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Georgia lawmakers wrap session with budget, major bills

Gov. Brian Kemp now has 40 days to act on dozens of end-of-session bills.

News

Georgia lawmakers worked into Friday morning to pass a nearly $39 billion budget and a slate of bills before the legislative session ended.Why it matters: Sine die is lawmakers&#x27; final chance to pass priorities — and with 2026 elections looming, the pressure to deliver wins intensified.

Wayfair's second large format store opens in Atlanta

The store has 18 departments, and many items will be available to purchase on site.

Business

Wayfair&#x27;s second brick-and-mortar store is now open in Atlanta, bringing the mega-retailer&#x27;s online experience to in-store shoppers.Why it matters: The 150,000-square-foot store&#x27;s opening finally brings an anchor tenant back to The District at Howell Mill shopping center after Walmart closed in 2022.

New ad blitz shows how tariffs hurt small businesses

The campaign is targeting Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Nashville and Newark because they are located in states hit hardest by tariffs.

A new month-long ad campaign is hitting Atlanta and other cities Monday to try to bring attention to small businesses who have been affected by tariffs.Why it matters: According to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveys by the Council on Foreign Relations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="2813c8e9-99ea-480c-89b8-db8300a649a1" data-vars-headline="New ad blitz shows how tariffs hurt small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs" target="_blank">surveys by the Council on Foreign Relations</a>, two-in-five Americans mistakenly believe a tariff is paid by a foreign country. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research from the New York Fed " data-vars-click-url="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/" data-vars-content-id="2813c8e9-99ea-480c-89b8-db8300a649a1" data-vars-headline="New ad blitz shows how tariffs hurt small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/" target="_blank">Research from the New York Fed </a>and Columbia University shows nearly 90% of the tariffs President Trump enacted in 2025 were paid by U.S. firms and consumers.

Metro Atlanta growth defies U.S. immigration-driven slowdown

Population increases in the region and in some Georgia counties are defying national trends.

Metro Atlanta is continuing to grow as most counties nationwide see an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration-driven slowdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="65e27264-5442-43d7-9a81-4c26d636d3c3" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta growth defies U.S. immigration-driven slowdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">immigration-driven slowdown</a>, new U.S. Census data shows.Why it matters: The new data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

How to skip the line at Little Tart Bakeshop

Pre-orders, midweek mellowness and another location for pastry fans

Food and Drink

Long weekend lines are worth the wait at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Tart Bakeshop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.littletartatl.com/" data-vars-content-id="78861d8d-576c-4f49-9c3c-a212755d5c0c" data-vars-headline="How to skip the line at Little Tart Bakeshop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.littletartatl.com/" target="_blank">Little Tart Bakeshop</a>, the tried-and-true intown bakery with locations in Grant Park, Summerhill and at farmers markets around town.Yes, but: If you want speedier access to cloud-fluffy croissants and pastries, there are plenty of ways to get your fix without the wait, owner Sarah O&#x27;Brien told Axios.

Atlanta's chicken wing bracket: Voters have crowned a winner

In the final round, 119 voters chose The Local over JR Crickets — and it wasn't close.

After a week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="of voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/26/atlanta-best-chicken-wings-bracket" data-vars-content-id="c61a1662-0980-4b51-b39f-e8a86404a63c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s chicken wing bracket: Voters have crowned a winner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/26/atlanta-best-chicken-wings-bracket" target="_self">of voting</a>, Axios Atlanta readers have crowned the winner of our chicken wing bracket challenge: The Local.The Latest: In the final round, 119 voters chose The Local over JR Crickets — and it wasn&#x27;t close, with roughly 75% choosing the former over the famed establishment.

Torchy's Tacos to close West Midtown restaurant

The restaurant chain's only location in Georgia opened in August 2024.

A Texas-based taco chain will close its Atlanta restaurant — and the only location in Georgia — roughly 18 months after it opened to customers.Driving the news: Torchy&#x27;s Tacos confirmed to Axios that it will close the eatery at 1055 Howell Mill Road in West Midtown.<ul><li>Torchy&#x27;s last day serving customers will be Monday, Feb. 3, Jane Beck, a spokesperson for the restaurant, told Axios.</li></ul>

Atlanta's best chicken wings: Vote in our Super Bowl wing bracket

Atlanta's wing debate is heating up just in time for the big game. Vote in our Sweet 16 bracket to help crown the city's best chicken wings.

With the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl right around the corner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/14/seattle-s-super-bowl-dream-runs-through-the-49ers" data-vars-content-id="3811d786-de04-4d2a-aa3d-0af64f72cb67" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s best chicken wings: Vote in our Super Bowl wing bracket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/14/seattle-s-super-bowl-dream-runs-through-the-49ers" target="_self">Super Bowl right around the corner</a> and March Madness not far behind, one thing is certain: A lot of wings will be eaten.State of play: Before the holidays, I asked readers where they go for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city&#x27;s best chicken wings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/14/best-chicken-wings-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="3811d786-de04-4d2a-aa3d-0af64f72cb67" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s best chicken wings: Vote in our Super Bowl wing bracket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/11/14/best-chicken-wings-in-atlanta" target="_self">the city&#x27;s best chicken wings</a>. The response was overwhelming, passionate — and, in some cases, deeply personal.

Bill would make lemon pepper Georgia's official chicken wing flavor

State Rep. Eric Bell said his "lighthearted" bill recognizes lemon pepper wings as a Southern staple that represents Georgia's cultural flavor and global influence.

