The Atlanta Municipal Market has been on the same corner at Auburn Avenue for 100 years. The market has gone through several iterations and last year a new director took over after the last general manager passed unexpectedly. David Bennett the new executive director is excited about the challenge of bringing change to the market to increase foot traffic and continue providing healthy food options to what would otherwise be a large food desert.
‘David explains that The City of Atlanta owns the Municipal Market and a management company started by the city runs the operations of the market. Bennett goes on to share more of the market’s history including involvement by the Atlanta Women’s Club. The Municipal market has survived the depression, wars, civil rights, and more.
A commemoration will take place on Friday, October 18th that will include remarks by the Mayor, historical tours, and more. I asked Bennett about the changes he hopes to bring to the market including the extension of the operating hours. Bennett talks about the restaurant owners at the market who miss out on the dinner fare due to their closing at 5PM. Additionally, he mentions that they are looking for an expansion that will include an international food hall and al fresco dining opportunities.
Bennett speaks about municipal markets in other cities. In Baltimore their municipal market serves 2 million visitors annually and our market serves 200,000. He sees lots of room for growth. During the holiday periods of Thanksgiving and Christmas Bennett shares that engagement at the market increases 10 fold.
For more information about the Atlanta Municipal Market
For more information on the 100th Anniversary Commemoration on October 18th