Rubber ducky, you’re the one
Feb. 27 — It’s Cathy and Stephanie with our weekly newsletter. With the possible entry of a Whataburger franchise into Tucker, it’s apparent that the passion for this restaurant’s fare has risen into cult-classic status, along with Trader Joe’s, Publix subs, and Buc-ee’s.
Cosmopolitan Magazine wrote a story in 2023, listing eight fun facts about Whataburger, including that the restaurant’s flag was placed on Mount Kilimanjaro in 2010 by franchisee Jerry Baird. Also, there’s a Whataburger University in San Antonio, TX, where students get extra credit when their total cholesterol passes 200. That’s not only a joke, but also a great idea to encourage greater knowledge through consumption. You’re welcome.
Before we get to this week’s recap, here are a few newsy tidbits for your consideration.
🐤 On March 7, Tucker will hold its Rubber Ducky Scavenger Hunt at Kelley Cofer Park from 2-4 p.m. No preregistration is necessary.
🌮 ICYMI, the Tucker location of Del Taco closed unexpectedly. It could also reopen unexpectedly. Here’s Stephanie’s story with the latest taco twist
🏗️ There is news of a new apartment complex coming to Tucker called RENDER – I guess the all-caps name conveys the sense of excitement that ensues when building hundreds of multi-family units.
☔ Let’s get on with it,
Cathy and Stephanie
🏥 Join Move For Grady on April 25! Three intown biking distances and two run/walk options means there’s something for everyone. Come to move, stay for the party – plenty of food and drinks to celebrate at GSU’s Center Parc Stadium. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Whataburger looks at Tucker
🥘 Made to Order Holdings and its architect, Warner Summers, provided updates to residents about its plans to build a Whataburger in Tucker at a Feb. 24 public participation meeting.
MTOH, the local franchisee for the popular burger chain, is interested in re-purposing a vacant Wendy’s restaurant at 4453 Hugh Howell Road to make way for the quick-serve restaurant with indoor seating and a drive-thru. The business would require a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) because of its plans to install a drive-thru.
Attendees posed questions about the building size, landscaping buffer, and safety concerns, since the restaurant would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Restaurant reps said they expect to hire between 80 and 100 people if plans are approved.
♾️ Seems excessive, but I guess it takes a lot of hands to make a burger 36,000 different ways. Here’s the story.
DeKalb County CEO Releases 2025 Year in Review
SPONSORED BY DEKALB CEO LORAINE COCHRAN-JOHNSON
🏛️ The DeKalb County Office of the CEO has released its 2025 Year in Review report and video, which chronologically reflects the County’s progress, defining moments, and milestones throughout the year.
The report highlights progress across key priority areas. It also underscores the County’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and data-driven governance. The Year in Review also features performance metrics, and stories that showcase how County programs and services impact residents across DeKalb’s diverse communities.
👉🏼 View the DeKalb County Office of the CEO’s 2025 Year in Review report and video here.
‘If squash and tennis had a baby’
🏓 With all the controversy around racket sports in Tucker, Armando and Caitlin Suarez are hoping to court new fans to padel, a sport with similarities to pickleball, with a fraction of the noise.
“It’s kind of like if tennis and squash had a baby,” said Armando Suarez, owner of Padel Highway. You have a net, and you’re playing against your opponent via the net, but there’s also glass [behind players] that you can play off.”
The couple and their family will open Padel Highway, a state-of-the-art, panoramic, four-court recreation center on Lawrenceville Highway in April. Players of all skill levels and ages are invited to enjoy tournaments, free play, and other events centered around padel, a sport that originated in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969.
🇲🇽 Read Stephanie’s story here.
🏥 Join Move For Grady on April 25! Three intown biking distances and two run/walk options means there’s something for everyone. Come to move, stay for the party – plenty of food and drinks to celebrate at GSU’s Center Parc Stadium. SPONSOR MESSAGE
What’s it Worth?
SPONSORED BY ATLANTA FINE HOMES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
🏝️ Set on its own private island, this Lake Burton estate offers 360-degree views, rustic mountain craftsmanship, expansive flagstone patios, and a two-stall covered boathouse.
❓ Guess the price below!
Parking plans perused
🏎️ The Tucker City Council and staff are continuing to determine whether the ideal combination of time limits, technology, and additional spaces will push their downtown parking plan forward.
During its Feb. 23 work session, Micah Siebel, assistant to the city manager, delivered updates regarding downtown parking, with plans to incorporate more spaces along with the addition of technology, which would allow for data collection on parking patterns. He also discussed the capital investment for those plans.
The council last discussed an ordinance on time-limited parking in November, but did not come to a final decision on how to resolve issues with downtown employees and teen drivers occupying desirable Main Street parking spaces.
Share your love of Rough Draft with a friend
Use the personal referral link below and get cool stuff.
Get 10 referrals and we’ll send you some stickers.
Get 20 and you’ll get a t-shirt!