You’ve probably seen the signs or heard the rumors. For decades, the CNN Center was the undisputed king of downtown Atlanta tourism. You’d walk in, see that massive escalator stretching up toward the ceiling like some glass-and-steel beanstalk, and eventually, gravity would pull you down to the basement level. That's where the CNN Center Atlanta GA food court lived. It was a chaotic, loud, humid, and strangely comforting hub of activity where news anchors grabbed salads and tourists from Ohio ate Chick-fil-A while staring at the big CNN logo.
But things changed. Big time.
If you show up today expecting to see Wolf Blitzer's face on a monitor while you crush a taco, you're going to be disappointed. CNN basically packed up their bags and moved their primary operations over to the Midtown Techwood campus. Then, the building itself was sold. CP Group and Rialto Capital took over, and they’ve been rebranding the whole massive complex as "The CNN Center" (still keeping the name for now, but with a different vibe) and "The Center."
The food court isn't the bustling neon-lit maze it was in 2010. Honestly, it’s in a state of flux.
The Reality of Eating at the CNN Center Today
Let’s be real: the food court used to be the heart of the Omni Hotel and State Farm Arena ecosystem. When a Hawks game let out or a concert ended, that basement level turned into a mosh pit of people looking for fries. Nowadays, it feels a bit more "liminal space." Some of the heavy hitters are still there, clinging on while the building undergoes its massive identity crisis.
You can usually still find the staples. Chick-fil-A is a permanent fixture of Georgia culture, so they’re often the last ones to leave any sinking or transforming ship. There’s typically a Great American Cookie and some form of quick-service Asian or Greek food. But the "soul" of the place has shifted. It’s no longer a "destination" food court; it’s a "utility" food court. You go there because you’re staying at the Omni or you’re waiting for the doors to open at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium down the street.
Don't expect the high-end "food hall" experience that you get at Ponce City Market. This isn't Krog Street. It’s a 90s-era basement food court that is slowly being dragged into the 2020s.
Why the Location Still Matters (Even if the News is Gone)
Geography is the only reason the CNN Center Atlanta GA food court hasn't completely evaporated. Look at what's within a five-minute walk:
👉 See also: Atlantic Puffin Fratercula Arctica: Why These Clown-Faced Birds Are Way Tougher Than They Look
- Centennial Olympic Park (the backyard of downtown).
- The Georgia Aquarium (massive crowds, hungry kids).
- World of Coca-Cola.
- State Farm Arena (right next door).
- The College Football Hall of Fame.
When those places are at peak capacity, people spill out looking for the closest possible calories. The CNN Center is the path of least resistance. You don't have to navigate the confusing one-way streets of downtown Atlanta to find a sit-down restaurant; you just walk into the atrium.
It’s convenient. Sorta.
The atrium itself is still impressive. It’s one of the largest freestanding spaces you’ll ever stand in. Even if half the food stalls are shuttered behind metal grates on a Tuesday afternoon, the sheer scale of the architecture is worth the walk-through. Just don't expect a five-star culinary journey. It’s mostly about survival and convenience in a part of town that—honestly—struggles with affordable, quick lunch options that aren't inside a stadium.
What’s Actually Open? (The "Maybe" List)
The turnover here is high. I’ve seen places open on a Friday for a convention and look like they’ve been abandoned for a decade by Monday morning. Generally, you can count on the big franchises. Burger King, Subway, and the aforementioned Chick-fil-A have historically been the anchors. There’s usually a Starbucks nearby because, well, it’s Earth.
But here is the thing: the new owners, CP Group, have big plans. They want to modernize. They want to turn this into a world-class office and retail hub. That means the "food court" as we know it—the plastic trays, the sticky tables, the neon "Pizza" signs—is likely on its way out. It’s being replaced by the idea of "curated retail."
If you’re visiting soon, check the hours. A lot of these spots close early if there isn't a major event at the arena. If the Hawks aren't playing, don't expect a 9:00 PM dinner here. You’ll be greeted by empty chairs and the hum of industrial refrigerators.
The Great Relocation: From News Hub to Tech Hub
The departure of CNN was a gut punch to the local economy of that specific block. When you have thousands of employees working three shifts, the food court stays alive. When those employees leave, the rhythm changes.
