For many, Cinco De Mayo is a day for margaritas, salsa, and tacos. Here are deals that you can score in Georgia.

Deals range from places all over Georgia at Moe’s Southwest Grill, Barberitos, QDOBA, and more. Here is what we know.

When is Cinco De Mayo 2025?

Cinco de Mayo is on Monday, May 5, 2025. May 5 is celebrated every year by Mexican-Americans and people of Mexican heritage to recognize Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire in 1862.

Georgia Cinco De Mayo deals and offers 2025

According to The Krazy Coupon Lady and the Fast Food Club, here are seven places in the state expected to have deals and discounts:

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Moe’s Southwest Grill : With any entree purchase, you can enjoy a free side of queso on May 5. The Moe Monday offer will also be available, a $7.99 burrito or bowl, with chips and salsa.

: With any entree purchase, you can enjoy a free side of queso on May 5. The Moe Monday offer will also be available, a $7.99 burrito or bowl, with chips and salsa. Barberitos: With any entree purchase, you can enjoy a free small queso.

With any entree purchase, you can enjoy a free small queso. Chronic Tacos : With any in-app $20 or more purchase, rewards members can score $5 off.

: With any in-app $20 or more purchase, rewards members can score $5 off. QDOBA: For Cinco De Mayo, QDOBA is focusing on catering specials, like the Hot Bar and Taco Kits.

For Cinco De Mayo, QDOBA is focusing on catering specials, like the Hot Bar and Taco Kits. Surcheros : All rewards members will earn 5x points with any purchase made on May 5.

: All rewards members will earn 5x points with any purchase made on May 5. Chipotle: Although not yet confirmed as of Monday, watch for a free delivery offer at Chipotle on Monday.

Although not yet confirmed as of Monday, watch for a free delivery offer at Chipotle on Monday. Taco Bell: Taco Bell will most likely offer an in-app exclusive like five tacos for $5 on Cinco de Mayo.

Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.

AI-assisted summary Canada geese populations are increasing in Georgia due to the warmer climate and adaptable environments.

Geese are more aggressive during nesting season, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict.

Canada geese are protected under state and federal law outside of hunting season.

Warmer weather and the ability to adapt to a variety of environments, means more human encounters with Canada geese, experts say.

“We have a resident population of geese in Georgia,” said Kara Nitschke, state migratory game bird biologist, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “So normally they would be considered a migratory species that flies south for winter. Then fly back north in the warmer months.”

Nitschke added, “But our climate and resources in Georgia are such that some of them have become comfortable enough to just stay here year round. That’s why we see these geese in parks and neighborhoods year round.”

The Canada goose can live in a variety of environments including open farmland, rural reservoirs, suburban neighborhood ponds, office complexes, parks and other developed areas, according to experts with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Nitschke said this is the time of year that the geese are pairing up, starting to establish nesting sites and getting ready to nest.

“When that happens they become more aggressive,” she said. “They’re more noticeable because they’re trying to chase people away from their nest sites. That’s why this time of year there tends to be more conflict with Canada geese and humans. That paired with the fact that the resources they require to survive can be found in urban areas.”

Canada geese are a protected species under state and federal law, said Nitschke.

“Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,” said Nitschke. “Which is a federal protection that prevents humans from negatively impacting them, except for during hunting season. There is a season when you can hunt them. But outside of that, they’re protected federally.”

Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers a few tips to homeowners:

Harassment: Landowners can try a variety of harassment techniques such as reflective tape, scarecrows or decoys of predators like coyotes.

Reduce Goose Reproduction: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued regulations that allow for additional control measures, apart from harassment techniques and traditional hunting, to help address human-goose conflicts.

A permit for reducing goose reproduction through nest and egg removal or egg addling or oiling to prevent the eggs from hatching.

“If you want to minimize geese from entering your property the main thing to remember is you have to stay consistent with the techniques that you use,” said Nitschke. “If you have a dog, you can let your dog out and they can run them off, but it has to be on a regular basis, otherwise it won’t stick. If that doesn’t work, then you can step it up and look into getting a permit to do a little bit more.”

Nitschke said a permit can only be issued as a last resort.

“A permit can be issued to a landowner that is experiencing issues only after the homeowner or golf course superintendent, or whoever it may be, has tried a number of these other deterrence’s first. They have to establish that they’ve done that and it for whatever reason, isn’t working. The federal government issues our state a blanket permit for the state wildlife agency to distribute sub permits out to landowners experiencing issues with geese.”

