The Atlanta 100 | 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

More Tears From Charlottesville

Three hundred torch-bearing marchers surrounded Jefferson's statue in front of his beloved Rotunda and beat counter protestors Friday night in Charlottesville. (Illustration by Heidi Rizzi, © 2017 The Atlanta 100)

I was to fly into Charlottesville this week to repair a brick walkway I built 40 years ago at my alma mater and to call on potential clients, but after this past weekend’s tragedy, I canceled.

Watching protesters bloodying others Friday night beneath the statue of UVA founder Thomas Jefferson below his beloved Rotunda, I wondered what Jefferson – perhaps the most civil leader America produced – might say.

Yes, he is famous for once writing, “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.” Also this: “When angry, count to 10 before you speak. If very angry, count to 100.”

– Chris Schroder, SPR Atlanta

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Food

Southern Wing Showdown

Wing lovers can expect live music by Battlefield Collective, savory sides and Southern spirits at the event.

Get ready to grab a wet wipe, Atlanta, because the 2nd annual Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown is Sunday, August 20, produced by Taste of Atlanta.

Held at The Foundry at Puritan Mill beginning at 2 p.m., this wing-filled event (20,000 wings to be exact) will feature 25 chefs from Atlanta, Nashville, Charleston, Charlotte and Savannah serving up their unique take on the classic chicken wing. All proceeds from the event will benefit two local charities, Project Open Hand and Second Helpings Atlanta.

General admission tickets are $30 until August 19 and $40 at the door.

Want to win free tickets? Check out our Instagram, @atlanta100, to learn more!

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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public relations

Crisis That Kept On Giving

The original restaurant that was the flagship of a once-successful chain whose brand was unfortunately named. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Last week, I trained a client’s team on crisis management.

It sparked memories of the first crisis I not only witnessed, but certainly exacerbated as a rookie newspaper reporter covering a restaurant’s disastrous opening. I instantly liked the amiable first-time general manager who’d moved his family to the Mississippi riverside town with few dining choices to serve up tasty pancakes, burgers and salads.

The stories I wrote – about labor complaints, food poisoning and a kitchen fire – began with the largely African-American community’s backlash against the franchise’s unfortunate name: Sambo’s. It was the 1,117th franchise. Today, there’s one.

100 Plus is an occasional feature of The Atlanta 100. Click on the 100 Plus logo to read the rest of the story, which includes more words, photos, videos, etc. Readers have told us some stories just need more words. Now they do!

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travel

Spa, Golf, Shoot at Pursell Farms

The Spring House Spa at Pursell Farms is housed in this adorable home. (Photo courtesy of Pursell Farms)

Pursell Farms, a family-owned farm, has been welcoming golfers to its top-rated FarmLinks course and has branched out to attract non-golfers like me.

We loved tooling around on the golf cart and shooting sporting clays at the Orvis Shooting Grounds. While my husband golfed, I got an excellent stone massage at the cute little spa. Accommodations include homes with beautiful bedrooms and shared common areas. A 40-room inn will open sometime next year.

Pursell is in Sylacauga, Alabama, about a 2.5-hour drive from Atlanta. For more on Pursell Farms, see “3 Escapes from Atlanta.”

— Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

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The Millennial Motorist

Introducing The Millennial Motorist

The Millennial Motorist is a new video review series featuring cars perfect for Millennials.

In 2011, I triumphantly purchased my first car. Leading up to that moment was 1,000 hours of research and 23 test drives. The Carmax folks were glad to see me go.

My passion for cars has only strengthened since, so in addition to writing and speaking on Millennial-related topics, I’ve decided to help my generation find the best new cars through entertaining car reviews!

My “Cars” column will be renamed “The Millennial Motorist,” and will generally focus on cars <$50,000. I’ll be routinely posting content to my Facebook page and YouTube account. Check out my first review.

– Chris Butsch, The Millennial Motorist

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Events

Yoga & Improv at The Battery

The Plaza at The Battery offers a unique space to hold fun events for guests. (Photo courtesy of The Battery)

In an effort to help guests relax the mind and spirit, The Battery at SunTrust Park is offering new Thursday programming, including yoga and improv.

