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  • 🏗️ Tucker News: Bulldozers Roll In, Police Seek Robbery Suspect

🏗️ Tucker News: Bulldozers Roll In, Police Seek Robbery Suspect

Browning Village Shopping Center demolition, Matthews Cafeteria robbery suspect, new restaurant coming, and more

Good morning, Tucker! 

In today’s edition:  

  • Browning Village Shopping Center demolition

  • Police need help in finding Matthews Cafeteria robbery suspect

  • Keke’s Breakfast Cafe coming to Tucker

PSA: In case you missed last week’s scoop about Tucker Town Green updates and the ongoing Pickleball controversy, find all of our prior newsletters here!

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Stay in the Loop 💫 

🏗️ Bulldozers Roll Into Browning Village as Townhomes Take Over

Tucker residents were surprised to see bulldozers rolling into Browning Village Shopping Center at 4987 Lavista Road this week, marking the beginning of the end for the longtime strip mall.

Photo Credit: Richard Kelley

The property is being demolished to make way for new townhomes, leaving the community with mixed feelings about the change. While some neighbors are excited to see fresh development come to the area, others are saddened to see beloved local businesses like My Fair Lady Pool Aerobics and Eric Fit Lab go. The demolition serves as another reminder of Tucker's ongoing transformation as older commercial spaces give way to residential development.

🚨 Police Seek Suspect in Matthews Cafeteria Robbery

DeKalb County Police are asking for the public's help finding Terrence Tamplin, 63, who's accused of robbing Matthews Cafeteria on Main Street around closing time on June 16.

The suspect allegedly broke into the office and stole a cash register drawer, with the crime captured on surveillance video showing him driving a black Acura MDX SUV with Georgia license plate DAZ8296. The beloved local restaurant called the incident particularly painful as a small mom and pop business, and police are urging anyone who spots the suspect to call DeKalb County Police immediately.

Footage of Terrence Tamplin (63) robbing Matthew’s Cafeteria; please contact DeKalb Police if you spot the suspect!

Read more from the source: Decaturish

🥞 KeKe’s Breakfast Cafe Coming to Tucker

The empty Applebee's at Cofer Crossing is getting a makeover as Keke's Breakfast Cafe prepares to open its doors to Tucker diners. The Florida-based breakfast chain entered the Atlanta market earlier this year with locations in Kennesaw and Roswell, and now locals won't have to drive far for their signature pancakes and morning favorites.

Cofer Crossing’s old Applebees location will become KeKe’s Breakfast Cafe | Photo Source: ToNeTo Atlanta

Community reaction has been mixed, with some residents excited to see the empty building finally get a new tenant while others were hoping for a different dining option.

🌽 Tucker’s Farmers Market: This week’s highlights - June 19

Tucker's Farmers Market is open every Thursday (4-7pm) at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (4882 Lavista Road) until October. Shop from 25+ vendors providing local fruits & veggies, baked goods, and more!

🍑🫐 @straight_from_the_backyard_far returns with cucumbers, squash, zucchini, potatoes, blueberries, and more. Pearson Farm Peaches are also in season!

Vendors this week:

  • Hungry Hippo Eats - flavors of Haiti and American South with some of mom’s down-home cooking

  • New Hippo Burger - cheeseburgers, mac & cheese, pulled pork, and slaw

  • Vanilla Crepes - sweet and savory crepes

  • Sabor Provisions - sweet and savory empanadas, dips, drinks, and more

  • Sweet Sweet Syria - chicken mandi, falafel, chicken shawarma, and more

  • Fitzgerald Smoked Meats - Brunswick stew, pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and more

SNAP/EBT is accepted at Tucker’s Farmers Market, and you can double your benefits on fresh fruits and veggies. More details here.

Tucker Treasures 💝 

Tucker Today partners with Dekalb County Animal Shelter. Every week, we highlight local animals looking for their forever home.

In this week’s edition of Tucker Treasures, we’re featuring Brumby!

Brumby (male); 4 yrs old, 49lbs

“Brumby touches every heart he meets. At 4 years old, he's tall, graceful, and has the sweetest spotted face. His affectionate nature shines every time he's out with volunteers and staff. He loves people, seeks out attention, and enjoys being part of the action. He also rides quietly in the car, hopping in and lying down without any fuss. Brumby is full of love and ready to make a wonderful companion.”

Spread the word about Brumby! Email [email protected] or call 404.294.2165 for more info.

Not sure if you want to adopt? Come take a pup for a fun day with the Dog for the Day program. This program is a great way to borrow a canine companion for a hike, a trip to the park, or a lazy day at home. Email [email protected] for more information.

Small Business News 📰 

🧋 Spice Up Your Life at New Boba's & Goodies

Spicy food fans have a new reason to celebrate with the opening of Boba's & Goodies next to Goodwill on Hugh Howell Road. The local spot is serving up authentic momos and pani puri alongside affordable, delicious boba drinks that are already winning over customers.

