Blackman’s Vision to Build Community with Halidom Eatery
Hal Blackman plans to use even more of his eight acres to create a sanctuary for East Atlanta.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Businessman Hal Blackman, who hails from Long Island, explained where his love of food originated, “I didn’t grow up in a religious home, but more of a Jewish cultural one … food was critical — lots of bagels and lox, herring in cream sauce, gefilte fish, and babka!”
Now his new concept-driven Southeast Atlanta food hall, Halidom Eatery, has 11 cuisines ranging from Japanese hibachi to Brooklyn-style pizza and authentic Indian.
What’s most amazing about Blackman is his ability to recreate himself after not succeeding long-term in a variety of positions ranging from jewelry, gymnastics ownerships, and in the corporate grind, working for Xerox and Marriott.
He explained, “I had enough of getting commission cuts from big companies and started my own facilities management company, IST, with two employees. Today I have 1,800 employees located in 28 cities and Canada.”
The IST headquarters building sits on eight acres on Moreland Avenue with Halidom Eatery occupying the lower level. When he couldn’t lure restaurants to rent this lower retail space, he dug in and did it himself.
Hal’s long-term plan there is a mixed-use domain to include retail space, gym, and serene two-acre park, “all designed to create a sanctuary amidst the urban rush of Moreland Avenue. ‘Halidom’ echoes the 12th-century term for ‘sanctuary.’”
The Atlanta Business Chronicle (Sept. 12, 2024) stated that, “The number of food halls has exploded across the country, even through the pandemic … as of October 2023, Atlanta had 15 food halls open and another seven in development.”
Krog Street Market was the first in 2014. A new food hall coming to 1375 Peachtree St. is on the horizon, blending hospitality with an office environment.
Halidom’s décor showcases art deco furnishings in velvet with tropical touches in vibrant colors, plants, artistic shelving, creative seating options and inviting counters. A private meeting area, The Jungle Room, is a unique party space.
Beyond the food stalls, Halidom Eatery features a 30-seat, upscale Bar La Rose (owned by Blackman named for his wife) and includes a sprawling two-acre outdoor green space for socialization. Outdoor programming like Motivation Monday, is a complimentary yoga and exercise class on the grounds.
Halidom has indoor seating for 320, outdoor seating for 123, with amenities like temperature-controlled food pick up lockers and a concierge service. The night we ventured there was patronized by mostly neighborhood locals. Its ability to draw from points north of I-20 remains to be seen, though Blackman sees visitors from “all over.”
Also, in assessing food court cuisine, some leeway needs to be extended to achieve the overall concept. Prices for entrées for Indian or Japanese entrees range in the high teens to $20. Some items like small tacos start at $5.99. A DJ kept things lively on a Saturday night. Plenty of free, well-lit parking is a plus!
Halidom Eatery Dining Hall Offerings
Press Waffle Co.: customizable waffles are from dough proofed for 24 hours. Toppings include strawberries, Nutella, whipped cream, and seasonal specials.
Luze Mexicano Cocina: Twin siblings renowned for working at Zocalo and Taqueria La Luz bring authentic Mexican street food with indigenous recipes from Mexico City, along with hand-crafted Sangria Swirl Margaritas
Mad Dads Philly’s: favorites like blueberry sriracha wings and cheesesteaks.
Mango Indian Grill: quick and authentic meals and South Indian dishes.
Locale Island Eats: jerk chicken and oxtail, with Caribbean marinades.
Deallo’s Seafood: Cajun-inspired seafood dishes like lobster mac & cheese and shrimp burgers, gumbo.
Just Dogs ATL: gourmet hot dogs and “doggie-style” burgers, hot dog flight includes three mini-dogs with toppings
Wasabi Sushi & Ramen: Customizable bowls, rolls and hibachi
Luca’s Brooklyn Pizzeria: Brooklyn-style pizzas or pizza-by-the-slice with 72-hour fermented dough and calzones.
Grind Time Cafe: Quasi-coffee venture, fueled by Jamaican heritage, with healthy options and comfortable workspace.
Buena Papa Fry Bar: hand-cut fries with international toppings, Mexicano and Boricua styles, along with bold desserts.
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