Market helps close the food access gap in Downtown Atlanta
The Municipal Market of Atlanta, also known as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, received approval for $489,000 from Atlanta City Council on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. The new funding comes on the heels of receiving $775,000 from the Invest Atlanta Board at its October meeting.
The Atlanta Municipal Market is marking its 100th anniversary this year. City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, along with City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari and other community members, celebrated the anniversary recently at the market. The $1.26 million in new funding will go towards much-needed market improvements, such as tenant booth upgrades and new security cameras. There’s also $75,000 for merchant training. These investments aim to revitalize the market and reinforce its role in closing the food access gap in Atlanta while supporting small business development.
“For the past 100 years, the Municipal Market has served as a beacon of hope to give back to the surrounding community. When we speak of a City of Opportunity of All, this is what we’re talking about – a place where all residents have access to fresh, affordable food,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Only 76% of Atlanta’s residents live within a half mile of fresh food – a gap too big. The market fulfilled that role long before terms like food insecurity ever existed. This market is an important asset for the city, and we plan to ensure it continues to thrive.”
Phil Perkins, Senior Vice President of Community Development at Invest Atlanta added, “Invest Atlanta is about impact. That’s our mission. We believe in creating equity. We believe in creating prosperity for all Atlantans. That’s our focus, and the group of people I work with every day are dedicated to this.”
Atlanta Municipal Market History and Merchants
The Municipal Market was established in response to The Great Atlanta fire of 1917. Local farmers revitalized what was then the epicenter of the city by gathering to sell livestock and produce. Housed under a large tent, the open-air market was an instant hit and later found a permanent home when the Atlanta Women’s Club launched a successful fundraising effort to erect a fireproof, brick structure that opened on May 1, 1924, under the name of the Municipal Market of Atlanta.
“For 100 years now, this market has served a really vital need for Downtown Atlanta and the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, providing fresh food access and small business opportunities,” said Josh Humphries, President of the Board of the Atlanta Municipal Market. “We’re excited for what the next 100 years will bring.”
David Bennett, Executive Director of Municipal Market, added, “The Municipal Market has grown alongside the city of Atlanta, evolving from a place where local farmers gathered to sell produce to a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Today, the market is a testament to the power of community and the spirit of progress. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with those who’ve supported the market and continue to build its legacy. We are thankful to the Mayor, the City Council and Invest Atlanta board for supporting the market.”
The market has been a launchpad for many local businesses that have since expanded beyond its walls. Notable alumni include Arepa Mia, Sweet Auburn Barbeque, Bell Street Burritos and Grindhouse Burgers, all of which began at the Municipal Market and now operate multiple locations across the city.
“I started with a little table outside, where I used to come every Friday,” shared Lis Hernandez, founder and chef of Arepa Mia. “I am so grateful the market gave me the opportunity to open my business. It’s been amazing.”
Historically, the market has played a vital role in the Atlanta community. While it was initially segregated—Black vendors were only allowed to sell their goods outside along the curb—the market’s transformation over time reflects the city’s broader progress. The name “Sweet Auburn Curb Market” was adopted in the 1990s as a tribute to that era and its proximity to the historically significant Auburn Avenue, the hub of Black entrepreneurism in Atlanta.
Today, the Municipal Market remains a vibrant and diverse marketplace, offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods and prepared foods from a wide range of local merchants. Visitors can explore a rich variety of cuisines, reflecting the multicultural tapestry of Atlanta itself.
“As the Municipal Market looks ahead to its next century, we remain committed to fostering community, supporting local businesses and serving as a culinary and cultural destination for both locals and visitors alike,” added Bennett.
About The Municipal Market of Atlanta
The Municipal Market of Atlanta, also known as Sweet Auburn Curb Market, has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s history since its founding in 1924. Originally established to revitalize the city following the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917, the market has grown into a vibrant space where local merchants, restaurants and small businesses thrive. Located near historic Auburn Avenue, the market represents the city’s rich cultural diversity and its entrepreneurial spirit. Today, the market continues to serve as a vital hub for fresh produce, local cuisine and community engagement. Learn more at municipalmarketatl.com
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