Midtown Atlanta to join bandwagon with new food hall concept

For Atlantans (and Americans in cities across the land) hungry for dining options, food halls have become a go-to destination for culinary variety and hip, intown vibes.

In Atlanta, options for “chef-driven” and “farm-to-table” eclecticism in postindustrial settings have been plentiful at Ponce City Market or the now-for-sale Krog Street Market.

But now, the magic formula is coming to Midtown.

According to a press release by North American Properties, a food hall is bound for the heart of Peachtree Street at Colony Square, as the complex gets an overhaul in preparation for its 50th anniversary.

Billed as Main & Main, the “experience-driven” destination will offer options “curated by chefs for chefs.” Hipster-baiting jargon aside, the facility could go a long way toward activating the intersection of Peachtree and 14th streets, which NAP calls the “highest density corner in the Southeast.”

Plans call for more than just food, with the promise of live music, comedy acts, and cooking demonstrations. The 28,000-square-foot facility will boast indoor and outdoor space, complete with a stage to serve both the food hall and an open-air gathering space.

North American Properties

When there aren’t performances, the main attraction will be food prep, with kitchens visible to visitors to allow for an “Instagram-worthy” experience, officials said.

The entire space will leverage the styling of the original buildings, embracing a midcentury modern vibe, while existing mature trees along 14th Street will provide space for a beer garden, soft seating, and terraced steps cascading to the street.

Expect work to begin this fall, with 12 to 15 culinary spaces ready for operation next year.

NAP sent the following list of similar concepts around the country that officials have visited for inspiration:

Food Halls on the Design Discovery Tour:

• Denver: The Source, Union Station, Avanti F&B, Denver Central Market
• Chicago: Revival Food Hall, Latinicity, Chicago French Market, 3 Greens Market
• Atlanta: Sweet Auburn Curb Market, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market
• Washington, D.C.: Union Market
• Baltimore: Lexington Market, R House
• Philadelphia: Reading Terminal Market
• New York: Gotham West Market, Urbanspace Vanderbilt, Essex Street Market, Brookfield Place
• Brooklyn: Dekalb Market Hall, Berg’n, Industry City

...

• Midtown Atlanta’s Colony Square overhaul is cleared for takeoff [Curbed Atlanta]