✨ Don't miss: Madison WI to Denver: How to Actually Pull Off the Trip Without Losing Your Mind
The building is being reimagined for "creative office space." This is a buzzword that basically means they want tech companies and startups to move in. When that happens, the food options will change. You’ll see fewer $8 grease fests and more $16 grain bowls. It’s the cycle of gentrification, or "urban renewal," or whatever you want to call it.
Survival Tips for the CNN Center Food Court
If you find yourself standing in that massive atrium with a rumbling stomach, here’s how to handle it like a local who has been there a hundred times.
1. Check the Event Calendar.
Seriously. If there’s a massive convention at the World Congress Center, the lines will be thirty people deep. If there’s nothing going on, you might be the only person there. Always look at the State Farm Arena schedule before you head over.
2. Look Up, Not Just Down.
While the basement is the "food court," there are often sit-down options on the higher tiers or attached to the Omni Hotel. McCormick & Schmick's used to be the go-to "fancy" spot, though even that landscape is shifting. If the food court looks depressing, go up a level.
3. Parking is a Nightmare.
Do not drive to the CNN Center just to eat at the food court. You will pay $20 to $40 for parking just to get a $10 sandwich. Use MARTA (the GWCC/CNN Center station) or walk from a nearby hotel.
4. The Security Check.
Keep in mind that security has tightened over the years. Depending on what's happening in the city, you might have to go through a bag check or a metal detector just to get into the building. It’s not a "mall" where you can just drift in and out effortlessly.
The Future of Dining at "The Center"
What’s next? The talk around Atlanta real estate circles is that the food court is going to get a massive facelift. Think less "airport terminal" and more "high-end food hall." The owners know that with the World Cup coming to Atlanta in 2026, they need this place to look spectacular.
🔗 Read more: Food in Kerala India: What Most People Get Wrong About God's Own Kitchen
Expect more local Atlanta brands to move in. Think Slutty Vegan, or maybe a localized concept from the people behind Ponce City Market. The goal is to make it a place where people want to hang out, rather than a place they have to eat because they're trapped between meetings.
Common Misconceptions About the CNN Center
Most people think the building is empty. It’s not. The Omni Hotel is still a major player and it’s physically attached to the complex. People also think the CNN Tour is still running. It isn't. That was the main draw for decades—the chance to see the newsrooms and the green screens. That tour is a ghost of the past.
Without the tour, the foot traffic has changed. It’s more business-heavy and less family-heavy. This reflects in the food. You're seeing fewer "kid-friendly" gimmick snacks and more "I have 15 minutes between sessions" fuel.
Why You Should (Or Shouldn't) Visit
If you’re a fan of 80s and 90s brutalist architecture and massive indoor spaces, you should go. It’s an iconic piece of Atlanta history. If you’re looking for a "hidden gem" culinary experience, you should probably skip it for now. Go to Castleberry Hill nearby or head up to Midtown.
The CNN Center Atlanta GA food court is currently in its "awkward teenage years." It’s outgrown its old identity as a news hub but hasn't yet fully realized its future as a tech and entertainment mecca.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Before you head down to the corner of Marietta St and Centennial Olympic Park Dr, do these three things:
- Verify the current "Open" status of specific vendors on Google Maps, but take the hours with a grain of salt. They often change based on stadium events.
- Plan to use the MARTA Blue/Green line. It drops you off literally at the doorstep. Avoid the parking decks at all costs unless you have a company expense account.
- Combine the visit with a walk through Centennial Olympic Park. The food court is a great place to grab a quick drink or a snack before sitting by the Fountain of Rings.
The era of the CNN Center as a global news headquarters is over, but the building's life as a central gathering point in Atlanta is just starting its next chapter. It’s a bit quieter now, a bit less "breaking news," but it remains a weird, giant, fascinating piece of the city's fabric. Grab a napkin, find a seat by the window overlooking the park, and watch Atlanta move by.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the State Farm Arena schedule to see if the food court will be crowded during your visit.
- If you find the food court too limited, walk 10 minutes south to Castleberry Hill for more authentic, local dining options like Paschal's or No Mas! Cantina.
- Download the MARTA On the Go app to track trains so you don't spend unnecessary time waiting on the platform after your meal._