Now Open: Vela Park Food Works in Decatur Georgia

Vela Park Food Works is the sister food hall of Chattahoochee Food Works.

I was invited to experience Vela Park Food Works, but by the time I arrived for the private event, all the food was gone. Food must have been good!

But when I walked into the Vela Park Food Works, I observed a couple of familiar favorites, Flora D’Italia and La Tropical. I love getting a slice of Flora D’Italia cheese pizza and getting a taste of Puerto Rico, the mofongo at La Tropical when I’m visiting Chattahoochee Food Works.

Inside Vela Park Food Works, there are 6 food stalls:

Flora D'Italia- Flora D’Italia brings a fresh and warm take on classic Italian cuisine. Known for its handmade pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas, hearty sandwiches, crisp salads, and comforting favorites like eggplant and chicken Parmesan, the restaurant focuses on quality ingredients and satisfying flavors.

Mixing traditional Italian recipes with a modern, friendly atmosphere, Flora D’Italia offers the perfect spot for everything from a casual lunch to a relaxed dinner with friends and family.

Southern Belle Chicken Co.- Southern Belle Chicken Co. brings a bold new take on fried chicken, serving up crispy sandwiches, hand-breaded strips, and craveable sides rooted in Southern tradition and inspired by flavors from around the world.

Led by Michelin-recommended and James Beard-nominated Atlanta chef Joey Ward, the concept lives by its motto: “Southern Fried. World Traveled.” With globally influenced sauces, unexpected flavor combinations, and a chef-driven approach, every dish merges comfort, craft, and culinary creativity.

Southern Belle Chicken Co. delivers the soul of the South with the energy of an international street-food journey.

Fuzzy’s- Fuzzy’s brings a relaxed seafood experience to Vela Park Food Works, with coastal-inspired comfort food, cold drinks, and an easygoing atmosphere for lunch, dinner, or a late evening bite.

La Tropical/Mimi Taqueria- At La Tropical, every dish celebrates the vivid flavors and traditions of Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Latin cuisine. From perfectly pressed Cuban sandwiches and crispy bacalaitos to savory mofongo, carne frita, arroz con pollo, and slow-braised ropa vieja, each plate is made with heart, soul, and authentic island flavor — led by Chef Minelly Amador with homegrown recipes and warm hospitality.

Sharing the space is MiMi Taqueria, a lively, female-chef-driven kitchen serving modern Mexican street food: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and signature comfort dishes, all packed with house-made sauces and soulful authenticity.

Doug’s NC BBQ- Eastern North Carolina is well known for its unique vinegar-based BBQ. While growing up in Greenville, NC, Doug mastered his skill of smoking whole hogs as a helper to his grandfather, Alfonza Weaver, who was known throughout the area for producing the best pulled pork.

Eventually, Doug found his niche smoking whole turkeys while exploring healthier alternatives to the traditional pork-based BBQ.

Doug officially entered the food service industry with the launch of his food truck in Fayetteville, NC, in 2017. In 2023, Doug partnered with his cousin, Dr. William Hill, a longtime Atlanta resident, to bring this unique family recipe to the soul of Atlanta.

Dessertbox- DessertBox is a modern bakery rooted in craft, simplicity, and beauty. Inspired by classic French pâtisserie and timeless comfort foods, DessertBox offers a handpicked selection of desserts, breads, and savory bites made with exceptional technique and quality ingredients.

Starting with elegant cakes and cupcakes to seasonal specialties, every item is deliberately crafted to be enjoyed every day, shared often, and remembered well beyond the last bite.

With six stalls, I will say the inside is a bit small; however, there is plenty of outdoor space, including a full-service bar.

The food hall located at the Brand New Vela Park Apartments and Townhomes is a great place to gather with family and friends every day!

Apartments have surely come a long way since I last lived in them.

If you’re in the area, drop in and dine at Vela Park Food Works. It is open to the public with 100 free parking places on the property.

And if you’re in the market for a new apartment or townhome to rent, stop by for a free tour and ask for leasing consultant Jalen Jackson.

Vela Park Food Works

1881 2nd Ave Decatur, GA 30032