The lights were low and the energy was high inside the Atlanta Municipal Market, a historic flea market on Edgewood Avenue in the heart of the Sweet Auburn District.
Four new businesses have opened in the market, many owned by Black women. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, food-tasting, and mini-tour took place Friday morning.
"God is right on time," said Mychel Rodriguez, mother of Niddy Rodriguez, co-owner of A Taste of Secrets (A.T.O.S.), a Jamaican-Puerto Rican fusion restaurant scheduled to open June 13.
Chefs Niddy Rodriguez and Miish Hudson are the team behind A.T.O.S. Both have experience as executive chefs.
"There were so many reasons," Rodriguez said of opening in the market. "This Atlanta Municipal Market is a hub for Atlantans."
"This is a historical building," added Hudson.
City leaders say the World Cup could generate up to $1 billion in economic impact for Atlanta, and merchants at the market hope to welcome visitors from around the world.
Other new businesses include Dolce Tropical, owned by Latasha Smith and her daughter Jordan Smith.
