Cargo-Columbus, an innovative 11.6-acre food space featuring restaurants, food trucks and commissary kitchens, is set to open at 8151 Fortson Road, Columbus, GA by early 2026. Melinda Newton, who has been working on the project for 2.5 years, is the owner and shared details with Business Debut.
The front portion of the project will feature six brick-and-mortar restaurants, all connected by a large courtyard, with bar areas facing the open space. The entire project is already fully leased, Newton said. Among them are a yet-to-be-named high-end steakhouse, and a pizza spot from the owner of Cerrone’s Pizza in Columbus, Newton reported.
Also joining the lineup is Plates Vegan, along with Chicken Lady’s Coop, another of Newton’s concepts. Chicken Lady’s Coop will feature a drive-through and alcohol service, expanding on its current operation as a food truck.
In addition to the restaurants, Cargo will house a bar, a food truck park, and commissary kitchens housed in shipping containers. This unique shipping container aesthetic will extend to the exterior of the restaurants. Cargo offers opportunities for food entrepreneurs to operate with a commissary kitchen and sell their food on-site, according to Newton.