Mary Williams+FollowAthens loses two beloved cafes this monthBirdies, a favorite Athens spot for coffee and specialty groceries, just announced it’s closing for good on December 28. After two years of pouring lattes and serving up sandwiches, they say rising costs and economic uncertainty have made it impossible to keep going. For many of us, these local cafes are more than just places to grab a bite—they’re part of our daily routine and community vibe. How do you think Athens’ food scene will change with these closures? Will you be stopping by for one last visit? #Food #AthensGA #SupportLocal00Share
Edward Wallace+FollowAthens Boys & Girls Clubs leadership shakeupBig changes are underway at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens—Shawonna Coleman has stepped down as CEO, and Kirk Dominick is stepping in as acting CEO for now. The board says their top focus is keeping things steady for local kids and families who count on the Clubs every day. They’re promising transparency and a strong search for a new leader who truly cares about Athens youth. For many families, the Clubs are a lifeline, so this transition is a big deal. What qualities do you think the next CEO should have to keep the Clubs thriving? #Business #EntrepreneurshipStartup #AthensGA00Share
Michael Morgan+FollowAthens favorites Birdies & Buvez closing soonTwo beloved Athens hangouts, Birdies and Buvez, are shutting their doors by year’s end, and it’s hitting the local scene hard. Birdies, known for its killer coffee and sandwiches, just couldn’t keep up with rising costs. Buvez, a Boulevard staple for eight years, is also bowing out. Both spots are urging folks to swing by for a final visit and support their teams before the lights go out. It’s a tough reminder of how challenging it is for small businesses right now. How do you think Athens can better support its local gems? #Food #AthensGA #SupportLocal00Share
Michael Alvarez+FollowAthens locals’ secret: The best crab cake in Georgia?Tucked away in Athens, The Chop House has quietly become a legend—not for its steaks, but for a crab cake that many say is the best in all of Georgia. It’s a bit wild to think a steakhouse, over 70 miles from the coast, could outshine seafood spots, but this place pulls it off. The crab cake is all about sweet, delicate crab meat with barely any filler, a golden crust, and just the right touch of seasoning. It’s the kind of dish that stops conversation at the table. Who else has found an unexpected food gem in an unlikely spot? #Food #AthensGA #CrabCake00Share
Robert Daniels+FollowAthens loses another local favorite: Birdies closingBirdies, the beloved market and lunch spot on Prince Avenue, just announced it’s closing for good on December 28. After two years of serving up coffee, fresh food, and community vibes, they’re calling it quits due to rising costs and tough economic times. This comes right after Buvez, another neighborhood favorite, shut its doors for similar reasons. If you want to support Birdies and its staff one last time, now’s the moment—they’re staying open at full capacity through the end of the month. How do you feel about Athens losing these local gems? #Food #AthensGA #SupportLocal00Share
Mary Williams+FollowAthens gets a taste of Pakistan this ChristmasAuthentic Pakistani flavors are about to spice up Athens just in time for the holidays! Namak Restaurant is opening its doors on Mitchell Bridge Rd, bringing a two-level dining experience with a cozy bar, patio, and even a private party room. Owner Shakeel Haque promises a menu that’s both unique to Athens and wallet-friendly, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. With late-night hours and special events in the works, this spot could quickly become a new favorite. Who’s excited to try something different and support a local business? #Food #AthensGA #PakistaniFood00Share
Mary Williams+FollowAthens’ favorite cookie dough spot seeks new ownerAlumni Cookie Dough, the downtown Athens staple known for its safe-to-eat, homemade cookie dough, is looking for a new local owner as the founders shift focus to national expansion. The Dollanders, who built the café into a community favorite and earned “Best Dessert in Georgia” five years running, want someone passionate about Athens to carry on their legacy. The café isn’t closing—just changing hands, with the promise that its community spirit and sweet treats will stay the same. Imagine seeing this Athens-born brand in stores across the country! Who do you think would be the perfect new owner? #Food #AthensGA #CookieDough00Share
Michael Alvarez+FollowBoulevard loses Buvez: What’s next for our community?The heart of Boulevard is about to lose a local favorite—Buvez is closing its doors by year’s end. Employees say the decision comes down to soaring costs and the rollercoaster of coffee tariffs, which hit hard before being reversed. Buvez wasn’t just a coffee shop; it was a gathering spot for music, markets, and neighbors. For many, it’s not just about losing a job or a cup of coffee—it’s about losing a piece of our community. How do you think this will change the neighborhood vibe? Where will you go for your next meet-up? #Food #Boulevard #AthensGA00Share
Darius Alvarez+FollowThanksgiving for two: Where to eat in Athens?Both sides of a local couple’s family called off Thanksgiving this year, leaving them searching for a cozy meal for just the two of them. Turns out, most restaurants and meal kits cater to bigger groups, making it tough to find something just right. Locals have jumped in with tips—Cracker Barrel and Chuck’s Fish are favorites, and some folks swear by Fresh Market’s smaller dinners. Others say buying a meal for four and saving leftovers is the way to go. Anyone else ever had to improvise Thanksgiving plans? Drop your go-to spots or creative solutions below! #Relationships #Thanksgiving #AthensGA01Share