Atlanta's baseball community is preparing to bid farewell to a local eatery owned by one of its most beloved sports figures. Dale Murphy, the two-time National League MVP, is set to close his restaurant, Murph's, at the Cobb Galleria on Tuesday, as reported by WSBTV. Opened in 2017, the establishment has been a hotspot for fans seeking both sustenance and a brush with Braves royalty.
The closure of Murph's is tied to the large-scale renovations planned for the Cobb Galleria Centre. According to an announcement on Instagram, the changes to the mall offer no viable path forward for the restaurant. "With the renovation of the Galleria Mall, there doesn’t appear to be a future for Murph’s. We’ve had a great run, and it’s been a blast!" Murphy stated, expressing gratitude for the years of support from the community.
The existing space at the Cobb Galleria is undergoing a significant transformation. The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority has announced a $190 million renovation and expansion project, described by FOX5 Atlanta. The development plan includes the demolition of Galleria Specialty Shops, new construction of a junior ballroom, an event courtyard, and additional parking, with construction expected to span from fall 2025 into early 2027.
Despite this development, Dale Murphy fans have reason for optimism. The MVP Experiences, popular events hosted by the former baseball star, will continue. "People have asked what this means for our MVP Experiences… they may look a little different without Murph's, but they aren’t going anywhere! Watch our social media in October/November for our 2026 dates," Murphy reassured his followers, signaling that while his restaurant's doors may be shutting, his presence in the community is far from fading.
Meanwhile, the response from the Galleria management acknowledges the shifting retail landscape that motivated the renovation. "This was the mall, the shopping area to go to. High-end stores, high-end food," CEO Charlie Beirne shared with Channel 2 Cobb County back in May, reflecting on the establishment's halcyon days while looking ahead to the next chapter. With the renovation, they hope to revitalize the space, paving the way for a modernized experience complete with outdoor areas, a new hotel, and more flexible event spaces to accommodate the changing demands of commerce and consumer habits in the Atlanta area.
