business
World Cup crowds give downtown businesses a boost
By ABC at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
The excitement surrounding Atlanta ’s World Cup matches is extending far beyond the stadium gates, bringing new customers and international attention to businesses in South Downtown.As fans from around the world filled the city for the Morocco-Haiti matchup, local shops and restaurants welcomed a ...
Key takeaway “We make 45 different types of doughnuts every day,” said owner Dannia Balestena.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The influx of World Cup fans to South Downtown has brought a much-needed boost to local businesses, and the effects are likely to be felt long after the tournament ends. The city's investments in redevelopment efforts, such as the grant that helped Dough in the Box's landlord with renovations, are paying off as new businesses take root in the area. The Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund, which supported the donut shop's initial pop-up concept, has been instrumental in attracting entrepreneurs to the neighborhood. As the city looks to sustain the economic growth sparked by the World Cup, it will be crucial to continue supporting small businesses and initiatives that foster a vibrant and diverse community. With its rich cultural exchange and international attention, the World Cup has provided a unique opportunity for Atlanta to showcase its hospitality and charm, and it remains to be seen how the city will build on this momentum to drive long-term growth in South Downtown.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The excitement surrounding Atlanta’s World Cup matches is extending far beyond the stadium gates, bringing new customers and international attention to businesses in South Downtown.As fans from around the world filled the city for the Morocco-Haiti matchup, local shops and restaurants welcomed a ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ABC at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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