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Stone Mountain Today
By the People, for the People
Stone Mountain Park Operator Change Brings Layoffs, Uncertainty
New operator Aramark Destinations says operations will continue despite 497 layoffs announced.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:12pm
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The layoffs and transition in Stone Mountain Park's operations have created uncertainty for local businesses that rely on the park's visitors.Stone Mountain TodayThe Stone Mountain Memorial Association has selected Aramark Destinations, a subsidiary of Aramark, as the new operator of Stone Mountain Park in Georgia, effective June 1. This transition has resulted in the layoff of 497 employees, raising concerns among local business owners about the impact on the area's economy.
Why it matters
Stone Mountain Park is a major tourist attraction and economic driver for the surrounding community. The layoffs and change in park operations could have significant ripple effects on local businesses that rely on park visitors.
The details
According to the notice posted on Georgia's WARN Act database, 497 employees will be laid off on June 1 as part of the transition in park operations. Aramark Destinations, the new operator, has stated that they intend to retain as many existing park and hotel team members as possible and that all existing reservations and commitments will remain unchanged. However, local business owner Jonathan Hartnett expressed concerns about the 'unknown' and 'uncertainty' surrounding the changes.
- On March 30, 2026, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association announced that it had selected Stone Mountain Hospitality LLC, a subsidiary of Aramark Destinations, as the next operator of Stone Mountain Park.
- The new operator, Aramark Destinations, will take over on June 1, 2026.
The players
Stone Mountain Memorial Association
The organization that manages and oversees operations at Stone Mountain Park.
Aramark Destinations
A subsidiary of Aramark that has been selected as the new operator of Stone Mountain Park.
Jonathan Hartnett
The owner of Cherokee Rose and Live Oak Restaurant and Tap, local businesses in Stone Mountain Village that are concerned about the impact of the park layoffs on the local economy.
What’s next
Aramark Destinations has stated that they intend to retain as many existing park and hotel team members as possible, and all employees will have the opportunity to apply for positions with the new operator. The long-term impact on the local economy and businesses in Stone Mountain Village remains to be seen.
The takeaway
The transition in Stone Mountain Park's operations, including the announced layoffs of nearly 500 employees, has created uncertainty and concern among local business owners about the potential ripple effects on the community. While the new operator has promised continuity of operations, the changes highlight the delicate balance between a major tourist attraction and the small businesses that rely on it.
