🦅👁️ New BBQ Is Coming to McDonough. Plus Chick-fil-A's Surprising New Business

We Made It to Friday, Henry County!

Today we're taking a look at a new barbecue restaurant headed to McDonough, a surprising new business venture from one of Georgia's most recognizable brands, and an important reminder for anyone planning to clean up their yard this weekend.

And don't forget to check your inbox tomorrow for our Weekend Eye, packed with the best events, festivals, live music, and family-friendly activities happening across Henry County and beyond.

Let's get into it. 🦅👁️

MCDONOUGH — Barbecue lovers have something new to look forward to. Poolie's BBQ & Grill is targeting an opening in McDonough in about six weeks as the restaurant works through the final permitting process.

While an official opening date hasn't been announced, anticipation is already building for what will become one of Henry County's newest locally owned dining destinations.

Why it matters: Henry County's restaurant scene continues to grow, giving residents more local dining options while bringing new investment to the community. Want to know when Poolie's BBQ officially opens and what will be on the menu? Follow the restaurant's latest updates here.

GEORGIA — Chick-fil-A is expanding beyond the drive thru.

The Georgia based company has quietly launched Acrew Home Professionals, a handyman service now serving metro Atlanta through its innovation company, Red Wagon Ventures. The business offers services including home repairs, TV mounting, furniture assembly, drywall repair, and fixture installation.

Company leaders say the goal is to bring the same hospitality focused approach that made Chick-fil-A famous into customers' homes.

Why it matters: One of Georgia's most successful companies is proving it isn't just in the restaurant business anymore. The move could signal even more expansion beyond food in the years ahead. Curious what services Chick-fil-A now offers besides chicken sandwiches? Learn more about Acrew Home Professionals.

HENRY COUNTY — Before you light that brush pile, check the rules.

Henry County's outdoor burn ban remains in effect as officials continue to monitor wildfire conditions across Georgia. The restriction prohibits outdoor burning of leaves, limbs, brush, and other yard debris while dry conditions continue.

Why it matters: Many homeowners spend weekends tackling yard work, but even a small fire can quickly spread under current conditions. Waiting until the ban is lifted helps protect homes, property, and emergency responders. Find out what's prohibited and when the burn ban is expected to end.

HENRY COUNTY — One of the biggest barriers to buying a home isn't finding one. It's saving enough money for the down payment. That's where Georgia Dream comes in. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, provides eligible homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance through a zero-interest deferred second mortgage. Qualified buyers may receive up to $10,000 in assistance. Certain groups, including educators, nurses, law enforcement officers, active military members, veterans, and households with a family member living with a disability, may qualify for up to $12,500 through specialized Georgia Dream programs.

The assistance requires no monthly payments. Repayment is deferred until the home is sold, refinanced, or no longer serves as the owner's primary residence.

To qualify, buyers generally must be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned a home in the past three years, meet household income limits, purchase a home within program price limits, have a minimum credit score of 640, contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds, and complete a homebuyer education course. The program works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans through participating lenders across Georgia.

With Henry County's housing market continuing to grow and home prices rising across McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, and Locust Grove, this program could be the difference between buying a home this year and waiting several more.Think you might qualify? Find a participating Georgia Dream lender →

If you know of more locations, send them along. 📧[email protected]

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Food Truck Frenzy Fundraiser · 📍 Village Park, 750 Fairview Rd, Ellenwood · 🕐 4–9PM · A portion of proceeds benefits IMPACT Alliance — food trucks, music, putting green, splash pad, and games for the whole family.

7 Summers — The Ultimate Morgan Wallen Tribute · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9–11PM · Doors 6PM · $34–$224 · 21+ after 8PM · Every Morgan Wallen hit performed live — for the fans who know every word.

Friday Nights with DJ Jada Byrd · 📍 1942 On The Square, 3B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 7PM · Every Friday · Good music, good food, and good vibes on the Square all night.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Housing Hope Walk-a-Thon · 📍 Alexander Park West, 110 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough · 🕐 Sign-in 7AM | Walk 8AM–Noon · FREE · Pisteuo Development Inc. hosts Henry County's first affordable housing awareness walk — music, drinks, and snacks along the way.

Get-to-Stepping Fitness Walk · 📍 130 MLK Sr. Trail, Stockbridge · 🕐 9AM · FREE · The City of Stockbridge's community wellness walk heads toward Reeves Creek Trail — all are welcome.

Sunflower Weekend at Southern Belle Farm · 📍 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough · 🕐 See site for hours · $25/person | Under 2 FREE · Runs June 27–28 · U-pick sunflowers, 30+ outdoor activities, and a free souvenir cup — one of Henry County's most photogenic weekends of summer.

Charlie Wilson · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🕐 8PM · From $129 via Ticketmaster · Uncle Charlie returns to Stockbridge with saxophonist Mike Phillips added to the lineup — box office open Thursday–Saturday, noon to 6PM.

Def Van Jovi Crue — 80s Rock · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9–11PM · Doors 6PM · $21–$148 · 21+ after 8PM · Def Leppard, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe — three of the biggest 80s rock bands honored in one wild Saturday night at Southern Roots.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Sourdough Desserts Workshop — Rose Creek Sourdough Co. · 📍 Bottled Treasures, McDonough · 🕐 2PM · Tickets required · Hands-on baking with Rose Creek Sourdough Company — participants learn, bake, and take home their own summer fruit dessert creation.

Sunflower Weekend — Day 2 · 📍 Southern Belle Farm, 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough · $25/person | Under 2 FREE · Last day of the weekend — u-pick sunflowers, farm activities, and summer fun before the week begins.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the weekend listing in the Weekend Eye

MONDAY, JUNE 29

Bippidi Bobbidi BINGO — Disney Music Night · 📍 McDonough Public Library · 🕐 6–7PM · FREE · Family-friendly Disney music bingo — test who knows the most lyrics from the classics. No tickets, just show up.

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

No eye deer.🤣

That's your Thursday edition of the Eagle Eye Digest.

That's it for today.

Whether you're planning your next barbecue stop, thinking about tackling a few projects around the house, or simply cleaning up the yard, we hope today's stories helped you stay one step ahead.

And be sure to watch for tomorrow's Weekend Eye, where we'll round up the best things to do across Henry County, from live music and festivals to family fun and hidden gems.

Got a tip, story idea, or community event we should know about? Email us here [email protected]

Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️