Despite high unemployment rates in the Atlanta metropolitan area, it seems are though new job opportunities are arising daily. Manhattan Associates, a locally based supply chain company, has announced the addition of 200 jobs in Atlanta. Nex Traq, which specializes in GPS fleet tracking technologies, is looking to fill 20 new Atlanta employment positions.

Also, existing companies such as restaurants in the Atlanta area say that while, yes, there are obstacles to success and to thriving in this economy, sales are actually growing. And rest assured, these are independently owned restaurants the Atlanta movers are talking about—not chain restaurants. Even though times are hard for everyone across the country, sales at restaurants rose 7.2% compared to 2010. That spike engulfs all types of restaurants—from fast food to fine dining.

Nationally, it has been a rough time for restaurants—almost 9,000 independantly owned locations went out of business. According to a NetFinancials study, 80% of about 70 Atlanta area restaurants reported sales gains in the second quarter of 2011. Here’s to hoping that the numbers continue to increase!