Cargo Columbus
A Premier Mixed-Use Development Project
11.6 Acres of Entertainment, Dining & Residential Excellence in Columbus, Georgia
Project Overview
Welcome to the future of entertainment and community life in Columbus, Georgia – a vibrant, glowing masterpiece that captures the essence of Miami flair and combines it with Southern charm. Envisioned on an expansive 11.6-acre site, with the potential to expand to 13.6 acres, this development promises to be the ultimate destination for fun, food, and fellowship.
Development Highlights
Total development area with expansion potential to 13.6 acres
Unique brick-and-mortar dining establishments
Dedicated spaces in the food truck park
Fully-equipped spaces for culinary entrepreneurs
Modern residential units for workforce housing and rentals
Spectacular centerpiece for Columbus nightlife
Site Plan
Explore the layout of our development by hovering over different areas
Project Showcase
Visualize the future of Cargo Columbus through these concept renderings
Aerial view of the 11.6-acre development site
The vibrant restaurant district with Miami-inspired design
The innovative food truck park with communal seating
Contemporary condominiums designed for modern living
Unique shipping container architecture creating visual interest
Development Components
Restaurant District
Six unique brick-and-mortar restaurants including Cerrone's Pizza and Chicken Ladies Coop Restaurant with drive-thru service...
- Cerrone's Pizza - Authentic Italian cuisine
- Chicken Lady's Coop Restaurant with drive-thru
- Central bar with signature cocktails
- Food truck park with 10 rotating vendors
- Commissary Kitchen area with 10 independent kitchen rentals
Food Truck Park & Commissary
Expansive food truck park accommodating 10 food trucks, plus commissary kitchens for culinary entrepreneurs...
- 10 dedicated food truck spaces
- 10 fully-equipped commissary kitchens
- Shared dining area with entertainment
- Entrepreneurial opportunities for local chefs
Development Vision
Design Philosophy
Picture a beautifully landscaped haven where a dynamic shipping container aesthetic becomes a work of art, setting the stage for an unparalleled social experience with Miami flair and Southern charm.
Community Impact
This is not just a place; it is a community—a glowing beacon of entertainment, culinary excellence, and togetherness, ready to redefine life in Columbus, Georgia.
Development Timeline
Site Preparation & Infrastructure
- Land acquisition, site preparation, and infrastructure development
Restaurant & Commercial Construction
- Construction of six restaurants, central bar, and food truck facilities
- workforce condominiums 1250 sq ft.
- Luxury condos built to suit with unlimited square footage
- 28k square feet of rentals in restaurant complex/commissary kitchens
Residential Development
- Construction of 51 modern condominiums
Grand Opening & Operations
- Final preparations, tenant move-ins, and grand opening celebration
Project Location
8151 Fortson Rd. Columbus, Georgia, 31909
Total Site Area
0
Expandable to 13.6 acres
Investment Opportunity
Mixed-Use
Commercial & Residential
Market Position
First of Kind
In Columbus market
About CEO —
Melinda Newton: More Than Just the "Chicken Lady"
For three decades, Melinda Newton has been a cornerstone of the Columbus, Georgia food scene. While she’s lovingly called the “Chicken Lady” for her legendary fried chicken, her journey spans much further — a dynamic story of entrepreneurship, design, and deep community impact.
From designing restaurant kitchens where her creative spark first lit, to launching Rose Twin Fine Foods (operating The Chicken Lady’s Coop and Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant), Melinda built a culinary empire. But her vision didn’t stop there.
Her brand now includes Aunt Pearlie’s Cornbread Dressing—a manufacturing and distribution company bringing her signature flavors to stores, along with The Rolling Coop food truck, Chicken Lady Catering, and the Red Bar at Cargo.
Melinda’s impact reaches far beyond the plate. Through CL Development, CLRE, and Chicken Lady's Holdings, she’s transforming neighborhoods through strategic real estate and revitalization projects. From insurance to the restaurant world in 1999, she’s embraced it all with passion and purpose.
This is the story of Melinda Newton – a restaurateur, visionary, land developer, and the soul behind the “Chicken Lady” empire.
Companies Mentioned:
- Rose Twin Fine Foods (The Chicken Lady’s Coop, Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant)
- Chicken Lady Food Brand
- Aunt Pearlie’s Cornbread Dressing (Manufacturing & Distribution)
- The Rolling Coop Food Truck
- Chicken Lady Catering
- Red (Bar at Cargo Properties)
- CL Development
- CLRE Development (Real Estate)
- Chicken Lady's Holdings
- Cargo Properties
“Life is about moments, meals, and memories — and this Chicken Lady is just getting started.”