Reviving Railtowns: The Culinary Renaissance Transforming America's Historic Downtowns
In the heart of metro Atlanta's historic downtown districts, a culinary renaissance is blossoming, bringing new life to areas once defined only by railway connections. This wave of revitalization, marked by the emergence of locally owned restaurants, is a testament to the enduring charm of these districts. As urban sprawl continues and consumers seek the allure of small-town living, these historic downtowns are transforming, becoming hubs of gastronomic innovation and community gathering.
In the outskirts of Atlanta, cities like Kennesaw, Woodstock, Marietta, East Point, Cartersville, Chamblee, Duluth and Norcross are witnessing this transformation. Originally thriving as railway towns, their proximity to train stations led to the development of vibrant communities, complete with essential amenities like general stores, hospitals, banks, and, notably, restaurants. The magic of these towns lies in their ability to preserve their historic architecture, repurposing them into exciting, culturally rich spaces. Restaurants have become the foundation of the downtown renaissance , offering local and exotic cuisines while maintaining a connection to the town's heritage.
A notable example is in downtown East Point, where Vanetta Roy, a Chicago native and seasoned restaurateur, recently opened Eat My Biscuits. This breakfast and brunch bar introduces Atlantans to innovative dishes like fried biscuits, a twist on the traditional beignet, with toppings like strawberry shortcake and blueberry lemon ricotta. Roy's vision extends beyond just food; it's about creating a space of empowerment and celebration. She chose East Point for its rich history and promising future. The restaurant's ambiance, a blend of modern and feminine touches, complements its inventive menu.
In Norcross, a similar story unfolds with the development of South End Norcross. This project, spearheaded by TileTech Renewal Co. blends new construction with the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, including a century-old gas station and former manufacturing warehouses. The vision is to create a community hub that features a mix of local and regional businesses, including restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. A micro food hall centered around the South End Smokehouse promises to be a culinary highlight. This innovative concept is taking shape in the former engine building, now under the ownership of entrepreneur Luis G. Fernandez, known for his dedication to the Norcross community. South End Smokehouse will be under the skilled management of Buzz Schuster, a seasoned restaurateur with over two decades of experience. Schuster's renowned barbeque, particularly his succulent brisket, is set to become a signature draw for the food hall, which aims to open its doors by spring 2024.
South End's highlight, The Yard, is a communal space designed for gathering and entertainment, symbolized by a water tower reminiscent of the town's history. Several locally owned businesses already call South End Norcross home. The former Gas Station is now home to Rose & Hemp, a CBD store and Butter & Cream ice cream and Refuge Coffee Co opened in 2023.
Cumming's City Center near downtown Cumming is another prime example, where Simple Man Distillery, founded by Justin Douglas, is setting roots. With its speakeasy vibe and focus on community engagement, this farm-to-glass craft distillery is part of a larger vision to create a communal space with diverse attractions including miniature gold, an amphitheater and open-container areas. Douglas’s vision for Simple Man Distillery is to offer an immersive experience that fosters camaraderie and creates lasting memories.
Downtown resurgence is not just limited to food and drink establishments. Projects like The Silos in Chamblee in downtown Chamblee, by Stein Investment Group, aim to repurpose historic buildings into mixed-use spaces where people gather. The former Manna Pro animal feed mill is a 54,000-square-foot building, and the adaptive reuse of this space is in the planning stages. Slated to become a mixed-use project with a food hall, offices, entertainment space and a rooftop deck, the developer is working to showcase the building's barrel ceilings, clear spans and high vaulted ceilings. The rooftop deck will also offer amazing 360-degree views of Atlanta with glimpses of the skyline and Stone Mountain. The Silos is located adjacent to MARTA and Norfolk Southern. Listen for the train from the rooftop deck after the project opens!
Located in the heart of Atlanta’s Upper Westside, Chattahoochee Food Works is a 31-vendor, 26,000-square-foot fool hall and event space. The perfect venue for emerging restaurants to grow, this well-known food hall is home to many popular restaurants, including Cubanos Atlanta, Hippe Hibachi, Sakura Ramen Bar, Delilah’s Everyday Soul, and Doug’s North Carolina BBQ, to name a few. This former industrial area is home to many railyards and is one of Atlanta’s fastest growing neighborhoods.
Although no track remains today, 100 years ago Roswell was connected by a short line railroad to Charlotte, NC. Then beginning in 1881, trains operated along the banks of the Chattahoochee from Chamblee to just South of Roswell as we know it today. The train influenced the growth of Roswell making it what it’s today. Downtown Roswell is known for its charming streets, historic homes, boutique shops, art galleries, parks and public spaces, and wide range of restaurants. Several popular women and minority-owned restaurants worth visiting include Gracious Plenty Bakery & Breakfast, Fellows Café and Roswell Provisions.
In the heart of downtown Lilburn, the vibrant and evolving Old Town Lilburn presents a unique opportunity for businesses, offering spaces ideal for local coffee shops, ice cream parlors, restaurants, coworking areas and live music venues. Situated on Main Street and boasting features like ample onsite parking, inviting outdoor patio areas and proximity to HWY 9, it's perfectly poised in a walkable community alongside popular attractions like the 1910 Public House. Embodying a lively urban spirit, Lilburn is transforming, enhancing its appeal with walkability, local distilleries, shops and diverse dining options. The first phase of Old Town Lilburn offers three varied spaces, ranging from 1,384 to 2,431 square feet, each brimming with potential for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to join this thriving, community-focused urban hub.
These projects, deeply connected to their railroad heritage, are set to become landmarks in their own right, offering unique dining and social experiences. The trend of restaurants expanding into historic downtown districts is more than just a culinary movement. It's a celebration of history, a testament to the power of community, and a symbol of urban renewal. By blending the old with the new, these establishments offer unique dining experiences and reinvigorating the social and cultural fabric of these historic towns. As these projects continue to grow, they promise to reshape the landscape of metro Atlanta's downtown areas, turning them into vibrant, must-visit destinations for locals and tourists alike.
