Atlanta’s Newest Grocery Store Highlights What’s Possible When Technology Meets the Power of Connection

Name: Atlanta’s Newest Grocery Store Highlights What’s Possible When Technology Meets the Power of Connection - AT&T Connects
Uploaded: 2026-07-07T13:06:30-04:00
Description: As AT&T Small Business Contest winners, the Hemmings were awarded a $50,000 grand prize to help bring the market at Pittsburgh Yards to life.

Driving innovation and competitiveness

Atlanta’s Newest Grocery Store Highlights What’s Possible When Technology Meets the Power of Connection

Riley BlountPresident, AT&T Georgia

July 7, 2026

Key insights

As the winner of the 2025 AT&T Small Business Contest, Nourish + Bloom Market captured our attention for its pioneering use of technology and the Hemmings’ dedication to serving Metro Atlanta communities. As AT&T Small Business Contest winners, the Hemmings were awarded a $50,000 grand prize to help bring the market at Pittsburgh Yards to life.

By combining artificial intelligence with the hope of eliminating food deserts, co-founders Jilea and Jamie Hemmings have created grocery stores that expand access to fresh, healthy food while making shopping more convenient for customers.

At AT&T, we believe innovation matters most when it opens new possibilities for people and businesses. Reliable connectivity plays a key role in making that possible. Internet connectivity powered by AT&T helps support the systems behind Nourish + Bloom Market’s autonomous shopping experience and allows customers to be served around the clock.

At AT&T, we wake up every day with the mission of connecting more people to greater possibilities.

That mission includes supporting small businesses as they harness the power of connection.

Innovation is at its best when it solves everyday challenges. And Nourish + Bloom Market is the perfect example of what’s possible when innovation meets the power of connection.

The company’s newest market is in Atlanta’s historic Pittsburgh Yards neighborhood. Housed within a shipping container, it’s a first of its kind. Using AI-powered, zero-checkout technology, customers are able to tap entry using the Nourish + Bloom Market app, or they can tap a card or use Apple Pay on the turnstile to enter. Cameras track what customers take, allowing them to select what they need and go. Once shopping is complete, the customer receives an e-receipt – seamless service.

Last week, I was honored to join the Hemmings, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, City of Atlanta Councilmember Antonio Lewis, Invest Atlanta, the Atlanta BeltLine and community leaders for the Pittsburgh Yards ribbon-cutting. The opening showcased how Atlanta moves forward when partners work together with a shared focus.

In addition to Pittsburgh Yards, Nourish + Bloom Market has locations across Metro Atlanta, including Fayetteville, Cascade Heights, Freedom Parkway Marketplace and Grady Memorial Hospital.

The stores operate 24/7 and offer fresh produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared meals and household essentials. The markets accept SNAP and EBT benefits, reflecting the vision the Hemmings have had for Nourish + Bloom Market from the beginning: to make fresh, healthy food easier to access, regardless of zip code.

The Hemmings’ journey is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and the power of small businesses. As the winner of the 2025 AT&T Small Business Contest, Nourish + Bloom Market captured our attention for its pioneering use of technology and the Hemmings’ dedication to serving Metro Atlanta communities. As AT&T Small Business Contest winners, the Hemmings were awarded a $50,000 grand prize to help bring the market at Pittsburgh Yards to life.

Submissions for the 2026 AT&T Small Business Contest are open through July 31, with one grand prize winner receiving $50,000 to invest in their business and four finalists receiving $5,000 each – along with access to tools, resources and a broader small business community to provide support.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens often says, “Atlanta is a group project.” Nourish + Bloom Market reminds us of what the group project looks like in action: entrepreneurs, public leaders, companies and community partners working together to create possibilities and strengthen neighborhoods.

When technology, innovation and strong partnerships come together, we don’t just build smarter businesses. We build stronger communities.

For more information about the AT&T Small Business Contest or to apply, please visit att.com/shesconnected.

Atlanta’s Newest Grocery Store Highlights What’s Possible When Technology Meets the Power of Connection

Atlanta’s Newest Grocery Store Highlights What’s Possible When Technology Meets the Power of Connection

Key insights

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