoy unique tastings and sips during the Tastemaker hour, special guest interactions, and a signature gift bag (one per household), along with the full Team Hidi experience.

All guests enjoy tastes and sips from 90+ partners along the First Base Concourse, Outfield Market, and Monument Garden, with live music and our signature Team Hidi auction.

 

General Admission
General admission opens at 5:00 p.m. and includes access to tastes and sips from 90+ partners throughout the First Base Concourse, Outfield Market, and Monument Garden, plus live music and the signature Team Hidi auction.

 

The official Piano Keys press release is here!

Peace Y'all!

Here is the official press release for the two main events featuring my Piano Keys Chocolate and Vanilla Imperial Stout collaboration with one of the best brewing companies in the nation, Creature Comforts. Both the delectable stout  and stunning merch will be very limited, so make sure you get yours asap at one of these meetups and local Atlanta retailers and celebrate this beer originally built to promote diversity and equity in the beverage industry.. 

Below is the official press release. 

Thank you for being a part of the journey. 

Cheers!

Creature Comforts Celebrates Ale Sharpton’s 30 Years in Craft Beer by Remixing Piano Keys Imperial Stout

Revered beer pioneer based in Atlanta, Sharpton’s collaboration launches in February

Creature Comforts Brewing Company, an award-winning, purpose-driven craft brewery, announced today that the brand is celebrating Ale Sharpton’s 30 years in craft beer by remixing his Piano Keys Imperial Stout. Dennis Malcolm Byron—better known as nationally recognized beer pioneer Ale Sharpton—is a journalist, photographer, creative and advocate of craft beer.

There will be two public events (one in Athens, another in Atlanta):

●      Piano Keys beer launch - Friday, February 13, beginning at 5pm at Creature’s Taproom (271 W. Hancock Ave, Athens)

●      Ale’s birthday celebration - Monday, February 23, from 7-10pm at Terminal West (887 W. Marietta St NW, Ste C, Atlanta)

“Creature Comforts is excited to take our stout expertise and showcase Ale Sharpton's vision while we celebrate all he's done to elevate and celebrate the world of craft brewing,” said Adam Beauchamp, co-founder and CEO of Creature Comforts. “This is the 30th anniversary of this beer icon, and we are proud to team up with him to mark the occasion.”

Piano Keys is a chocolate and vanilla imperial 9.6% ABV stout featuring cocoa nibs from the Athens-based Condor Chocolates and an elite blend of hand-selected vanilla beans from around the globe. The decadent aromas of fig and dark chocolate are balanced by the soft, sweet flavor of vanilla for an imperial stout that smells as good as it tastes. The collaboration is being brewed in commemoration of Ale’s first beer article published in 1996.

“When I first conceptualized Piano Keys eight years ago, my motivation was fueled by equity and education within the beer industry,” said Sharpton. “The resulting unique imperial stout was embraced and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. I learned a lot during the process, and, along with the welcomed requests from Piano Keys fans, I wanted to return with a second version of the beer. It was important for me to identify the ideal brewery to partner with to remix everything from the artwork to the merchandise, and ultimately, the formula.”

Sharpton continued, “As a journalist, I covered Creature Comforts since their inception more than a decade ago. Creature’s reputation for crafting stellar beer, clever marketing, and philanthropic efforts made them the ideal partner. After I approached Creature to produce a 2026 version of Piano Keys, it became immediately clear that they would be a dope and perfect fit for realizing my new vision.”

As a journalist and marketing consultant, Sharpton continues to passionately travel the globe covering automobiles, culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage”—beer. Sharpton has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites, including USA Today, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, James Beard, Atlanta Magazine, among others. He can also be seen or heard on numerous websites, radio stations, podcasts, beer fests and conferences. Sharpton served as the second vice president of the National Black Brewers Association. Alongside his wife, Andrea, Sharpton co-founded BrewGether, a social impact organization that connects craft breweries and urban agriculture.

Creature Comforts has experienced incredible growth since its inception in 2014, becoming the 31^st largest craft brewery in America. Known for its wide range of highly rated and award-winning beers, the Creature Comforts line-up includes year-round and seasonal offerings such as Tropicália (American IPA), Classic City Lager (Lager), Flash Cat (Hazy Imperial IPA), among others. Classic City Lager has won two Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival in 2022 and 2024. In 2023, Creature was named the Official Taproom and Craft Beer of UGA Athletics. 

In 2025, Creature Comforts expanded into spirits-based beverages, part of a years-long strategic decision to broaden its mission and portfolio of beverage offerings with the addition of Sun Glow, a ready-to-drink vodka seltzer, as well as house-made cocktails to its taproom, and multiple small-batch, bottled spirits available for sale in in the taproom and the new cocktail bar, called Cura, which the company opened on the footprint of its Athens taproom location.

