Downtown Atlanta is poised for a major culinary revival with the opening of CTR Food Works, a vibrant 24,000-square-foot food hall in the reimagined former CNN Center, now known as The Center (or The CTR).
Developed by CP Group in partnership with hospitality veteran Robert Montwaid—founder of Chattahoochee Food Works and creator of New York’s Gansevoort Market—the hall features 11 chef-driven concepts surrounding one of the city’s largest bars.
A Landmark Reborn
The former CNN Center, a downtown landmark built in 1976 as part of the Omni International Complex, served as the global headquarters for the network from 1988 until its relocation in 2024. The redevelopment preserves the dramatic multi-story atrium while transforming it into a welcoming, communal space with nearly 500 seats, varied seating options (lounge areas, high-tops, and dining clusters), public art, and year-round programming.
CTR Food Works is strategically located at 190 Marietta St. NW, adjacent to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Omni Hotel. With easy MARTA access and connections to multiple streets, it’s designed to serve office workers, event attendees, tourists, and locals alike—especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches coming to Atlanta this summer.
Soft openings are expected around mid-to-late May 2026 (with reports of operations starting as early as May 21), followed by a full public launch timed for World Cup festivities.
Diverse Culinary Lineup
The hall emphasizes complementary, high-quality concepts rather than competition, blending local Atlanta talent with exciting guest operators. Confirmed tenants include:
- Southern Belle Chicken Co. — Michelin-recommended chef Joey Ward (of Southern Belle and Georgia Boy) brings Southern comfort with a focus on fried chicken. diningout.com
- Flora d’Italia — Michelin-starred Chef Steven Ferdinand offers wood-fired Italian pizzas, pastas, and more. He’s also behind Dessert Box, a pastry and coffee concept. nbcpalmsprings.com
- Patty & Frank’s — Burgers and hot dogs from Montwaid in collaboration with chef Andrew Zimmern and Pat LaFrieda. roughdraftatlanta.com
- La Tropical — Puerto Rican, Cuban, and broader Latin American flavors. diningout.com
- Fuzzy’s — Seafood-focused, including lobster rolls. diningout.com
- Mimi Taqueria — Mexican street-inspired eats. atlanta.urbanize.city
- Morelli’s Ice Cream — Creative small-batch flavors. diningout.com
- The Sparrow Group — Szechuan-inspired dishes. diningout.com
Additional concepts (including a cheesesteak spot and others) will round out the 11 stalls. Mastro’s Ocean Club serves as a full-service anchor restaurant in the atrium with steaks, seafood, and cocktails.
The Bar and Beyond
At the heart of it all is a massive ~2,800-square-foot central bar with 11 bartender stations and seating for about 60. Led by Tiffany Howell, it will feature seasonal cocktails, event-themed menus, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic options—billed as one of Atlanta’s largest.
The space doubles as an event venue with a stage for live music, DJs, flower shows, holiday activations, and more. A dedicated event planner and catering services will support everything from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions.
A New Downtown Gathering Place
Developers envision CTR Food Works and The Center as “Downtown’s living room”—a dynamic hub that evolves with seasons, events, and the city’s energy. It aims to smooth out the area’s “spiky” foot traffic patterns by attracting daily visitors beyond big events.
As Atlanta prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, CTR Food Works stands as a tasty symbol of downtown’s resurgence: a place for great food, connection, and community in a revitalized landmark.
Details:
CTR Food Works at The Center
190 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
ctrfoodworks.com | thectratlanta.com Expect hours starting around 10am–10pm daily once fully open. Follow for updates on exact soft opening dates and menus as the launch approaches. Downtown Atlanta’s dining scene just got a major upgrade—don’t miss it!
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