Eagle’s Landing • Stockbridge • McDonough • and Beyond

🦅 Good Morning. Grab your coffee and get caught up on what’s happening in our neck of the woods!

HENRY COUNTY — In case you missed it, Friday's jobs report wasn't great. The U.S. lost about 92,000 jobs in January, and Georgia companies shed over 1,700 positions to start the year. An economist at Emory University says rising fuel costs from the Iran war could push companies to cut even more workers in the months ahead. Read the full article at GPB.org

HAMPTON- A new deal will allow the City of Griffin to send up to 5 million gallons of water a day to Hampton’s future data center site using Spalding County pipelines. As data centers continue to grow alongside streaming and AI demand, some local leaders and residents are raising concerns about the pressure these projects could place on water supplies, power grids, and infrastructure. Spalding County Commissioner James Dutton says the public should be paying close attention. Read more in the Griffin Daily News

GEORGIA- New research shows American teenagers are sleeping less than ever, with about three out of four teens reporting they don’t get enough sleep, a sharp rise since 2007. Surprisingly, researchers found that heavy screen use isn’t the main cause, with sleep loss increasing even among teens who spend little time on phones or social media. Experts say factors like early school start times, busy schedules, and mental health pressures may be contributing to what some doctors now call an “epidemic” of teen sleep deprivation. Read more at GPB.org

ATLANTA — Women-owned businesses are becoming a major driver of Georgia’s economy, with more than 44,000 women-owned employer firms operating across the state. Business leaders say expanding access to corporate contracts and partnerships could help those companies grow even faster, creating jobs and strengthening local economies across Georgia communities. Read more here at the SaportaReport.com

ATLANTA - Yamaha Motor Corporation plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters from California to Kennesaw, Georgia, bringing hundreds of corporate jobs to metro Atlanta over the next several years. The move highlights the region’s growing appeal for major companies and adds to the economic momentum across the greater Atlanta area, including fast-growing counties like Henry. Read More at Fox5Atlanta.com

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

📅 Wednesday, March 11, 2026

📅 Thursday, March 12, 2026

📅 Friday, March 13, 2026

📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026

📅 Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Saturday, March 21, 2026

📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026

WORTH THE TRIP

Did you hear the rumor about butter?

Well, I'm not going to go spreading it! 😄