Food Halls Popping Up Across Metro Atlanta

Food courts, of course, have been mainstays in American malls for decades. But the food hall generally excludes fast-food chains and focuses on more elevated eats, mostly from local operators.

Courtesy of the Atlanta Business Chronicle

Boosted by the success of Krog Street and Ponce City markets, new food halls are popping up across metro Atlanta.

According to this week’s Atlanta Business Chronicle, at least five projects are planned, stretching from Midtown Atlanta to Forsyth County, as developers seek to bring energy to their projects through these new food concepts that feature several restaurants and vendors around a central gathering space.

Food courts, of course, have been mainstays in American malls for decades. But the food hall generally excludes fast-food chains and focuses on more elevated eats, mostly from local operators. The number of food halls is growing rapidly across the country. In 2010, there were 28 food halls in U.S., according to new data from Cushman & Wakefield. That number grew to 140 in 2017. Now, it’s projected to reach 300 food halls by 2020.

Amy Wenk covers, hospitality, retail and restaurants for Atlanta Business Chronicle.