Marietta has a new spot for serious pizza cravings and nostalgic arcade fun. Solar Slice officially opened its doors on May 5, 2024, bringing with it a bold mix of New York-style pies, calzones, and retro flair. Founded by Zachary Wyatt, who honed his skills at Atlanta favorite Fellini’s, Solar Slice is already turning heads as the go-to place for giant slices and a blast from the past.
The menu is stacked with favorites: cheesy bread, calzones, salads, and crowd-pleasers like hot honey pepperoni and chicken bacon ranch slices. You can grab a slice or take down a full 14″, or 16″ pie. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the cannoliss’mores pizza has you covered.
But Solar Slice isn’t just about the food. The space is packed with retro movie posters, toys, pinball machines, and classic arcade games, making it feel like stepping into a time capsule from the 80s and 90s. It’s the kind of place where you can order a cold beer, take on a high score, and bite into a fresh slice of authentic NYC pizza all in the same afternoon.
Located in the former Baby Tommy’s Taste of New York space, Solar Slice is staking its claim as a new local favorite with fresh dough made daily and served with a side of nostalgia.
Address: Solar Slice Pizza 497 Cobb Parkway SE Marietta GA 30060
Shake Shack is sliding into a prime new spot at The Battery Atlanta, and they’re bringing more than fries and crinkle-cut charm. The burger chain is set to open its newest company-owned flagship, The Battery Shack, on Sunday, June 30, 2025 at 11 am.
This new location marks the company’s first U.S. Shack to include a full-service bar. On the drink menu: a peaches-and-cream bourbon shake, the ever-popular Shackarita, and more reasons to cheer, even if the Braves have a day off. Guests can also stop by the walk-up drink window, enjoy free arcade games, or grab a gameday bite from the Shack’s outdoor hot dog cart.
Opening day festivities include appearances from Braves mascot Blooper and the high-energy Heavy Hitters drumline. To sweeten the celebration, Shake Shack will donate $1 from every sandwich sold that day to Camp Twin Lakes, a Georgia-based nonprofit that serves children and families with serious health challenges.
The Battery Shack isn’t the only Shake Shack presence expanding in Cobb County. In May, the company announced plans for a 25,000-square-foot U.S. Support Center right next door to Coca-Cola Roxy in Two Ballpark Center. The new office will be Shake Shack’s second in the country and another signal that the burger brand is betting big on the Battery.
The restaurant will take over the former Wahlburgers space.
Date: Sunday, June 30, 2025
Time: 11 am Grand Opening
Admission: Free to attend; food and drink for purchase
Address: Shake Shack – The Battery Atlanta 455 Legends Place Atlanta GA 30339
For more information, please contact Shake Shack online at ShakeShack.com
From Connecticut Roots to Georgia Ovens Ah-Beetz New Haven Pizza is bringing its signature charred crust and bold flavor to Marietta with the opening of its fifth location—and the first outside of Florida. Founded in the pizza capital of the U.S., New Haven, Connecticut, Ah-Beetz was created by Nicholas Laudano, a lifelong pizza enthusiast who grew up surrounded by the unmistakable sights, sounds, and smells of apizza. Inspired to share the style beyond his hometown, Laudano introduced the concept to South Florida, where the brand earned loyal fans for its quality, consistency, and respect for tradition.
What Makes Apizza Different The name “Ah-Beetz” reflects the pronunciation of “apizza,” a term widely used in Southern Connecticut that comes from the Neapolitan dialect. New Haven apizza is known for its thin, well-done crust, smoky edges, and chewy center. The secret lies in the dough and the oven. Each batch of dough ferments for several days, developing flavor and structure. The pies are then cooked in ovens that reach over 750 degrees, creating a deep char on the crust which is a hallmark of the New Haven style. As the team at Ah-Beetz puts it, “There’s no character without char.”
A Menu True to Its Origins The Marietta location will offer the same handcrafted menu that made Ah-Beetz a standout in South Florida. Highlights include the classic mootz apizza (mozzarella and tomato sauce), the white clam apizza with fresh littleneck clams and garlic oil, and specialty pies like BBQ chicken and Margherita. Each pizza is made using traditional techniques, including hand-pressed dough and thoughtfully sourced toppings.
In addition to apizza, the menu features Italian salads, wings, calzones, cannoli, and cheesecake. Every item is prepared with the same attention to detail and respect for flavor that defines the brand.
