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 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.
"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."
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.
