The morning of June 5 was filled with applause, handshakes and anticipation as four small businesses officially became part of one of Atlanta’s oldest traditions.
Inside The Municipal Market, popularly dubbed the Sweet Auburn Market or Curb Market, city leaders, longtime merchants and first-time entrepreneurs gathered to cut a ceremonial ribbon celebrating the newest additions to the market and what many described as the continued rebirth of the historic public marketplace.
For market leaders, the occasion represented something much larger than new storefronts.
After years of investment, leadership changes and renewed public support, the ceremony marked another milestone in the ongoing revival of the Municipal Market, which has served Atlanta for more than a century as a gathering place for neighbors, a launching pad for entrepreneurs and a reflection of the city’s diverse communities.
As Atlanta prepares to welcome visitors from around the world, speakers emphasized that the market’s future is rooted first in the community that has sustained it for generations.
“This is not just about a one-and-done thing,” Municipal Market Board Chair Malcolm Benson said. “A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, this is because of the World Cup.’ No. This means we are a staple in the Atlanta community.”
That theme echoed throughout the morning as officials described the market as more than a collection of restaurants, calling it a place where local businesses can grow and where Atlanta’s cultures come together under one roof.
Founded in 1918, The Municipal Market remains one of Atlanta’s oldest public marketplaces. More than $1.25 million in recent investments has funded infrastructure improvements and vendor support while positioning the market for continued growth.
The four businesses recognized during Friday’s ceremony represent the latest entrepreneurs to join that effort.
Dolce Tropical, owned by Latasha Smith, is already open. Dolce Tropical serves fruit smoothies and frozen desserts. They are especially known for their Mexican-inspired fruitnada, a sweet drink made by combining fruit and sorbet.
A Taste of Secrets, known as A.T.O.S., is set to open June, 13. Founded by Nydia “Niddy” Rodriguez and Miish Hudson, the restaurant combines Puerto Rican and Jamaican influences through dishes including oxtail empanadas, Rican bowls, wings and other Caribbean-inspired specialties.
Retro Grill Atlanta, owned by Kheli Archer, is putting the final touches on its location and is expected to open later in June. The restaurant brings burgers, sandwiches and seafood to the market while drawing inspiration from Chicago’s South Side.
Adonay Costanza Deglel and Henok Deglel, owners of Edgewood Pizzeria, are also expected to open in late June. The local pizzeria will offer its signature king-size slices, buttery hand-tossed crust, wings and vegetarian-friendly options from its new location inside the market.
Together, the four businesses continue the Municipal Market’s tradition of supporting locally owned enterprises while expanding the range of food and experiences available to visitors.
Greg Clay, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Andre Dickens, called the Municipal Market “an institution” and said the city’s recent infrastructure investments are creating opportunities that extend far beyond the building itself.
“When folks can come into a space like this and have something very unique to Atlanta and be able to go back and tell their neighbors about their experience, that’s exactly the type of thing that we wanted to do,” Clay said.
Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari described the market as a place that showcases the diversity of the city.
“When we talk about Atlanta being this cultural epicenter, with folks coming from all over the globe, take a look around you,” Bakhtiari said. “This is an opportunity to get a taste of the world in this building.”
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen connections throughout the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and called the market a city asset worthy of continued investment.
A.J. Robinson, president of Downtown Atlanta Inc., who has announced plans to retire later this year,reflected on the market’s history: “To me, the market represents the true soul of Atlanta, our culture, our history, and our entrepreneurial spirit all in one place” Robinson said.
Jennifer Fine of Invest Atlanta said public markets play an important role in helping people experience a city and highlighted Invest Atlanta’s support for improvements to both the building and its vendors through grant funding.
Jeff Delp, executive director of the Atlanta Municipal Market, credited the market’s staff, board members and longtime merchants for its recent momentum, calling them the people who laid the foundation for its future.
“The real heroes are the merchants,” Delp said. “They put their heart and soul into their work.”
Looking ahead, Delp said he hopes the Municipal Market will become a destination recognized alongside some of the nation’s best public markets while remaining true to its mission as a public space for the community.
“This is your market because we are a public market,” Delp said. “We need you guys to be supporting us.”
For those gathered Friday morning, the ribbon cutting celebrated more than four new businesses. It reflected the continued evolution of a historic institution that leaders say will remain rooted in local entrepreneurship, neighborhood investment and the community that has called the Sweet Auburn Market home for generations.
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