Leasing management company JLL announced on June 15 four new retail leases at The Shops of Dunwoody, following the announced closure of one of the city’s mainstay restaurants.

The new tenants, according to the announcement, include Beyond Juicery + Eatery, JETSET Pilates, Tenku Sushi and SWEAT440, representing more than 8,600 square feet of combined leasing activity.

JLL Vice President Allie Spangler, in partnership with 10Twelve, leads leasing efforts on behalf of owner Asana Partners.

“These leases underscore the strong demand we’re seeing for best-in-class wellness and dining concepts in strong, neighborhood-centric trade areas,” Spangler said in a company release. “The Shops of Dunwoody is gaining meaningful traction as we curate a tenant mix that complements the market and elevates the everyday experience for the surrounding community.”

The announcement follows the sudden closure of Wasabi House, which has been a staple in the Dunwoody area for 27 years.

According to a June 13 social media post by Ira Jeon, her parents started Wasabi House in 1999 after running Tokyo Cafe in the Jett Ferry Road area.

“If you’ve been around long enough, you probably know Charlie (Charles). You probably remember seeing him jogging up and down Mt. Vernon or riding his yellow bike through the parking lot at odd hours of the day and night … or greeting customers at the restaurant,” Jeon wrote. “Wasabi House was never the fanciest restaurant. But for 27 years, Dunwoody showed up for us and kept us going … and that means the world to our family.”

Dozens of diners posted on social media about their fond memories of Wasabi House after the unexpected closure announcement, saying that they will miss the family atmosphere, high-grade sushi, and helpful staff.

It’s unclear from the JLL announcement whether or not the new sushi restaurant will be located in the same footprint as Wasabi House.

Asana Partners acquired The Shops of Dunwoody in March 2025 and has since refreshed the center’s branding and signage, according to the announcement. A Sunday farmer’s market operates in the former Burger King space in the complex.

The post Sushi swap at Shops of Dunwoody? appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, will be celebrated with parades and celebrations on Friday, June 19, and into the weekend. It’s also a federal and state holiday, so expect government offices, post offices, and banks to be closed. We’ve rounded up a guide to some of the events.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Lift Every Voice Drone & Light Show – A Tribute to Juneteenth
Friday, June 18 –  Sunday, June 21, 9:30 p.m.
Stone Mountain
Drones, lasers, and fireworks illuminate the sky, showcasing Motown legends, pop culture pioneers, Civil Rights heroes, and sports icons. The Lift Every Voice Drone & Light Show will be free.

3rd Annual Juneteenth Parade & Freedom Celebration 
Friday, June 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown College Park & Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex
College Park’s third annual Junteenth parade will step off at 9 a.m. down Godby Road Afterwards, attendees will gather on the lawn of the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex for the Freedom Celebration Festival from 1–4 p.m. which will feature vendors, a kids’ zone, and music. This event is free and open to the public.

Juneteenth 2026 at Atlanta History Center
Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Atlanta History Center in Buckhead
This educational, history-focused celebration spotlights resistance to enslavement, emancipation following the Civil War, and the progress of the Civil Rights movement. It will include curated artifacts and exhibits, music, historic demonstrations, food, crafts, tours, and vendors. Tickets are free and can be reserved here.

Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
High Museum of Art
Create zines, hear story-times and poetry readings, enjoy a comedy set, dance to Tambor Party, and shop Juneteenth merchandise offerings. Admission to this event is free. The day’s programming is drop-in and first come, first served unless otherwise noted.

Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cultural Arts & Community Center, Norcross
Hear acclaimed cellist Okorie ‘OkCello’ Johnson and Wonders of Worship Youth Choir perform at the Cultural Arts & Community Center.

Juneteenth Health & Wellness Event
Friday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
gusto! (1020 White St SW, Atlanta)
gusto! is partnering with the Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation to host a Juneteenth community health event that will feature free health screenings, diabetes education resources, and complimentary “buy one, get one free” food coupons.

Culture Fest Day Party Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19, 3 – 9 p.m.
Cafe Circa Restaurant & Lounge
This rooftop experience features live DJ’s playing hip hop, R&B, afrobeats, reggae, and more, plus crafted cocktails and a full kitchen.

Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19, 4 – 8 p.m.
Bless Your Heart – Hotel Phoenix
The Bless Your Heart rooftop bar at Hotel Phoenix will host a special Juneteenth evening in partnership with Edmond’s Honor Bourbon Two signature cocktails, the Edmond’s Honor Espresso Martini and a refreshing Hibiscus Mule, will be served.

Juneteenth Block Party
Friday, June 19, 5 – 11 p.m.
Marcus Bar & Grille
Join this summer cookout in Old Fourth Ward and enjoy local Black-owned vendors, live DJs, and outdoor games.

Party with a Purpose: Juneteenth Edition
Friday, June 19, 5 p.m.
Lee + White
Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, this event will raise awareness for Giving Kitchen with music, activities, and Tito’s samples.

Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19, 5 – 10 p.m.
City Springs District, Sandy Springs
This joint event between the cities of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Brookhaven will feature free, family-friendly events, educational experiences, live performances, and immersive art exhibitions.