Last Thursday, The Battery launched its first public fitness class, Yoga in the Plaza, a partnership with Vita-Prana Yoga. The classes are free to the public and will continue through October 26, except on game days.

If yoga isn’t your idea of stress relief, Whole World Theatre of Atlanta is bringing improv to the Plaza beginning tonight, with additional performances on September 14 and October 19. Improv performances are also free to the public.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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restaurants

Grandma Pie Elevates Pizza Experience

The magical Grandma Pie at O4W Pizza has a devoted fan base, who speak of its minimalist perfection and possibly being sprinkled with fairy dust.

It has no fancy ingredients – just the basics of mozzarella, marinara, pecorino romano cheese, oregano and basil. It comes in one size, 16 inches square. It doesn’t even have a trendy name — it’s called Grandma Pie.

We strolled into O4W Pizza in Duluth on a recent visit to Parsons Alley, expecting our usual pizza experience. After the diners next to us extolled the virtues of the Grandma Pie, we ordered one.

It was one of the best pizzas we’d ever had, most likely due to the quality of the ingredients. Leftovers heated in a cast iron skillet were also delicious.

— Jan Schroder, The 100 Companies

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the arts

MODA’s New Text-Centric Exhibit

Over 50 artists and designers will participate in the exhibition, including Allison Bechdel, Ken Carbone and Seymour Chwast. (Image courtesy of Rodrigo Corral)

The newest exhibition opening at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) will explore our primary tool of human communication and connection: text.

“Text Me: How We Live in Language” shows the significance of typography and its effect on almost all aspects of our lives – everything from social media, tattoos and signage to fine art, clothing, household goods and decoration. The original exhibition is curated by Debbie Millman, the internationally renowned writer, designer, educator and host of the “Design Matters” podcast.

Running from September 16, 2017-February 4, 2018, the exhibition will feature works from more than 50 artists and designers.

– Caroline Parsley, The 100 Companies

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Beer Babe

Get Your Brew on With 100 Breweries at ‘The Festival’

Staplehouse, Kimball House, Brick Store Pub and other Atlanta institutions will host tasting events leading up to The Festival.

The Festival promises to be beer heaven for beer drinkers. Traveling around the country, it hits Atlanta this weekend, August 18-19, at downtown’s Southern Exchange. The festival is the brainchild of highly acclaimed beer importers Shelton Brothers.

The stop in Atlanta will feature more than 100 breweries from around the world as well as ciders and mead purveyors. Many of the producers will be on hand to discuss their creations, and many create special brews specifically for The Festival.

A single session is $75 and a weekend pass is $136, with portions of the proceeds benefiting Friends of Refugees.

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Product Reviews

Cover up for Good

Buying products like this sarong from Songa Designs helps women in Rwanda earn a living.

Songa Designs’ goal is to empower Rwandan women by giving them jobs making hand-crafted items. Its newest product is the Unity Sarong, which is dyed and tasseled by hand.

My favorite thing about this sarong is its cow horn buckle, which you can use to wear the sarong in different ways as a swimsuit cover-up, skirt and even a dress. I throw mine in my suitcase and use it as blanket or even a tablecloth.

The sarongs come in size small (72-by-36 inches) and large (72-by-48 inches) and in fuchsia and cobalt for $38.

– Jan Schroder, The 100 Companies

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history

Carpe Diem at Capital City Club

In 1911, Capital City Club opened its new clubhouse on the corner of Harris and Peachtree streets. The site still serves as the club's downtown location. (Photo courtesy of Capital City Club)

Receiving its official charter In 1883, Capital City Club was one of the first private clubs established in the South and among the first in Atlanta.

Founded by Bartow M. Blount, Archibald and Joseph T. Orme, and Lewis Redwine, the private club was created to offer an escape from the crowded conditions of the billiard room at the Kimball House, Atlanta’s most prominent hotel of the era. Some of Atlanta’s most notable names, such as Ernest Woodruff, Asa Candler and Edwin Ansley have been members.

