Two Atlanta Restaurateurs Step Up to Help the Family of Rayshard Brooks

Two Atlanta restaurateurs step up to help the family of Rayshard Brooks

Slutty Vegan owner Aisha “Pinky” Cole and Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks owner Derrick Hayes helped purchase a car for Tomika Miller, the widow of Rayshard Brooks, TMZ reports. In addition to the car, Cole and Hayes are also providing life insurance policies and partnered with Clark Atlanta University to offer college scholarships to Brooks’ four children. Cole is an alumna of Clark Atlanta. According to NPR, the scholarships amount to over $600,000 and cover tuition, meals, and room and board for the children.

“It was without hesitation that we made the decision to partner with our notable alumna and entrepreneur Pinky Cole to help the family and children of Mr. Rayshard Brooks,” Clark Atlanta University President Dr. George French said in a statement. “The senseless death of Mr. Brooks will undoubtedly have long-term financial effects on the family and these scholarships will not only provide them with a means to access a world-class education, but will help them on their pathway of success.”

Brooks was shot and killed by Atlanta police office Garrett Rolfe in a Wendy’s parking lot off of University Avenue on the evening of June 12. Rolfe has been fired from the Atlanta Police Department and has since been charged with felony murder for Brooks’ death. [TMZ/NPR/VOX]

Burger and wine chain Zinburger closes its two Atlanta locations

Multiple U.S. news outlets report that wine and burger chain Zinburger is closing a majority of its restaurant locations, including two Atlanta outposts at Lenox Square and Perimeter malls. The New Jersey-based chain blames financial difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 dining room shutdowns throughout the country. The Buckhead location opened in 2014, followed by the Perimeter Mall restaurant in September 2018. Zinburger is one of a number of Atlanta-area restaurants permanently closing due to the ongoing pandemic.

Popular El Rey Del Taco features parking lot seating

Popular Buford Highway restaurant El Rey Del Taco now includes additional seating in the parking lot. After reopening for limited dine-in service in mid-May, the restaurant is providing people the option to dine outdoors in the parking lot amid the ongoing health crisis. Takeout and delivery are still available. [Instagram]

Decatur-based Waller’s Coffee Shop now features outdoor ordering service

The coffee shop located on Dekalb Industrial Way in Decatur has set up outside in order to offer patrons a safer alternative to dine-in service. Waller’s currently features both drive-thru and walk-up coffee service. Owned by musician and mental health activist Jason Waller, the shop should reopen soon for indoor service. Waller is also planning a series of outdoor music shows and performances while the shop is closed to the public. People attending shows at Waller’s are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. [Instagram]