New Dining Concepts and Bar Open at Former CNN Center in Atlanta

Real estate developer CP Group to open 12 restaurants, including a large full bar, in the atrium of the revamped downtown landmark.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Real estate developer CP Group is set to open 12 new dining establishments, including a large full bar, in the atrium of the former CNN Center in downtown Atlanta in May 2026. The 24,000-square-foot space will feature a food hall called CTR Food Works with 11 restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, as well as the 'largest' full bar in Atlanta. The renovated building, now called The Center, will also include public art installations and arts/branding programming.

Why it matters

The reopening of the former CNN Center as a public, mixed-use destination marks a significant shift for the landmark building, which had previously functioned as a 'fortress' for the media company. This redevelopment aims to reconnect the building with the energy and community of downtown Atlanta, transforming it into a welcoming gathering space for residents and visitors.

The details

The 12 new dining concepts coming to The Center's atrium include a variety of cuisines such as Latin American, seafood, burgers, Mexican, Italian, and a flagship steak and seafood restaurant. The food hall, CTR Food Works, will be developed in partnership with Chattahoochee Food Works founder Robert Montwaid. The Center will also feature public art installations and arts/branding programming in partnership with the ASHA Advisory community arts board.

  • The Center's renovated atrium is scheduled to open in May 2026.
  • The 12 new dining establishments, including CTR Food Works, are set to open prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Atlanta this summer.

The players

CP Group

The real estate developer overseeing the redevelopment of the former CNN Center, now called The Center, and the opening of the 12 new dining concepts.

Chris Eachus

A partner at CP Group who stated that reopening the CNN building to the public will return it to Atlantans and act as a welcoming gathering space.

Robert Montwaid

The founder of Chattahoochee Food Works, who is working with CP Group to develop the restaurant stalls for the CTR Food Works food hall at The Center.

ASHA Advisory

A community-focused arts and culture advisory board led by Neda Abghari and Bem Joiner, co-founder of Atlanta Influences Everything, that is partnering with The Center on public art installations and arts/branding programming.

CNN

The media company that previously occupied the 1.2 million-square-foot Omni International Complex, which is now being redeveloped as The Center.

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What they’re saying

“For decades, this building functioned as a fortress. With the building opening back up to the city, we are reconnecting one of Atlanta's landmarks with the people and energy of downtown . . . and bringing it back as a destination that's welcoming, useful, and designed for every day, all-day use.”

— Chris Eachus, CP Group partner (roughdraftatlanta.com)

What’s next

The Center is already serving as Atlanta's FIFA World Cup volunteer headquarters and will eventually be home to ATL House, the Atlanta FIFA World Cup host committee's private headquarters and event space.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the former CNN Center into a mixed-use destination with a diverse array of dining options and public programming represents an effort to reconnect this landmark building with the broader community of downtown Atlanta, transforming it from a 'fortress' into a welcoming and accessible gathering space.