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🌱 Patch AM: Which favorite Athens restaurants have already shut their doors in 2026?

Happening soon: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Athens Patch calendar

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Good morning Athens! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which favorite Athens restaurants have already shut their doors in 2026?
  • What could replace Akademia at this Athens brewery site up for auction?
  • Why UGA's Catholic Center is now a major pilgrimage stop

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 90 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 88, low: 71.
  • Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 90 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. See which Athens restaurants have closed so far in 2026 (onlineathens.com) — Several well-known Athens restaurants and a brewery have closed in 2026, including Weaver D's, DePalma's downtown location, Akademia Brewing, and the original Barberitos on Clayton Street. The article explains when each spot shut its doors, which locations remain open, and one additional restaurant that appears closed but hasn't been officially confirmed.
   

2. Former Akademia brewery property and equipment set for October auction (onlineathens.com) — The former Akademia Brewing Co. property on Crane Drive in Athens, including its 17,000-square-foot building and full brewery and kitchen setup, is headed to an online auction closing October 14. Local buyers and entrepreneurs can bid on the real estate and equipment separately, with pre-auction offers and on-site inspections available through the auction company.
   

3. Six churches open their doors for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis (georgiabulletin.org) — Athens Catholics and UGA students can now visit the Catholic Center at the University of Georgia as one of six official pilgrimage sites for the Year of St. Francis, running through January 2027. The designation brings special spiritual opportunities, including indulgences, quiet chapel time, and easy access from campus, while inviting locals to explore other Franciscan parishes across North Georgia.
   

4. Man accused of catfishing victim into getting engaged by using AI, voice-changing technology (azfamily.com) — In Athens, police are investigating a catfishing scheme where a South Carolina man allegedly used AI, stolen photos, and voice-changing tech to pose as a female deputy and defraud victims. Authorities say he's already facing multiple charges and are asking any Athens-area residents who suspect they were victimized to email Sgt. Franco for help.
   

5. S.C. man accused of catfishing Georgian into fake engagement with fictional woman (wrdw.com) — A catfishing investigation based in Athens has led to charges against a South Carolina man accused of creating a fake law-enforcement persona and defrauding victims, including one who believed he was engaged. Athens-Clarke County police urge anyone who suspects they were targeted in this scheme to contact Sgt. Franco by email as they consider additional charges.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please help me find a good home for a dog that we "rescued" from the Lexington Rd Walmart.
    This past Saturday someone, that appeared to be in a difficult situation, was giving away three dogs in the parking lot to anyone that would take… (Nextdoor Olde Lexington Gardens)
  • MISSING Labradoodle, her name is Rosie.
    She is microchipped. She's wearing a collar with her information on it, and a bandana. Please contact 706-540-0816 if you see her! (Nextdoor Lil Nashville)
  • Piedmont Healthcare, Inc. posted a job opening for Public Safety Officer, PRN in Athens. Apply here.
  • National Mentor Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for Operations Management Area Director in Athens. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Athens here.

Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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