The Social Club: Juneteenth Jam
Friday, June 19, 6 p.m. – midnight
Underground Atlanta
The Social Club, a community-based hub of Atlanta creators and professionals, will host a nighttime party with food and drinks, vendors and music: hip-hop classics, R&B, African and Caribbean styles. Find more information or to buy tickets here.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

Juneteenth Atlanta Freedom Day Parade & Festival
Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.
Boulevard NE beginning at Highland Ave and ending at 10th Street by Piedmont Park
Dubbed “a pillar of our community” by Mayor Andre Dickens, the 12th annual Freedom Day Parade is one of the main events of Juneteenth weekend in Atlanta. The parade, which will be televised on ANF/Peachtree TV, will end at Piedmont Park, where the 14th Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Festival, featuring live music and vendors, will be in progress. 

The Freedom Experience Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 14, Gates open at 4 p.m., event begins at 5 p.m.
Wolf Creek Amphitheater
This free event will live performances, food trucks, fireworks and family-friendly activities. Free parking is available on-site and guests are encouraged to RSVP.

The post Where to celebrate Juneteenth in Metro Atlanta appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

On Monday afternoon, Norcross officials ordered the American flag at city hall to be flown at half-mast.

Cheek graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1980, earning a degree in industrial engineering. His career included 29 years of experience in commercial and residential design of HVAC systems.

He was the co-owner and president of Norcross-based Paulson-Cheek Mechanical since its founding in 1998.

Cheek defeated state Rep. Arlene Beckles (D-Norcross), a former Norcross council member, in November 2023.

He served as mayor pro tempore in 2025. Because his term expires at the end of 2028, there will be a special election to fill his seat for the remainder of the term.

Colleagues react to Cheek’s passing

Council Member Josh Bare said he got to know Cheek when he joined the city council in 2024.

“I’m grateful for his interests in this community and his willingness to get involved and serve,” Bare said. “Despite the health battles he was dealing with, he fought with passion to make Norcross a better place.”

Council Member Bruce Gaynor said he became friends with Cheek while serving on the Norcross City Council and chatting with residents at Saturday morning Coffee(s) with Council.

“He very much loved the city,” Gaynor said. “He was very honored to be on the city council, took it seriously, and saw it as a major way of giving back to the community.”

While he and Cheek didn’t always vote the same, Gaynor said they approached things from different perspectives that usually aligned on issues of public concern.

In recent months, Gaynor said Cheek’s health was in decline. He said Cheek’s wife told him that Marshall passed away peacefully with his family.

“What he would advocate for more than anything is for government to get moving,” Gaynor said. “He was very pro-business and very much supported the business community, but not at the expense of everyday individuals.”

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

The post City mourns loss of Norcross Council Member Marshall Cheek to cancer appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Puppy Love Mahjong, an afternoon that combines open Mahjong play with adoptable pets, will take place at the Brookhaven City Centre from noon to 4 p.m. Explore Brookhaven and Two Sparrows Mahjong are organizing the event.

Individuals or teams can buy tickets for the event, with the proceeds benefitting LifeLine Animal Project, a non-profit that cares for and find homes for animals.

“Guests will enjoy games, community connections, pet-friendly vendors, local organizations, and opportunities to support animal adoption efforts,” the announcement said. “While Mah Jongg players can purchase individual seats or tables, pet lovers are welcome to attend free of charge to meet the animals and enjoy the festivities.”

Attendees can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a Mahjong prize package valued at approximately $740, featuring a sold-out Two Sparrows Lucky Ladybug tile set and other premium accessories.

LifeLine Animal Project, according to its website, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the largest animal welfare organization in Georgia.

LifeLine manages DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services, the only open-intake shelters in Atlanta, providing critical community support to families struggling to keep their pets healthy and at home. Annually, it supports more than 46,000 pets through its adoption and support efforts.

“Our mission is to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals through innovative programs, low-cost spay & neuter, affordable veterinary care, and community support,” the website said. “We rely entirely on donations and charitable giving to support our life-saving mission, services, and programs.”

A table purchase of $207 includes eight raffle tickets, with individual tickets ($80) coming with one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event for $22.

Pet lovers are welcome to attend free of charge to meet adoptable pets, shop onsite from local vendors, and observe the festivities.

The post Mahjong and adoptable pets unite for a cause at Puppy Love Mahjong appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

From Haitian fare to Uzbeki cuisine, these Atlanta restaurants offer a taste of the World Cup.

More World Cup coverage from Rough Draft

Czechia

Baltic Deli
Roswell

Sadly, metro Atlanta’s Czech offerings pale in comparison to states like Texas. Your best bet is an adjacent Central or Eastern European restaurant or pop-up (paywall). For example, try Baltic Deli in Roswell. It sells regional ingredients in its market and serves snacks and dishes leaning more eastward, while still hitting comparable Central European flavor and ingredient notes. Baltic Deli also excels at schnitzels, pierogi, and soups.

Halfway Crooks Beer
Summerhill

While Czechian cuisine isn’t widely available in metro Atlanta, you can find local iterations of its brewed counterpart at brewery’s like Halfway Crooks Beer in Summerhill. The rotating draft selection regularly features Czech-style pilsners and lagers. You can also enjoy a Southern-Belgium food menu while watching the World Cup on the TVs in the taproom, on the rooftop patio, or on the big screen in the beer garden.