For more information about Creature Comforts, please visit www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com. 

Piano Keys is coming back!

 

Here, me and the homie—brilliant brewmaster and co-founder
Blake Tyers from Creature Comforts—are meeting up to go over the new Piano Keys formula.

Cheers Y'all!

The remix, relaunch, reintroduction... whatever you want to call it, Piano Keys is back! 

First, thank you to New Belgium. After a great eight years working with them producing my original version of Piano Keys, along with some limited editions using mint and different chocolates, I took a year to see how I wanted to take things forward. It was a wondrous journey with the famous, trailblazing beer company based out of Colorado; I will never forget how they were the first to present me the opportunity to create my own beer. I will always love them for that and will be forever grateful. 

After much deliberation and planning, I thought it would be best to work with a team that was closer to where I live here in Atlanta, has a history of brewing great beer, was always a part of the community, continues to care about diversity particularly in the world of brewing, and most importantly, employs good people. Creature Comfort checked all those boxes. 

You will be hearing more on this website and on my Instagram, including when the official dates are, the numerous events I will be co-hosting alongside Creature Comforts, and how to get the new merch. Just know that February is the big month it will all happen, including the 30th anniversary of Ale Sharpton on February 23rd at Terminal West. That's going to be crazy!

Until then, I appreciate you the most for being a part of my journey, as we celebrate three decades of my career in journalism covering music, cars, travel, food, and, of course, the beer industry. I have been told many times that I am also the first craft beer influencer, so I am embracing that too! Thank you for having my back. The saga continues.

Much love!

ATL’s beloved EATS is about to set up shop at Wild Heaven West End in 2026!

 

Bob Hatcher, original founder and owner of EATS, is teaming up with Nick (L) and Eric (R) of 

Wild Heaven West End in early 2026! (Photo courtesy of Caren West PR)

Cheers Y’all!

I have known the owners of Wild Heaven, Eric and Nick, since they poured me their first two beers they were introducing to the Georgia market a year before opening their Avondale doors in 2014. Now, three locations later, Wild Heaven is partnering with culinary icon of Atlanta, EATS. The ATL staple known for their jerk chicken and meat-and-threes combos for more than 30 years, shocked the city with the announcement of closing their doors just a couple months ago. Well, ATLiens didn’t have enough time to mourn thanks to breaking news announcing their soon-to-be resurrection at Wild Heaven’s West End location at the Lee + White complex! 

Below is the announcement straight from the source and everyone should be very excited. Oh, and shout out to El Tesoro, who is passing on their space they were using at Wild Heaven to EATS, and moving just a few 100 feet down in the same complex. Ultimately, everyone is making moves when you mess with Wild Heaven!

See you there soon!

 

---------------

WILD HEAVEN BEER ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF ICONIC ATLANTA RESTAURANT BRAND, EATS

With the new year comes a new chapter, and Wild Heaven Beer is proud to announce that it has acquired EATS, the iconic Atlanta restaurant brand known for its legendary jerk chicken, meat-and-threes, and nearly three decades of feeding the city with heart. Beginning in the new year, Wild Heaven will become the steward of the EATS brand, continuing its legacy in the city from their West End location at the Lee + White complex.

This transition comes as its current food partner, El Tesoro, prepares to move from its taproom kitchen. While they will no longer operate inside Wild Heaven West End, the brewery team is thrilled that El Tesoro won’t be going far and will soon be neighbors elsewhere within the Lee + White development. Wild Heaven wishes them continued success and looks forward to sharing the block with them.

“EATS has been part of Atlanta’s culinary DNA for decades,” said Nick Purdy, Wild Heaven Co-President. “We’re honored to carry that torch forward. Our goal is to preserve what people have always loved about EATS while giving it a thoughtful, sustainable home inside our West End brewery. The goal isn’t to be an EATS tribute band but to reach 99% fidelity to the experience so many Atlantans treasure. Eric and I couldn’t be prouder to have a chance to steward the next chapter of EATS."

Bob Hatcher, original founder and owner of EATS says, "Just when I thought it was over, I was approached by a group adamant about keeping the EATS brand alive— longtime customers and friends, Brent & Amity Dey, along with Wild Heaven Brewery owners, Nick and Eric. With longstanding EATS manager Levi Nichols on board, I’m excited for this next chapter and to welcome our loyal community back to their favorite booths."

The entire Wild Heaven team is grateful for the opportunity to help keep one of Atlanta’s most cherished food institutions alive and thriving as they look forward to this next venture. West End taproom guests can expect a refreshed but familiar EATS experience that honors the original flavors and spirit of the brand. Additional details — including menu updates, timeline specifics, and special events — will be shared in the coming weeks.

Wild Heaven Beer has three locations in Atlanta: West End (1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310), Avondale (135B Maple St, Decatur, GA 30030) in Avondale Estates, and Toco Hills (2935B N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329). Visit wildheavenbeer.com for more information. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wildheaven or on Instagram and Twitter at @beerwildheaven. 