Opening Soon in Marietta No opening date has been announced as of late June, 2025. The new restaurant is located in the Barrett Creek Plaza at Town Center shopping center near Buffalo Wild Wings and Cheeseburger Bobby’s. As the company’s first expansion outside of Florida, it introduces a distinctive Northeast flavor to the growing Marietta and Kennesaw area food scene.
Address: Ah-Beetz New Haven Pizza 125 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Ste A111 Marietta GA 30066
For Cobb County residents who’ve ever wondered what exactly flows from their faucets, the 2025 Annual Water Quality Report delivers a clear message: the water is clean, safe, and meets every state and federal requirement. Here’s a breakdown of where the water comes from, what’s in it, and what we should keep in mind.
Where Cobb County Gets Its Water
Cobb County doesn’t treat its own drinking water, it purchases it wholesale from the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA). CCMWA draws from two surface water sources:
Lake Allatoona (feeding the Wyckoff Water Treatment Plant)
Chattahoochee River (feeding the Quarles Water Treatment Plant)
Both facilities use advanced treatment methods to remove contaminants and deliver water to the Cobb County Water System (CCWS), which then distributes it to homes and businesses across the county.
Is the Water Safe?
Yes. Every single water quality test conducted in 2024 showed that Cobb County’s drinking water met or exceeded the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Georgia regulators. No violations were reported.
Here’s a snapshot of what was tested and what was found:
Microbial contaminants like coliform and E. coli? Present at very low, non-harmful levels, with no violations.
Inorganic substances like fluoride and nitrates? Well below the maximum levels allowed.
Disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs)? Detected in small amounts, but all within safe limits.
Lead and copper? Extensive testing in 2023 (with new tests starting annually in 2025) showed that neither contaminant exceeded EPA action levels in any samples.
PFAS, or “Forever Chemicals”
Cobb County’s water has also been tested for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), synthetic chemicals found in everything from rain jackets to nonstick pans. These unregulated contaminants have drawn national attention due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
In 2024, Cobb County’s water showed low PFAS levels, with none exceeding the EPA’s new regulatory thresholds. While detection of PFAS alone isn’t automatically concerning, residents interested in minimizing exposure can consult the full testing data at cobbcounty.gov/PFAS.
What Affects Water After It Leaves the Pipe?
Water quality at the tap can change depending on the plumbing in individual homes. For example:
Metal pipes can leach trace elements into water.
Lead service lines can be a concern—but no lead service lines have been found in Cobb County’s system.
Sitting water (like in an unused guest bathroom) can allow bacteria or metals to build up. Letting the water run for a few minutes before use is a simple way to clear this out.
The county also encourages residents to check their home’s pipe materials through its Water Service Line Inventory at cobbcounty.gov/WSLI.
Understanding Potable and Non-Potable Water
Potable water means it’s safe to consume. Your hot water line is non-potable and suitable only for bathing, cleaning, and washing purposes. Hot water lines can carry contaminants like sediments, metals, bacteria, and pathogens that often accumulate within water heater tanks and pipes. Always use cold water lines for brushing teeth, drinking, and food preparation. For making hot beverages or cooking, start with cold water, then heat it using a kettle, microwave, or pot.
What Else Should Residents Know?
Only use cold water for drinking and cooking, especially if you’re concerned about lead. Boiling doesn’t remove lead and can actually concentrate it.
Water infrastructure is robust, with over 3,100 miles of piping and 27,000+ fire hydrants.
Water reclamation efforts are strong, helping manage and treat wastewater efficiently across several facilities.
Cobb County was recognized with multiple awards for excellence in water management and education.
Come out and celebrate America’s independence as the City of Marietta hosts the Fourth in the Park celebration beginning at 10 am on Friday July 4th, 2025.
The Independence Day celebration begins with the Marietta Freedom Parade that starts at Roswell Street Baptist Church and continues west on Roswell Street, then north on East Park Square past Glover Park, then down Cherokee Street, and ends at North Marietta Parkway.
The Fourth of July parade features marching units from local bands, civic organizations, beauty pageant queens, scouts, local businesses of all types, and much more. After the parade there will be free live concerts and entertainment, food, arts and crafts, carnival games, and of course fireworks.
