Empanadas, vegan hibachi headed for Chattahoochee Food Works

Belen de la Cruz has 13 empanadas on the menu; eight are vegetarian, and five are available gluten free.
Wendell Brock for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Credit: Wendell Brock

Credit: Wendell Brock

Belen de la Cruz has 13 empanadas on the menu; eight are vegetarian, and five are available gluten free. Wendell Brock for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The latest round of announced tenants for the Chattahoochee Food Works food hall at the Works development in West Midtown include spots for empanadas, vegan hibachi and Philly cheesesteaks.

Owned by Veronica Dalzon, Monster Cravings will serve homemade cookies with flavors including PB&J, Strawberry Shortcake, Cookies & Cream and Bam Bam cookie, which is covered in fruity cereal.

Argentinean native Belen de la Cruz brings her Belen de la Cruz – Empanadas & Pastries shop to Chattahoochee Food Works. de la Cruz and her two brothers run two Belen de la Cruz shops in Marietta and Johns Creek. The menu includes a variety of empanadas and homemade traditional desserts.

Cubanos ATL, which currently has a location in Sandy Springs with two other locations opening soon in Roswell and Cumming, will serve a handful of Cuban sandwiches, Cuban-style coffee and flan made by owner Ozzt Llanes’ mother.

Hippie Hibachi, from owner Joshua Brock, bills itself as Atlanta’s first vegan hibachi eatery. The conceptmodels itself after classic hibachi-style eateries, giving guests a choice of protein including plant-based teriyaki chicken, shrimp and beef, paired with vegetables, fried rice and Hippie Hibachi’s house-made vegan Yum Yum sauce.

Philadelphia-born Gordon Brown’s Philly G Steaks will serve a variety of cheesesteaks, including a ribeye sandwich, as well as quesadillas and tacos. Philly G Steaks also has a location at Sweet Auburn Curb Market.

Chattahoochee Food Works, part of the Works development in the Upper Westside neighborhood, is slated to open this spring.

The hall is being curated by four-time James Beard award-winning chef, host of Travel Channel’s ‘Bizarre Foods,’ and Food Network star Andrew Zimmern. Zimmern is serving as culinary advisor to Robert Montwaid, creator of New York’s Gansevoort Market. The pair previously collaborated on The Dayton’s Food Hall and Market in downtown Minneapolis.

Rendering of the Works ATL. / Courtesy of Works ATL

Credit: Works ATL

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Credit: Works ATL

Zimmern stated in 2019 that he was “interested in seeking out people who have otherwise been excluded or need the opportunity. I don’t want the chain taco place. I want the young, spirited entrepreneur who is first-generation or recent arrival to this country who is looking for a place to succeed,” he said. “I’m excited to present a diverse group of culinarians to that project. I think food halls can be business incubators.”

At full capacity, Chattahoochee Food Works will be home to 31 food stalls and an indoor/outdoor bar. The Works, which is being developed by real estate firm Selig Enterprises, will also be home to new locations of Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q and Waffle Experience. Scofflaw Brewing Co. opened Dr. Scofflaw’s at the Works in fall 2020.

Other announced tenants at Chattahoochee Food Works include Pomodoro Bella, Baker Dude, Baked Kitchen South African Street Food, Flying Fish, Banh Mi Station, Sakura Ramen Bar, Sakura Gift, Morelli’s Ice Cream, TydeTate Kitchen, Babakabab, Unbelibubble, Graffiti Breakfast and Taqueria La Luz.

The Makers Building that houses Chattahoochee Food Works is located on the Works property, an 80-acre, adaptive mixed-use development. Additional retailers include Ballard Designs, BOBO Intriguing Objects and Les Mains Nail Bar.

The Works will host a Hoppy Easter event from noon-9 p.m. Saturday, April 3.

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