Capital City Club, now in its 135th year, has three locations: Downtown, Brookhaven and Crabapple.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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Real Estate

Majestic Brings More Jobs, Growth to South Atlanta

ASOS' summer 2017 campaign, as seen around the world, and soon shipped locally. (Photo courtesy of Business Insider)

As an avid online shopper, I was immediately interested in learning about ASOS’ search for warehouse space on the East Coast. The UK-based company recently announced that it chose Georgia for its $40 million fulfillment center.

“This deal is a validation that developing first-class real estate in prime locations will continue to grow Atlanta as the premier e-commerce hub in the Southeast,” said Majestic Realty’s Stan Conway.

The 1,040,000-square-foot spec building was delivered earlier this year by Majestic’s Atlanta office, which has continuously played a significant role in economic development across the region.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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Business

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

The time when a new mother returns to work after maternity leave is called the "Fifth Trimester."

Returning to work after having a child can be a challenging transition. Regardless of which state or federal workplace laws apply, employers should consider these best practices for welcoming back new mothers:

– Talk to expecting employees about how much leave they will take and whether they may need flexible work hours when they return.

– Consider increasing a new mother’s workload gradually instead of expecting her to return to work at full capacity.

– When possible, avoid scheduling meetings beyond normal work hours, especially without notice.

– Allow breaks for mothers to pump breast milk in a comfortable, private space – not a bathroom.

– Lisa McGlynn, Fisher Phillips

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The 100 Guy

Practical Jokes at Family Reunions

A re-creation of the joke we played on good-natured Joe at a Big Canoe family reunion

My siblings all get along and share a love for teasing my brother-in-law, Joe Cronk.

He and my sister Suzanne live mountainside in Big Canoe, Georgia, and frequently see bears. Joe’s deathly afraid of them. After a practical joke he played on me, my siblings and mom planned a payback. I donned a bear costume, and hid in the woods while my sister sent him to her car to get something. I surprised and chased him, growling as he ran to the cabin, only to find the door locked.

We’ve enjoyed a cease fire – and many laughs – since.

The Atlanta 100 team will be back in a few weeks after we train a few new employees, enjoy vacation and attend a family reunion.

– Chris Schroder, SPR Atlanta

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music

Eat a Peach & Atlanta Pop Festival

Bitter Southerner founder Chuck Reese will host an oral history of the festival and one of the finest albums in rock 'n' roll history.

If our going on a bit long about The Allman Brothers Band and the Atlanta Pop Festival in a recent column only whetted your thirst, you can quench it during a one-night-only music extravaganza at the Atlanta History Center on Saturday, Aug. 5.

ATL Collective is assembling Grammy Award nominees to reprise not only ABB’s classic 1972 “Eat a Peach” album but also memorable 1970 festival performances by Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and Richie Havens.

Tickets for the show are $25, which includes free admission to the history center, access to food trucks and a cash bar.

– Chris Schroder, SPR Atlanta

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the arts

#GAArtsFuture Advocacy Campaign

The High Museum of Art is providing a digital tool kit with printable postcards, signage and additional materials to help partner organizations implement the campaign. (Photo courtesy of High Museum of Art)

Last week, the High Museum of Art and more than a dozen metro Atlanta arts and culture organizations voiced their support for arts funding by initiating the #GAArtsFuture postcard-writing campaign.

The president’s budget plan for the 2018 fiscal year eliminates funding for significant arts initiatives throughout the state of Georgia. “Through our #GAArtsFuture campaign, we invite our stakeholders and champions of the arts to join us to connect with legislators about the importance of arts funding,” said Andrea Brownlee, director of Spelman College Museum of Fine Art.

To get involved with the campaign, please visit the #GAArtsFuture homepage here.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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Real Estate

The Daily Scores Biscuit Love, King of Pops Bar

The Daily will bring together the best aspects of casual restaurants, beer gardens, food halls and event space in one unique communal experience. (Photo courtesy of Revel, Strada)

This week, The Daily – Alpharetta’s newest dining concept – announced its first two tenants for the development. Biscuit Love and King of Pops Bar will open in the development in May of next year.

This marks the first Georgia location of the award-winning, Nashville-based Biscuit Love. The new King of Pops location will be the first to specialize in pops made on-site, and exclusive to The Daily location will be an expanded “poptail” menu (cocktails with a pop dropped in).