Should lemon pepper be classified as the state&#x27;s official flavor for wings? One Georgia legislator thinks so.Why it matters: ATLiens were already hip to the flavor, but national audiences were introduced to the blend when Darius, a character portrayed by actor LaKeith Stanfield in the TV show &quot;Atlanta,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marveled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLQO6UYTt58" data-vars-content-id="0693c039-07e1-4c7f-b952-38963ae141f0" data-vars-headline="Bill would make lemon pepper Georgia&#x27;s official chicken wing flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLQO6UYTt58" target="_blank">marveled</a> at a to-go box filled with wings tossed in a lemon pepper wet sauce.

Atlanta restaurants, chefs named 2026 James Beard semifinalists

Finalists will be unveiled March 31, and winners will be announced June 15.

Several Atlanta chefs and restaurants have been named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards.Why it matters: The awards are one of the food and drink industry&#x27;s most prestigious prizes.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers opens new location near The Works

The new location is at the corner of Chattahoochee Avenue and Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard in the Underwood Hills neighborhood.

A restaurant known for its unique mashup of burgers is opening its sixth standalone outpost in Atlanta&#x27;s Upper Westside.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grindhouse Killer Burger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.grindhouseburgers.com/" data-vars-content-id="95034f69-c1ea-4759-9eb2-d40c28086c82" data-vars-headline="Grindhouse Killer Burgers opens new location near The Works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.grindhouseburgers.com/" target="_blank">Grindhouse Killer Burger</a>&#x27;s new location adds another restaurant option in the rapidly redeveloping Underwood Hills neighborhood.

Months after closing Ponce location, Eats to reopen in West End

Eats will operate in Wild Heaven Brewery's West End taproom adjacent to the Beltline's westside trail.

Nearly three months after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eats closed its popular restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/03/atlanta-eats-restaurant-closing-ponce-de-leon-33-years" data-vars-content-id="2bdbaf12-b8b6-437a-b650-f309fe6574ad" data-vars-headline="Months after closing Ponce location, Eats to reopen in West End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/03/atlanta-eats-restaurant-closing-ponce-de-leon-33-years" target="_self">Eats closed its popular restaurant</a> on Ponce de Leon Avenue, the Atlanta culinary staple will reopen in a new home.Why it matters: Eats built a loyal following over the last 33 years by serving comfort food at affordable prices.

Busy Bee Cafe to open 3rd restaurant at Centennial Yards

The new location for the restaurant, which originally opened in 1947, will serve beer, wine and cocktails.

The team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Busy Bee Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebusybeecafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="65267cea-383a-444a-827e-efb9a125f89b" data-vars-headline="Busy Bee Cafe to open 3rd restaurant at Centennial Yards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebusybeecafe.com/" target="_blank">The Busy Bee Cafe</a> has signed a lease to open inside a luxury apartment complex at Centennial Yards.Why it matters: The iconic soul food restaurant, which originally opened in 1947 and has attracted big names over the years, has earned industry recognition with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Bib Gourmand" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/georgia/atlanta_2884144/restaurant/the-busy-bee" data-vars-content-id="65267cea-383a-444a-827e-efb9a125f89b" data-vars-headline="Busy Bee Cafe to open 3rd restaurant at Centennial Yards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/georgia/atlanta_2884144/restaurant/the-busy-bee" target="_blank">Michelin Bib Gourmand</a> designation and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard &quot;America&#x27;s Classic&quot; award" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/announcing-the-2022-americas-classics-winners" data-vars-content-id="65267cea-383a-444a-827e-efb9a125f89b" data-vars-headline="Busy Bee Cafe to open 3rd restaurant at Centennial Yards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/announcing-the-2022-americas-classics-winners" target="_blank">James Beard &quot;America&#x27;s Classic&quot; award</a>.

Street work cuts into brunch restaurant's profits 2 years after launch

Eat My Biscuits and other businesses along Main Street have been holding on for dear life since early 2025 when crews began construction.

Three years after retiring from teaching and moving to Atlanta from Chicago in 2020, Vanetta Roy opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eat My Biscuits" data-vars-click-url="https://eatmybiscuits.com/" data-vars-content-id="8d6c14f2-8936-4ebb-8cd5-2258386fe25c" data-vars-headline="Street work cuts into brunch restaurant&#x27;s profits 2 years after launch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://eatmybiscuits.com/" target="_blank">Eat My Biscuits</a> — a restaurant concept she&#x27;d been mulling since the early days of the pandemic.Why it matters: More than two years into serving breakfast and brunch to customers in East Point, the business owner says the city&#x27;s downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multimodal improvement project" data-vars-click-url="https://eastpointga.gov/downtown-multimodal-improvement-project/" data-vars-content-id="8d6c14f2-8936-4ebb-8cd5-2258386fe25c" data-vars-headline="Street work cuts into brunch restaurant&#x27;s profits 2 years after launch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://eastpointga.gov/downtown-multimodal-improvement-project/" target="_blank">multimodal improvement project</a> is hampering her ability to make a profit.

Food and Drink 🍽

Atlanta's James Beard Awards finalists

Eats reopens inside Wild Heaven in Atlanta

Muchacho brings tacos to West Midtown

How to skip the line at Little Tart Bakeshop

Atlanta's chicken wing bracket: Voters have crowned a winner