atlanta business tagged interest

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Atlanta City Council members are considering an ordinance that would invest $1.8 million into “legacy businesses.”

The businesses are spots that have been there for over 30 years and they are considered quintessential Atlanta.

“Brickstore Pub, The Earl, Euclid Avenue Yacht Club, Atkins Park,” said Steve Pitts, when asked about his favorite local spots.

Pitts is the general manager of Manuel’s Tavern, another business that would count as a legacy business under the proposed ordinance.

“We opened up in 1956, so we’re approaching our 68th birthday,” said Pitts.

Atlanta City Councilman Jason Dozier wants to make sure those spots are known to more than just locals.

“We have all these tourists coming to the city. We have so many conventions. We have the World Cup coming in a couple of years,” said Dozier. “Boy, wouldn’t it be nice if folks from Germany were down at Busy Bee Café or spending their money at Criminal Records in Little Five Points or really experiencing the real authentic Atlanta that made our city what it is.”

That’s why he presented the ordinance at city hall. It’d direct funding and resources to businesses over 30 years old.

“Ensuring those businesses have financial support, technical support, and also some love from international, traveling communities will help them be set up for success in the long haul,” said Dozier.

A welcome idea, according to Pitts.

“It’s great to hear. We like to think we make Atlanta unique,” said Pitts. “Any help that we could get, we’d be grateful for for sure.”

The ordinance will be in financial committee next week and is expected to be passed on Aug. 5 and go into effect this year. The Atlanta City Council is still considering which businesses will qualify.