Developed jointly by Revel and Fresh Hospitality, the project will open near the Alpharetta Loop on Rainwater Drive.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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Community

Free School Supplies for Back-to-School Success

Students of all ages received school supplies at last weekend's Back to School Bash. (Photo by Chris Savas)

Last weekend, Columbia Residential and partners provided more than 1,200 students with backpacks and school supplies at its third annual Back to School Bash, Lei’d Back Luau. The event took place at Carver High School and featured food and prize giveaways, free haircuts and surprise guests such as Georgia Aquarium characters, Carver’s drumline and Atlanta Drum Academy.

The Back to School Bash is an annual free event that gives local businesses and organizations the opportunity to help K-12 students have a successful start to their school year. Partners included Variety, Wells Fargo, Kool Smiles and the Arby’s Foundation.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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restaurants

HALCYON Unveils Restaurant Lineup

Connection to the Big Creek Greenway: check. Restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters: check. The only luxury cinema in Forsyth County: check. HALCYON has food, fun and fitness taken care of already ... what's next?

Forsyth County’s most anticipated mixed-use village, HALCYON, recently announced several new restaurant and Market Hall tenants. Two restaurateurs are going a step further and creating new Market Hall concepts in addition to traditional free-standing restaurant space.

Included in HALCYON’s Market Hall: Gu’s Dumplings; TOCAYO (a new concept); Kilwins Chocolate, Fudge, and Ice Cream; Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company; FEED Fried Chicken; and a burger concept from Chef Marc Taft.

Restaurant announcements include a second location for Butcher & Brew, an expanded new location for Never Enough Thyme, and CO-OP Community Kitchen + Table. JLL manages leasing efforts.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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construction

Commercial Roof Leaks Can Be Easily Detected

Sentry Roof Services uses a thermal imaging camera to detect moisture on roof leak projects. (Photo courtesy of Sentry Rood Services)

It’s no secret that this summer has been wetter than usual with about eight more inches of rainfall this year compared to 2016. With continual heavy downpours comes the inevitable – roof leaks.

If you’re a property manager for a commercial building, you could be dealing with four different kinds of commercial roof leaks.

• Pitch pan leaks, which are common in roofing systems with unusually shaped penetrations

• Metal flashing leaks, which are often caused by trapped moisture

• HVAC unit leaks, which are commonly caused by condensation issues

• Gutter leaks, which can happen when there’s a clog in the gutter or downspout

Sentry Roof Services is experienced in the early detection of commercial roof leaks.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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Business News

ABBC Recognizes Top Performers

The ABBC initiative is led by the Office of Resilience in partnership with Livable Buckhead, Central Atlanta Progress, Southface and Midtown Alliance. (Photo courtesy SPR Atlanta)

Since 2011, the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge (ABBC) has worked to place Atlanta as the nation’s leader in efficiency. With more than 114 million SF of commercial space committed to the project, ABBC has created 273 jobs and reduced energy consumption in the city by 17%.

The Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Resilience and its partners recently celebrated the initiative’s successes in 2016, honoring top performing participants. The buildings recognized for producing the highest levels of energy and water savings last year include Emory University, Georgia-Pacific Center and Fulton County Schools.

Read more about the successes in ABBC’s annual report.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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Beer Babe

Ale-B-Q

Dishes at Ale-B-Q will showcase late-summer fare like grilled meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and more.

Two of Atlanta’s beloved institutions are teaming up August 15 for a night celebrating the food and drink of the South.

ATL beer expert and writer Ale Sharpton is pairing Southern craft beers alongside a Sweet Auburn Barbecue four-course feast, including pimento cheese wontons, scallops with Swiss chard and a bourbon butter cake. Passed hors d’oeuvres and beer will begin at 6:30 with the seated dinner at 7. Executive Chef Cam Floyd and Ale Sharpton will be there to discuss the pairings.

The event will be held at the Poncey-Highland restaurant. Tickets are $60 and available here.

– Emily Tracy, SPR Atlanta

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Real Estate

Developers Create Buzz With Open-Container Laws

Developments such as Parson's Alley in Duluth are encouraging a lively street atmosphere by loosening open-container ordinances. (Courtesy of Kronberg Wall)

When visiting my husband’s family in New Orleans, we take for granted how nice it is to walk down Magazine Street – wine in hand – while patronizing local shops. Sure, we could just be in a restaurant or bar, but we love to take in the neighborhood and have those chance encounters with friends that we get from walking down the street.