Early visitors rave about the friendly service and authentic flavors, making it a perfect addition to Tucker's growing food scene. Stop by and give this new local business a warm welcome!

Photo Credit: Nowmee Shehab

Photo Credit: Nowmee Shehab

Photo Credit: Nowmee Shehab

Tucker Events 🎟️

📆 Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars now!

🎬️ Movie on the Green is back!

Location: Church Street Greenspace (4316 Church Street)
Date/time: 5:30pm - greenspace opens; 7pm - movie starts

Join the community for family-friendly movie nights, featuring special screenings of the following films:

  •  June 12th - Mufasa (rescheduled)

  • June 26th - Wild Robot

  • July 17th - IF

  • August 21st - Shrek

  • September 26th - Wicked

Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy these movies while indulging in some great vendors. No pets unless they’re service animals. More event details here!

Photo Credit: City of Tucker

🎶 Tucker Summer of Fun: First Friday Concerts

Don’t miss TKR Summer of Fun’s upcoming First Friday Concert on Friday, June 6th, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Church Street Greenspace! (The space will open at 5:30pm and live music will kick off at 7pm.)

Beverage and food vendors will be available on-site. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a fun night out in Tucker! You won’t want to miss this line-up— mark your calendars now! More details here.

  •  May 2nd - The American Flyers

  •  June 6th - Chairmen of the Board

  • August 1st - Nick and the Knacks

  • September 5th- Heart Breaker

Hosting an event and want to get featured in Tucker Today? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Event

Details

Location / Date

✍️ Storying Tucker

Are you a Tucker teen with a passion for storytelling, photography, or video? Join this hands-on summer experience where you’ll explore the voices and history of our community.

Youth ages 14–18. Register here.

📍Location: Kelley Cofer Peach Pit (4276 N. Park Drive)

🗓️ Date: June 16–19 & 23–26 @ 10 am – 4 pm

🎶 Music for Mental Health

Live music, crafts, games, food, and raffles! This will be a family-friendly space where the community can focus on and break the stigma around mental health. More details here.

📍Location: 2370 Main Street

🗓️ Date: June 28 @ 1 – 4 pm

🐾 Heart & Soul Veterinary Care Open House Celebration

Swing by to see the brand new state-of-the-art facility, connecting pet lovers with the Heart & Soul Vet team. Enjoy light refreshments (soft drinks, chips, hot dogs, hamburgers), music, and games!

📍Location: Heart & Soul Veterinary Care (2332 Main St)

🗓️ Date: July 26 @ 12 – 4 pm

🔁 Recurring Events

Event

Details

Location / Date

Aqua Fit Water Aerobics 🏊‍♀️

Fun, full-body workout in the water! Perfect for all fitness levels and helps improve strength, flexibility, and heart health.

Register online (registration does not guarantee a spot for specific days).

📍Location: Kelley Cofer Pool (4259 N Park Drive)

🗓️ Date/time: Mondays & Wednesdays | June 2 – August 27 @ 9–10 am

Cost: $3 per session (pay at the door – first come, first served). Max 35 participants per class.

🏎️ Tucker Cruise-In

An old-fashioned classic car show on Main Street in downtown Tucker. Free to attend and $5 to register your vehicle.

📍Location: Main Street

🗓️ Date: 2nd Saturday of the month @10am-1pm

🍃 Just a Walk in the Park (formerly Wild Walks)

Stay active and enjoy the outdoors!

Beginning March 5 - program will take place every Wednesday w/ 2 morning and 2 eventing walks. Click here for details.

🀄️Tucker Mahjong Club

For beginners and advanced players. 4 mahjong sets will be provided.

Join the Facebook group here.

📍Location: Tucker Recreational Center

🗓️ Date/time: Thursdays @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

♟️Tucker Chess Club

100% free and open to all skill levels! Bring chess gear, snacks, dinner, and friends!

Contact [email protected] with any q’s.

📍Location: 2317 Main St

🗓️ Date/time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday @ 7pm

🎧️Podcast Club

Join the Podcast Club every 1st Tuesday of the month!

Questions? Email Elizabeth at [email protected]

📍Location: Tucker-Reid Cofer Library

🗓️ Date/time: 6:30-7:30pm; recurring every 2nd Tuesday of the month (next meeting on July 8th)

☕️ Corner Cup Monthly Meetups

Looking to meet new folks? Swing by the Corner Cup for a casual monthly meetup!

📍Location: Corner Cup

🗓️ Date/time: 2pm; recurring every 3rd Sunday of the month

Tucker Tunes - Live Music 🎵

Monday

  • Napoleon's Grill | Jazz Jam Session & Open Mic | 7:30pm - 11:00pm

Wednesday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Open Mic Night | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

Thursday

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm

  • The Mad Italian | Live Music | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Thank you, Tucker!

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Thanks for being part of our Tucker Today community!✌🏼

Angela Ahn & David Choe

Founders + Editors-in-Chief of Tucker Today and DOA Media Group

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