2025 Schedule:
10 am – Let Freedom Ring Parade
10 am – 9 pm – Festival – Arts & Crafts, Kids Zone, Festival Food, Free Concerts
Noon – Concert – Scott Thompson
2 pm – National Bell Ringing Ceremony
2:30 – Concert – Atlanta Concert Band
7:00 – Concert – Cat Carter
8 – 9:30 – Concert – Chuck Martin and the Line Up
Fireworks at Dark (around 9:30 pm)
The parade spans a 1.5 mile route beginning at Roswell Street Baptist Church and heads west on Roswell St, then north on East Park Square through Marietta Square, then down Cherokee Street and finishing at North Marietta Parkway. The parade features more than two thousand participants in more than one hundred entries, and there will be an estimated thirty thousand people in attendance. Watch as local businesses, civic organizations, beauty queens, bands, scouts, National Guard, and numerous floats participate and compete for prizes based on design, color, theme, appearance, originality, and riders and costumes.
The Arts and Crafts show features vendors showcasing a wide variety of products. The vendors will be open from 10 am to 9 pm.
Food will be available from a variety of concessions beginning at 10 am. Marietta Square restaurants will also be open for business.
4th of July Celebration Fireworks on the Marietta Square – photo courtesy City of Marietta
Fireworks light up the sky and patriotic music fills the air at dark – around 9:30 pm. The fireworks are shot from the parking lot of the Marietta First United Methodist Church. If bad weather is expected, the fireworks may begin a few minutes early, to ensure the entire display is completed. If you want to watch the fireworks, make sure you get there early to grab a spot because traffic is expected to be heavy.
For more information, please call the Marietta Parks and Recreation department at (770) 794-5601.
For the weather related updates, please check with the event organizers by visiting the following links:
Glover Park during the 4th In The Park CelebrationArts & Crafts VendorsView of the 4th of July Let Freedom Ring Parade4th of July Independence Day Celebration FloatFire trucks and first responders in the Fourth of July parade.A variety of food vendors will be on site during the Fourth of July festival.
The Marietta Brazilian Festival is an annual event that brings the vibrant culture of Brazil to Marietta. As the largest and most traditional festival of the Brazilian community in Georgia, it offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience authentic Brazilian food, music, dance, and more.
Taste an extensive variety of typical Brazilian foods, from savory dishes like feijoada (black bean stew) and pão de queijo (cheese bread) to sweet treats like brigadeiros (fudge balls). Local vendors and food trucks will be serving these delicious options throughout the festival.
Enjoy live performances of regional dances and music, including samba, forró, and capoeira. The festival features talented artists who bring the energy and rhythms of Brazil to the stage, creating an immersive cultural experience.
The festival is designed for all ages, with games and activities for children, youngsters, and adults. There are also crafts and workshops where you can learn more about Brazilian traditions and art.
Held on a 5-acre property at Vine Atlanta Church, the festival provides a welcoming environment. The location is conveniently situated at 1296 Gresham Road in Marietta, close to the iconic “KFC’s Big Chicken.”
Date:
June 13, 2025
June 14, 2025
Time:
Friday from 8 pm to 11:30 pm
Saturday from 5 pm to 11:30 pm
Admission:
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Early bird tickets are available for a discounted price, so be sure to get yours in advance.
Address:
1296 Gresham Road
Marietta, GA 30062
For more information, you can reach out to the event organizers at (770) 434-1434 or email vineatlanta@gmail.com
The Marietta Square Artisan Market is a treasure trove for art lovers and those looking for hand-crafted, unique items. Located just minutes from the scenic environs of Marietta Square, this market operates on every Saturday from January through December.
Enjoy the paintings, drawings, and photography of fine artists settled alongside skilled craftspeople who feature an eclectic roster of distinctive goods including fire pits, cutting boards, pottery, pens, fine jewelry, and more. The open-air market is located adjacent to and in conjunction with the Marietta Square Farmers Market (9 am to noon).
Hours:
9 am to 1 pm
Dates: The 2025 season began on January 11, 2025
Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm year round (with a short break usually on the Saturday after Christmas and the Saturday after New Year’s Day).
Admission:
Free
Address:
Marietta Square Artisan Market
41 Mill St
Marietta, GA 30060
Marietta is once again in the national spotlight after being named the #1 Most Generous City in the United States by GoFundMe for 2024. This marks the third time Marietta has topped the list and the sixth consecutive year it has ranked among the top three cities nationwide.
To celebrate, the City of Marietta and GoFundMe are teaming up for a special evening during the May 30th 2025 Glover Park Concert Series. The celebration will begin at 6 pm on the Marietta Square, ahead of a concert by Canyonland (California Country Rock) featuring Michelle Malone .