For more information on permits visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx.

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.

AI-assisted summary French Market Grille, a long-time Augusta favorite, offers a casual upscale dining experience.

A new Cajun Buffet, featuring a whole roasted alligator, is now offered periodically.

The menu features a variety of seafood, beef, and chicken dishes, including a popular Po’ Boy sandwich.

Originally opened in 1984, the restaurant is now owned by Walter Clay, who also owns Rae’s Coastal Cafe.

Chain restaurants may be popping up more and more in the Augusta area, but there are still plenty of homegrown locally-owned eateries that draw big crowds. One of the long-time favorites of many “best places to eat in Augusta” surveys is the French Market Grille in Surrey Center.

French Market Grille has been around since 1984, occupying the same space that once was home to a popular ice cream parlor. Inside it has that upscale laid back feel that makes it suitable for a special event or a dinner after a round of golf. It’s also a place you might catch a glimpse of a golfer or two during Masters Week.

French Market was started by Chuck Baldwin 1984. In 1992, Baldwin and his friend Walter Clay partnered to open Rae’s Coastal Cafe. Both men are part of small group of local restauranters who over the years have worked together in kitchens, opened restaurants, and remained friends, Clay said.

When Baldwin decided to retire, he turned to Clay, who at that time was managing Rae’s. The two struck a deal. Eventually, Clay took over full ownership of both restaurants.

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Today the restaurant still has the same casual, welcoming feel it had 30 years ago. Quiet jazz music plays in the background, there’s lots of old wood, and fun plenty eclectic art with Mardi Gras, New Orleans, jazz, and even brightly colored clown themes.

The glassed-in porch is a nice place to sit any time of the year.

Clay is planning to open a dessert bar soon, but he’s keeping the details close to the vest for now.

The menu is full and has plenty of variety. Most dishes involve seafood or fish, but there are plenty of beef and chicken entrees, appetizers, and salad.

The Po’ Boy sandwich ordered came with fried or grilled oysters, shrimp, catfish, or chicken, or with roast beef. The sandwich came on a soft roll and topped with tomatoes, a tasty creole coleslaw, and mayonnaise. The homemade potato chips were quite tasty.

There also were several salads and entree specials on the menu. To see the full menus for lunch, dinner, and brunch, visit www.thefrenchmarketgrille.com/dinner-menu.

A new event at French Market is the Cajun Buffet, Clay said. So far the restaurant has held two Cajun Buffet nights and both have been well-received. The next one is Sunday, May 4, from 5-8 p.m.

It’s an all-you-can-eat cajun buffet of oysters, crawfish, gumbo, poached salmon, prime rib, and plenty of sides and desserts, he said. There’s also live music.

The star of the night may be the whole roasted alligator on the buffet table.

Clay described the way to eat a whole alligator like this: “You’re from the South. You’ve been to a pig-picking. It’s like that.”

And yes, the alligator’s head is still attached.

The buffet is $75 per person. The well-stocked French Market bar will be open.

Those interested can make reservations in advance by calling (706) 737-4865 or at the restaurant at 425 Highland Ave.

AI-assisted summary Plans for a new Amazon delivery station in south Augusta were briefly posted online, then removed.

Amazon’s self-sufficiency in development is exemplified by a similar project in Surry County, NC, which received no local incentives.

The Augusta project, codenamed “Project Azalea,” highlights Amazon’s typical secrecy and streamlined development process.

Word of a new Amazon facility proposed for south Augusta surprised many people, including the president of the Augusta Economic Development Authority.

But the unexpected news seemed to offer a glimpse into the secrecy and efficiency with which the global retail giant approaches property development.

The Augusta Chronicle last week revealed civil construction plans posted online showing 65 acres at a corner of Doug Barnard Parkway and Dan Bowles Road and how it would look if a 169,104-square-foot Amazon delivery station were constructed on the site.

By Thursday afternoon, the plans, and a document of more than 770 pages detailing the development process, seemed to have been taken offline.

AEDA President Cal Wray told The Chronicle that he had been talking with Amazon representatives “on and off for about five years” about the possibility of locating in Richmond County.

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Economic development authorities are tasked with helping communities attract commercial and industrial investment that brings jobs and tax dollars.

EDAs specialize in connecting potential corporate partners locally with grants, tax breaks and technical assistance to make development deals more attractive. Many businesses need them and welcome them.

