Eagle’s Landing • Stockbridge • McDonough • and Beyond

🦅 Good Morning! Today, we’re breaking down the spike in Georgia gas prices and a new report showing suburban housing near Atlanta is getting more expensive. Plus, a sign of spring returning to Henry County and the heartwarming story behind Empson Deli in Stockbridge.

GEORGIA - Georgia drivers are seeing a sudden jump at the pump after Israeli missile strikes on Iranian oil facilities pushed crude prices above $100 a barrel, sending fuel costs climbing just as spring break travel begins. The average price of regular gas in Georgia has risen to about $3.23 a gallon, marking one of the sharpest weekly increases since the early days of the Ukraine wa

HENRY COUNTY - The long-held belief that moving farther outside Atlanta means cheaper housing may be fading fast. New data shows home prices in fast-growing outer counties like Henry are rising so quickly that living on the metro’s edge could soon cost as much as, or even more than, living in the city itself as buyers chase space, new homes, and suburban lifestyles. Read more in the Wall Street Journal

HENRY COUNTY - Henry County residents may soon start seeing flashes of tiny wings in their backyards as hummingbirds begin their annual migration back to Georgia after traveling thousands of miles from Central America. Experts say March is when the birds start returning to the state, so now is a good time for local homeowners to clean or put out feeders to help the early arrivals refuel during their long journey. Read more at GPB.org

STOCKBRIDGE - “This family business has always lived by a code. Kindness and people who smile.”

By 7 a.m., Brad Fogel is already in the kitchen at Empson Deli. These days he’s mostly semi-retired, but there’s one job no one else is allowed to take over, and that’s making the soups.

Today’s special is a rich brussels sprouts and brie soup. Warm, creamy, and the kind of dish that makes customers pause after the first spoonful and smile.

Brad has spent most of his life behind the counter serving sandwiches, soups, and something harder to put on a menu: community.

The deli has been part of the neighborhood for more than forty years. Over the years, it changed names and locations, but the spirit stayed the same. Today it’s called Empson Deli, named after Brad’s father.

As a third-generation deli owner, the connection runs deep for Jessica Fogel Rogers too. “I literally grew up in the deli,” says Brad’s daughter.

Now Jessica’s 8-year-old daughter sometimes stands on a stool behind the register, learning how to count change. “She told me one day, ‘I’m going to be running this place one day.’ She also wants to be a veterinarian and travel to outer space,” Jessica laughs.

Over the years, the deli has become more than just a place to grab lunch. Many of the regulars feel like extended family.

“Our customers have known us for so long,” Jessica says. “They’re like family.”

During COVID the deli struggled to survive. “We had people leaving cards with six hundred dollars in them just to help us get through it.”

One anonymous customer stepped in and helped them reopen after they had to close for several months. “That’s God’s grace right there,” Jessica says.

Soon, the deli will start a new chapter. After more than four decades serving the community, Empson Deli is leaving its longtime Rock Quarry Road location and moving to a larger space at The Bridges at Jodeco.

The beloved sandwiches, like their reuben and almond cranberry chicken salad will stay on the menu, but Jessica is excited to introduce new items like Italian meatball subs and other changing specials.

For Jessica, the move isn’t just about growing the business. It’s about creating a place where people can walk in, take a breath, and feel at home. She also hopes to host community events in the space.

At Empson Deli, the food may bring people through the door. But kindness is still the most important thing on the menu.

Empson Deli
Currently located on 1445 Rock Quarry Road, Stockbridge
Coming soon to The Bridges at Jodeco
Phone: (770) 389 5824
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empsonsdeli

📅 Tuesday, March 10, 2026

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📅 Saturday, March 21, 2026

📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026

WORTH THE TRIP

Why couldn’t the shellfish farmer go for a run?

He pulled a mussel! 😄