West Africa

Ike’s Cafe & Grill
Norcross, Marietta, West End (to-go only)

Metro Atlanta features several restaurants representing West African nations. This includes Ike’s Cafe and Grill, which has locations in Norcross, Marietta, and a to-go spot in the West End. The restaurant’s specialities include Ghanaian jollof rice (and its spicier Nigerian cousin), as well as plantain fufu, puff-puff (known as mikaté in Central African countries like DR Congo), and West African vegetable soups.

Le Nouveau Maquis
Stone Mountain, Tucker

With locations in Stone Mountain and Tucker, this cozy West African restaurant is a popular spot for dishes like jollof, peanut soup, suya, and chofi (turkey tail). As an added bonus during the World Cup, both locations will screen matches and offer food specials during the watch parties.

Related stories:
• West African restaurant Ike’s Cafe & Grill preparing for World Cup crowds
• World Cup Recipe: West African puff-puff from Ike’s Café & Grill

Haiti

Zeke’s Kitchen & Bar
Smyrna

Run by a Haitian-American blended family, Zeke’s in Smyrna blends Haitian and American fusion cuisine. Think dishes like djon djon bowls with roasted chicken, plantain tacos, and rasta pasta. Don’t skip ordering a cocktail here from the fully stocked rum bar.

Marie’s Kitchen
Marietta

Good food is worth the wait. Such is the case at Marie’s Kitchen, which specializes in Haitian and Creole cuisine. Get your fill of classic dishes like soup joumou, fritay pwason (fried snapper served with fried plantains, sweet potatoes, and yams), and patties. Make sure to come early to partake in Marie’s signature dishes, including fried goat.

Morocco

Marrakech Express
Smyrna

Moroccan restaurant Marrakech Express started as a pop-up and quickly gained a following via Atlanta’s farmers market circuit. The restaurant specializes in traditional Moroccan cooking. The owners even import spices directly from Morocco, and make their own chermoula (zesty, herbal relish/marinade). While you should absolutely order the denjal (eggplant stew), garbanzo dwaz (chickpea stew), and chicken or lamb tanjiya, Marrakech Express also serves other regional dishes, including shawarma and falafel.

South Africa

Daily Chew
Morningside-Lenox Park

Julia Kesler-Imerman’s restaurant leans into her South African and Jewish heritages. Considered a local restaurant darling, Daily Chew serves everything from lemony, house-made labneh to boerewors sausage pitas to latke stacks accompanied by garlic labneh, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and a cucumber-pickled-onion salad. For the World Cup, expect a special South African menu to pair with matches during the restaurant’s watch parties. Grab a seat in the cafe or on the covered patio.

The Whelan
Blandtown

Looking for heartier South African fare, closer to what you’d find on a Durban dive’s late-night menu? Check out The Whelan, a Blandtown neighborhood pub that offers South African bar staples like peri-peri wings, a boerewors sandwich made with beef and pork sausage, and a chicken, potato, and red pepper curry served with rice and plantains. Make sure to order the Cape Dutch pudding served with cream. It’s an homage to a recipe by owner Jason Da Luz’s mother.

Related stories:
• World Cup recipe: South African peri-peri chicken wings from Daily Chew
• World Cup recipe: Spanish chicken Basquaise from Cooks & Soldiers

Spain

Cooks & Soldiers
Howell Mill Road/Westside

Named for a San Sebastian summer festival, Cooks & Soldiers has become a staple in Atlanta for Basque cuisine. Don’t pass up the selection of pintxos, the Basque equivalent to tapas. Try the Caña de Cabra (a plate honoring the Spanish goat cheese), the bikini (Iberian ham grilled cheese with black truffles), or gambas (Argentine shrimp with leek crema, fennel en escabeche, ajo refrito, and sourdough). The bar’s seasonal takes on Spanish G&Ts are some of the best in the metro.

Fogon and Lions
Alpharetta

If you’re looking for a top-notch grilled meat situation, visit Fogon and Lions in downtown Alpharetta. You can’t go wrong with the skirt steak and chimichurri here, or the short rib flatbread. But if you really want to go all out, order the suckling pig feast. You’ll need to reserve it 72 hours in advance. Stop by during happy hour for $9 sangria and $8 bar bites, such as fire-roasted olives and peppers, chicken croquetas, and chips with chorizo, queso, and salsa.

Uzbekistan

Laghman Express
Alpharetta

Based in New York City, Laghman Express opened in Alpharetta in 2025, bringing metro Atlanta Uzbeki and Ugyhur cuisine. This restaurant merges mainland East and West Asian dishes, transforming it all into aromatically rich comfort food. Hand-pulled noodles (laghman) and manty (beef dumplings), both Central Asian staples especially shine at Laghman Express, but don’t pass up on ordering meatier options like lamb shank soup, kebabs, and spicy stir-fried lamb.

Beth McKibben contributed to this guide.

The post Atlanta restaurants offering a taste of the World Cup appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.