Property developers are now taking that vibe and implementing it into developments. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that developers are looking for relaxed open-container ordinances on their sites, and city councils have proved amenable to the change.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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restaurants

Steaks and Tapas: New ATL Restaurants

Caldoso de pollo y alcachofas at Bulla Gastrobar, opening in Midtown in August.

Kevin Rathbun teamed up with longtime friend Chef Peter Kaiser to open Kaiser’s Chophouse in Sandy Springs. Originally from Liechtenstein, Peter has been in Atlanta more than 30 years, working at Buckhead Life Group and Here to Serve restaurants. Kaiser’s menu items include batter-fried lobster tail, prime steaks, grilled seafood, burgers and beef short ribs.

Another tapas bar is coming to Midtown when Bulla Gastrobar opens next month on 11th Street. Florida-based Bulla will serve Spanish-style tapas with items like Iberian ham croquettes, and larger entrees for two, like paella, braised short ribs and Iberian pork tenderloin.

– Jan Schroder, The 100 Companies

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travel

Travel Lighter With Baby

Rather than drag bulky equipment like strollers with you on your trip, rent them through Babierge when you stay at a Destination Hotels property.

Traveling with a baby has turned parents into sherpas, transporting mountains of gear for their little ones. Lighten that load when you stay with a Destination Hotels property. This collection of independently owned hotels and resorts in the US and Caribbean has partnered with Babierge to offer parents the option of renting baby gear instead.

Parents go on the website prior to the visit and select the equipment they’ll be using from inventory that includes cribs, strollers, swings, books and toys. The equipment will be set up for them when they arrive. And Destination Hotel guests get a 10% discount.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

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sports

BB&T Atlanta Open in Its 8th Year

The BB&T Atlanta Open was first played in the current location, Atlantic Station, in 2012. (Photo Courtesy of Midtown Alliance)

Sunday marks the eighth annual BB&T Atlanta Open finals.

The tournament was purchased by USTA Southern and the USTA from the ATP World Tour in 2009. With over 41,000 attendees, the inaugural tournament of the Atlanta Tennis Championship (its previous name) was played at the Atlanta Athletic Club in 2010. Two years later at Atlantic Station, former number 1 seeded player, Andy Roddick, took home his final championship title, announcing his retirement one month later.

In 2016, the first non-American player took the men’s singles title when Nick Kyrgios defeated the three-time defending champion John Isner.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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Food

Insider’s Guide: Best Farmers Markets in Atlanta

Insider's tips for the DeKalb Farmers Market: take a jacket to keep you warm, be patient with the crowds and stock up at the hot bar. (Photo courtesy of DeKalb CVB)

Atlanta has dozens of farmers markets, some running year-round in churches and other locations, and some with permanent locations. Those include the 40-year-old Your DeKalb Farmers Market, which has a devoted clientele and is the place to get foods from around the world.

Sweet Auburn Curb Market opened its doors in 1924 and houses 24 businesses, including a bookstore, produce stands and Grindhouse Killer Burgers.

Other popular markets include Peachtree Road Farmers Market, The Green Market, Morningside Farmers Market, Ponce City Farmers Market and East Atlanta Village Farmers Market.

Learn more insider tips from our Insider’s Guide!

Insider’s tip: Many of these markets have chef demonstrations. Check their websites for times and featured chefs.

— The 100 Companies Staff

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Digital Age

Not Just a Young Person’s Game

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families. (Photo courtesy of AARP)

When most people think of video games, they think of millennials and younger people; they don’t think of people 50 and older. Yet one in three Americans age 50-plus play video games regularly. Most of these gamers play for fun and the opportunity to stay connected with loved ones through online game communities.

Video games and apps are truly ageless, offering gamers of all ages — from grandfathers to granddaughters — the opportunity to share entertainment and social interactions with each other. At AARP, we’re looking at the role video game technology can play in helping us all to age better.

– Sami Hassanyeh, SVP Digital Strategy and Membership, AARP

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