Happenings in ATL leading up to 2026!

 

Happy Holidays Y'all!

It’s that time again when holiday parties and celebrations are in full swing leading up to the new year, 2026! And with that, I am going to send you different events happening throughout Atlanta that you should strongly consider enjoying. In this post, it's all about Summerhill, one of my favorite neighborhoods and I have enjoyed seeing how it has burgeoned over the last few years. All the info is coming straight from the source and I can vouch for all the spots below since I have been there at one time or another. And with that, thank you for joining me on my journey in 2025 and soon, beyond! Cheers!   Summerhill Ushers In December with Festive Pop-Ups, Holiday Menus and Celebrations Summerhill is turning up the cheer this December with holiday pop-ups, spirited parties, winter menus and celebratory dining across the neighborhood. From cozy Christmas hideaways and masquerade balls to prix fixe traditions and community programming, here’s what’s happening in Summerhill this month. Halfway Crooks is bringing a double dose of holiday cheer to Summerhill with new seasonal experiences. Boeven Bar brings a playful Christmas takeover with festive cocktails, the return of its Christmas ale and giftable merch. Upstairs, the brewery hosts its first Boeven Ball on Dec. 20, a masquerade formal with DJ Folkstar, tastings and a welcome schnapps. Little Bear is closing out the year with expanded service and several beloved holiday events. Beginning this week, the restaurant has added Tuesday dinner service, moving to seven nights a week. Little Bear will also reopen on Christmas Eve and Christmas Night for its annual Jewish Chinese Christmas Prix Fixe events. The restaurant will ring in 2026 with a fancy New Year’s Eve prix fixe on Dec. 31, followed by regular dinner service on New Year’s Day. Reservations are available via Resy. Wood’s Chapel BBQ once again offers its Christmas catering menu with smoked entrées, sides and gingerbread cheesecake. Orders are due Dec. 16 for Dec. 23 pickup. The restaurant also debuts an “Elf” pop-up through Dec. 31 with themed décor, cocktails and a photo booth.

 

 

LIVE COMEDY AT THE GEORGIA HEMP COMPANY while sippin' nine dot!

 

Whaddup?!

I don’t know about you, but I could use a good laugh and here is a dope opportunity with, well, high hopes. On Wednesday, November 12, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Skewed Orbit Studios and The Georgia Hemp Company are bringing ATL a comedy show backed by the THC-infused Nine Dot beverage company to set the mood. I dig the concept and where it takes place makes even more sense, with Georgia Hemp also hosting it in Decatur (1524 Church St Decatur, GA 30030). Tickets are $20 and can be copped at www.skewedorbitstudios.com/ourevents. The Georgia Hemp Company Decatur is located at 1524 Church St Decatur, GA 30030 and guests must be 21+ to attend.

The official info is below straight from the source below.

See you there!

SKEWED ORBIT STUDIOS PRESENTS HIGHLY HILARIOUS: LIVE COMEDY AT THE GEORGIA HEMP COMPANY

A Night of Endless Laughs from Top Comedians, Infused Libations from Nine Dot, and All Around Good Vibes

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Pairing pre-rolls with punchlines, Skewed Orbit Studios and The Georgia Hemp Company are giving guests a whole new way to roll with laughter. A one-night-only live comedy show, Highly Hilarious is the perfect joint event where comedy meets cannabis on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at The Georgia Hemp Company’s Decatur location. 

A hub for top talent in Atlanta’s comedy scene, Skewed Orbit Studios is taking the show on the road with this special community pop-up. As doors open at 7:30 p.m., comedy enthusiasts can grab a seat and a complimentary Nine Dot beverage to get the good vibes going early. The show starts at 8 p.m. with sets laced with laughter and sharp wit from an incredible lineup of talent including Nathan Loe, David Perdue, Jay Badlani and Mookie G along with Skewed Orbit Founders Rachel LaForce and Alex Gettlin. 

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.skewedorbitstudios.com/ourevents. The Georgia Hemp Company Decatur is located at 1524 Church St Decatur, GA 30030 and guests must be 21+ to attend. Stay connected with Skewed Orbit Studios on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @skewedorbitstudios. 

WHAT:            Highly Hilarious: Live Comedy Show 

Presented by Skewed Orbit Studios, The Georgia Hemp Company and Nine Dot

WHEN:            Wednesday, November 12, 2025

TIME: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.         

WHERE:         The Georgia Hemp Company - Decatur

1524 Church St

Decatur, GA 30030

COST:  $20

TICKETS: https://www.skewedorbitstudios.com/event-details/highly-hilarious-live-comedy 

CONNECT:  skewedorbitstudios.com, thegeorgiahempcompany.com, and drinknine.com.