In addition to the live music, the event will include giveaways, a photo booth, and interactive activities that are all free and open to the public. The recognition from GoFundMe is based on donation activity per capita and highlights Marietta’s continued tradition of civic engagement and generosity.
As Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin put it, “Our residents consistently show up for one another with compassion and generosity. We are proud of this national recognition and grateful to celebrate our community together on May 30th.”
Date: Friday, May 30, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm
Admission: Free
Address: Glover Park on the Marietta Square 50 N Park Square Marietta GA 30060
For more information, please contact the City of Marietta at mariettaga.gov or (770) 794-5601
GoFundMe’s 10 Most Generous U.S. Cities list:
Marietta, GA
Sarasota, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Doral, FL
Alpharetta, GA
Orlando, FL
Sandy Springs, GA
Miami, FL
Greenville, SC
Boca Raton, FL
The most generous state on GoFundMe was Vermont for the third year in a row, and Ireland was the most generous country in the world for the sixth consecutive year. For more, check out the GoFundMe 2024 Year in Help Report.
Cobb PARKS invites residents to the grand opening of the new Milford Recreation Center on Saturday, May 17. Funded through the 2016 SPLOST, with additional funding approved in 2022, this event marks the opening of the first new recreation center in Cobb County in almost 20 years.
The event begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 am, followed by an afternoon of fun from noon to 4 pm. Visitors can explore the modern facility, including a spacious game room, participate in interactive class demonstrations, and enjoy live music, carnival games, and tasty food.
Bring the family to discover all the exciting activities and amenities available at Milford Recreation Center. Located right next to Birney Elementary School, this new recreation spot features plenty of opportunities for fun, fitness, and leisure.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Admission: Free
Address: Milford Recreation Center 675 Smyrna Powder Springs Road SW Marietta, GA 30060
For more information, please contact Cobb PARKS at cobbcounty.org/parks or call 770-528-8800.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Atlanta Braves partner on new fun zone at Truist Park.
By the time you read this, the 2025 Major League Baseball season will have begun and the Atlanta Braves will be in first place in the National League East (I assume). The team has made multiple updates to Truist Park this year to improve the fan experience, including continuing its longtime relationship with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Together, they have expanded and reimagined Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park. The dedicated family space will be relocated to the Left Field Plaza, between Truist Park’s Left Field Gate and Third Base Gate, and will accommodate more than twice as many families as the existing play area known as Hope & Will’s Sandlot.
This new, 30,000-square-foot Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park is a reimagined fun zone for younger fans that features a rock-climbing tower and other interactive play experiences, including BLOOPER’s Clubhouse, where fans can meet the mascot and take photos during the game; Hope & Will’s Sandlot, a kid-sized ball field featuring a scaled model of Truist Park’s outfield wall for organized and pick-up games; the Great Lawn with seating to play and relax; and collapsible batting cages for fans of all ages to practice their swing.
“A day at the ballpark is one of the most fun and meaningful experiences families share, and we were very cognizant of that when we designed Truist Park,” said Atlanta Braves President and CEO Derek Schiller. “Hope & Will’s Sandlot has been one of the most popular attractions at Truist Park from the first day we opened our doors. As demand in the space increased, we went back to the drawing board with our partners at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, who are the foremost experts in pediatric health, to create a new and enhanced space that will accommodate even more families and help them build a lifetime of memories.”
Based on feedback from parents who spend considerable time at the Sandlot, the Braves have added additional amenities to ensure that everyone has fun. A new, 480-square-foot video board on the Delta Deck will allow families to play in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park without missing any of the Braves action on the field. Additional enhancements include seating for family members across the park, increased areas of shade, cooling misters, and easy access to restrooms. The area will feature dedicated concessions and kid-focused merchandise as well.
“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is excited to renew our partnership with the Braves and continue our support for families throughout Braves Country,” said Linda Matzigkeit, Chief Administrative Officer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “Children’s is not only the leading place for pediatric care, but we are also fully dedicated to improving the lives of children in our community. The new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park provides a great opportunity for us to deliver on that commitment to be a part of kids’ lives — both when they are sick, and when they are healthy.”
Traditional concessions have been transformed into modern market-style and grab-and-go options. Additionally, the clubhouse store was expanded to improve circulation and access on both game and non-game days, further strengthening connectivity with the community. These improvements not only extend Truist Park’s footprint by linking it more seamlessly with The Battery Atlanta, but also enhance its revenue potential, creating lasting memories for fans in the years to come.
The new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park will be open on gamedays and accessible from The Battery Atlanta for non-gameday events and activities.