However, Amazon is no normal business.

With hundreds of its facilities worldwide devoted to delivery sorting and fulfillment,Amazon is no stranger to the details of property development. It establishes “so many sites that they have the ability” to undertake major development projects with little or no help from EDAs, according to Wray.

That’s exactly what happened in Surry County, N.C., earlier this year. The county is expected to be the new home of a $20 million Amazon distribution center even though local leaders didn’t extend any incentives.

Amazon can press ahead on projects under its own steam if there are compelling reasons to locate, such as an area’s thriving labor pools or exceptional transportation access. Amazon often obscures public scrutiny into its development plans by conducting business transactions through limited-liability companies.

Amazon also assigns codenames to projects. The Augusta construction plans bore the title “Project Azalea,” apparently a nod to the area’s distinctive spring flowers. Surry County’s facility was nicknamed “Project Candy,” and local leaders consider it a sweet deal.

“This project was kind of just happening because of where we were at,” Blake Moyer, president and CEO of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership, told radio station WFDD in January. “Amazon needed to be here to serve the immediate area, and so we did not have to incentivize the project at all.”

Amazon last week didn’t immediately respond to a query about the Augusta project.

Georgia educators are celebrated this week for National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9.

During this week, held every first full week of May, teachers and educators are recognized for their dedication, hard work, and positive impact on students.

“National Teachers Appreciation Week arose from the National Parent Teacher Association in 1984 designating a week in May to honor teachers,” according to USA Today.

Many show appreciation by writing thank you notes, organizing appreciation events, or gift-giving. Many restaurants also have deals during this week, here is where.

Teacher Appreciation week deals in Georgia

According to USA Today, here are places with deals and more this week:

Chipotle : Until May 13, teachers and healthcare workers (it’s also National Nurse Appreciation Week) can sign up online to be randomly selected to win a free burrito. There will be 100,000 teachers selected and 100,000 healthcare workers selected.

: Until May 13, teachers and healthcare workers (it’s also National Nurse Appreciation Week) can sign up online to be randomly selected to win a free burrito. There will be 100,000 teachers selected and 100,000 healthcare workers selected. Smoothie King : From May 6-8, teachers can show their valid working ID for 20% off any in-store order.

: From May 6-8, teachers can show their valid working ID for 20% off any in-store order. Sonic Drive-In : From May 5-9, members of the Sonic Teachers’ Circle rewards program can score any of these three deals: a free Sonic Snack or side with purchase, or a buy one Sonic Blast, get one free, or a $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger.

: From May 5-9, members of the Sonic Teachers’ Circle rewards program can score any of these three deals: a free Sonic Snack or side with purchase, or a buy one Sonic Blast, get one free, or a $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger. Staples : From May 4-10, teachers can show their valid working ID for 20% off any in-store purchase, along with a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens.

: From May 4-10, teachers can show their valid working ID for 20% off any in-store purchase, along with a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens. Box Tops for Education : During the whole month of May, you can get a $5 bonus for your school after downloading the Box Tops app and scanning your first receipt. (Use code TEACHER to get the bonus.)

: During the whole month of May, you can get a $5 bonus for your school after downloading the Box Tops app and scanning your first receipt. (Use code TEACHER to get the bonus.) Einstein Bros. Bagels : With any online gift card purchases, get 20% off through June 24.

: With any online gift card purchases, get 20% off through June 24. Logan’s Roadhouse : From May 5-12, teachers can show a valid working ID to get 20% off of any entrée order.

: From May 5-12, teachers can show a valid working ID to get 20% off of any entrée order. McAlister’s Deli : From May 5-12, teachers can show their badge or ID for a free big tea (in-store only at participating locations.

: From May 5-12, teachers can show their badge or ID for a free big tea (in-store only at participating locations. Samsung : During the whole month of May, there will be deals on some interactive displays and monitors. $300 off the Interactive Display (available in 65-, 75- and 86-inch models) A $620 discount on the 27-inch ViewFinity S9 monitor $300 off the curved 34-inch ViewFinity S65VC Up to $360 off the 34-inch ViewFinity S65TC monitor

: During the whole month of May, there will be deals on some interactive displays and monitors. Vitality Bowls : From May 5-9, teachers can show a valid working ID to get 20% off.

: From May 5-9, teachers can show a valid working ID to get 20% off. Whataburger: From May 5-9, teachers can get a free breakfast menu item with a valid teacher ID.

Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.