Press Room

Columbus, Ga. – June 22, 2026 – The Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center today announced a new partnership with Levy, hospitality leader at major cultural, convention and event venues, to transform the food and beverage experience at the Historic Iron Works. The collaboration brings a new level of elevated service and a renewed commitment to authentic, locally inspired flavors for events at the iconic venue on the banks of the Chattahoochee River.

Levy will bring its restaurateur culture and culinary creativity to enhance the guest experience across the venue’s conventions, meetings, community celebrations and special events. Levy chefs and hospitality teams will work with event planners to create experiences that feature chef-driven menus, local ingredients and elevated presentations.  Among the culinary highlights will be an expanded in-house baking program delivering fresh-made pastries, desserts and breads, as well as a new in-house smoker chefs will utilize across events. Mobile self-service kiosks will bring added flexibility to customize food and beverage service based on the needs of each event. And longer term, the Historic Iron Works and Levy will collaborate on new restaurant and café concepts housed within the venue.      

“This partnership with Levy represents an exciting new chapter for the Historic Iron Works and the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center. As we continue investing in the future of our venue, it is important that the guest experience reflects the same level of excellence and innovation that our community deserves,” said Hayley Tillery, Executive Director, Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center. “Levy’s commitment to exceptional hospitality, chef-driven culinary experiences, and local partnerships aligns perfectly with our vision for the Historic Iron Works. Together, we are creating memorable experiences that will elevate every event while showcasing the unique character, culture, and hospitality that make Columbus such a special destination.”

“The Historic Iron Works is a special place with a signature charm that makes it one of the most amazing event venues in the region,” said Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy. “We’re thrilled to create new and memorable hospitality experiences built around our restaurateur culture and the venue’s rich tradition that best support the Columbus community.”

Levy brings deep expertise and a proven track record across major convention centers and entertainment and event venues throughout the region and beyond. Its extensive network includes the Georgia World Congress Center and State Farm Arena in Atlanta, as well as the Chattanooga Convention Center, among others. Guests can also expect influences from Levy’s premier convention and cultural venue partners across the country, including the Javits Center in New York, the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the upcoming National Geographic Museum in Washington DC.

Look for more news about food, beverage and hospitality at the Historic Iron Works over the coming months.

About the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center
The Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, located within the Historic Iron Works on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, is one of the Southeast's premier meeting and event destinations. Offering more than 182,000 square feet of flexible event space, the venue hosts conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, community celebrations, and special events throughout the year. The facility features three exhibit halls, a grand ballroom, 17 meeting rooms, and unique historic spaces that blend modern amenities with the character and charm of Columbus' industrial heritage. Welcoming more than 240,000 guests annually, the Convention & Trade Center serves as a vital economic driver for the region while creating memorable experiences that connect visitors, businesses, and the community. For more information, visit ColumbusTradeCenter.com.

About Levy
Levy, a market leader and critically acclaimed hospitality company, has twice been named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and has been honored by Forbes as a Best Large Employer, Best Employer for Diversity, and Best Employer for Women. Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games. For more, visit levyrestaurants.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.