The Battle & Brew Closure, The Great Wing Crawl, and Holiday Bright Spots (Issue #41)

Good morning Stewards,

Hope you're staying cozy as we count down to Christmas (or one of the many other Holidays you may be celebrate at this time of year)!

You may have noticed our editions are a little lighter during holiday weeks. Things tend to quiet down around town as people focus on the holidays, and honestly, that’s kind of the point.

It’s a chance to kick back and enjoy the season without feeling rushed. Cheers!

In Today's Edition

• ☀️ The Weather Report: Your Christmas Eve Forecast

• 🍺 Business Beat: Battle & Brew Battery Closes After Two Years

• 🍗 The Great Wing Crawl: From Gourmet Glazes to Neighborhood Legends

• 🌟 Community Spotlight: Bright Side Cobb's Holiday Highlights

• 🗓️ Community Calendar: What's Happening This Week

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

THE WEATHER REPORT
🌤️ A Beautifully Mild Holiday Week

We are in for a treat this week, Stewards! Temperatures are staying well above average, offering a warm and bright backdrop for our holiday celebrations and end-of-year gatherings.

• 🌥️ Today (Tue 23): AM clouds clearing for a sunny afternoon. High 69°/Low 53°. A very comfortable day to get things moving.

• ⛅ Wed 24: Partly cloudy and even warmer. High 75°/Low 53°. An exceptionally mild Christmas Eve—perfect for travel or evening festivities.

• ☀️ Thu 25: Mostly sunny skies. High 74°/Low 55°. A gorgeous, bright Christmas Day with plenty of warmth for a holiday stroll.

• ⛅ Fri 26: Partly cloudy. High 73°/Low 60°. The mild streak continues, keeping the post-holiday vibe relaxed and pleasant.

• 🌥️ Sat 27: AM clouds followed by afternoon sun. High 73°/Low 59°. Another great day to be outdoors or finish up the week’s errands.

• ☁️ Sun 28: Mostly cloudy. High 71°/Low 36°. Still warm during the day, but keep an eye on that sharp temperature drop overnight!

Plan Accordingly: This is a rare week where you won't need the heavy winter gear during the day. Just be ready for a much colder air mass to move in Sunday night as we head toward the final days of the year. Check the most up to date forecast here!

BUSINESS BEAT
🍺 Battle & Brew Battery Closes After 2 Years in Business

The gamer-themed bar and restaurant Battle & Brew Battery has abruptly shut its doors after opening back in January 2024.

According to Atlanta News First, the closure came as a surprise to both customers and staff, with the venue posting a brief message on social media thanking patrons for their support.

The Background: The original Battle & Brew location in Sandy Springs, which opened in 2014, remains operational.

The Battery location had brought the concept's unique blend of craft beer, elevated pub food, and tabletop gaming to the mixed-use development adjacent to Truist Park, but ultimately couldn't sustain the model in that space.

What's Next? No official statement has been released regarding the reasons for the closure or whether the company plans to open another location in the future.

BITE BY BITE
🍗 From Gourmet Glazes to Neighborhood Legends - Who Makes the Best Wings in Smyrna-Vinings?

Whether you're gearing up for Sunday football, a casual date night, or just a Tuesday craving that won't quit, Smyrna and Marietta residents know one thing for certain: not all wings are created equal.

After diving deep into community feedback and local "wing-tel," we've mapped out the definitive guide to the area's best bird. From food science to Buffalo roots, here is where you should be eating right now.

1. The Gold Standard: MTH Pizza

If you want to see what happens when a Culinary Institute of America graduate applies food science to a chicken wing, head to MTH Pizza. While technically a pizza joint, their wings are arguably the area's most "elevated" experience.

• The Vibe: High-end flavors that justify the price tag.

• Pro Tip: Their sauces and dressings are so legendary that locals have been known to buy them by the pint. It's the "special occasion" wing you didn't know you needed.

2. The People's Champ: St. Angelo's Pizza

Consistency is king at St. Angelo's. Ask three neighbors for their favorite spot, and at least two will point you here. It's the quintessential local favorite—balancing a classic pizza-parlor atmosphere with a wing that hits the mark every single time. It's reliable, delicious, and deeply "Smyrna-Vinings."

3. The Road Trip Worthy: The Wing Cafe & Tap House

A mere 15-minute hop over the border into Marietta rewards you with a massive menu and a dedicated fan base.

• The Order: You aren't a true local until you've tried the "Shepherd Wings."

• The Vibe: This is the spot for variety lovers and those who want a lively tap-house energy to go with their meal.

4. The Authentic North: Padriac's

Craving a "real" Buffalo wing? The owner here hails from Buffalo, NY, and it shows in the technique.

• The Insider Secret: Don't just settle for mild or hot. Ask for them "Ernie Style"—a secret-handshake blend of Hot, BBQ, and Teriyaki that creates a flavor profile you won't find anywhere else.

5. The "Small Wing" Specialist: Wing City

Not everyone loves a jumbo, "fatty" wing. If you prefer your wings crispy and manageable, Wing City on Windy Hill is your sanctuary. They specialize in smaller wings that maximize the surface area for sauce.

• Must-Try: The Hot Honey Lemon Pepper is a masterclass in sweet, heat, and tang.

The Great Debate: Varner's Restaurant & Tavern

We can't talk about Smyrna wings without mentioning Varner's. It is perhaps the most polarizing plate in town. To some, it's the undisputed "Best in Smyrna" dive-bar staple. To others? It's a "Buyer Beware" situation.

What do you think? Is Varner's a 10/10 local legend or a 4/10 skip? We want to hear from you! Reply to this email or tag us in your next wing-basket photo.

More Local Flavor:

• Best Fusion: Heirloom BBQ (for that perfect smoky-sweet profile).

• Best "Wings & Rice" Combo: Buffalo Bar on Windy Hill.

• The Newcomer: Da Vinci's (limited sauce options, but high-quality chicken).

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🌟 Bright Side Cobb: Holiday Highlights

This week's positive news from around Cobb County includes several uplifting stories and community wins. From local students making a difference to businesses giving back during the holiday season, there's plenty of good happening in our corner of the metro.

The Takeaway: In a news cycle that often focuses on challenges, Bright Side Cobb reminds us that our community is filled with people doing extraordinary things every single day.

Read the full roundup: Bright Side Cobb - December 19, 2025

🎉 Upcoming Events

Run Smyrna | 6:30-8:30PM, Dec 29 and Every Monday

• Location: Stout Brothers, 1265 W Spring St

• Description: Meet fellow runners for a relaxed 3–5 mile run

👋 See You Next Tuesday

📬 Ready to dig deeper? : Sign up for the scoop on Smyrna-Vinings delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday @ 8 AM

— Ravi & Rinnah Patel

P.S. Whether you're team MTH Pizza or team St. Angelo's, we want to hear your wing takes! Reply to this email with your favorite spot and why it deserves the crown. The best responses might make it into a future edition. Happy holidays, Stewards!