NEW YORK -- On February 14, American Express (NYSE: AXP) will open a new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the busiest airport in the world. At nearly 26,000 square feet, it is the largest lounge in the Centurion Lounge network. It features a locally-inspired menu from Atlanta-based Chef Deborah VanTrece, numerous seating options for guests to relax or work before their flight, outdoor terraces with views of the airfield, and The Reserve by American Express, a bespoke whiskey bar serving signature cocktails designed by Jim Meehan, Centurion Mixologist, along with a selection of classic and new American whiskeys[1]. The new Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse E near gate E11.

“The new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will serve travelers in one of the airports our Card Members visit most,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “It features amenities we know travelers enjoy, like outdoor terraces, and plenty of space to relax, along with local touches infused throughout the menus and design, that guests will remember long after their trip.”

Art and Design Inspired by “The City in the Forest”
The design is inspired by Atlanta’s reputation as “the city in the forest” and its abundance of trees as well as our Card Members’ passion for wellness. The main seating area features a 50-year-old olive tree and a 3,850 square foot custom light sculpture that represents a forest canopy, creating a relaxing space for Card Members to unwind before their flights. Additionally, visitors can enjoy multiple outdoor terraces, a first for the Centurion Lounge network. These meticulously landscaped seating areas are equipped with heaters and fans for use year-round.

The lounge showcases commissioned artwork from local artists including a new, textural interpretation of the quintessential American Express watch dog by Lucha Rodríguez and a large-scale multimedia piece by Michi Meko that draws inspiration from Georgia’s landscape. Additionally, a 60-foot mural of abstracted leaf-like shapes, painted by Evan Blackwell Helgeson, stretches from the interior dining area to the exterior terrace.

Modern, Global Soul Food Curated by Atlanta’s Own Chef Deborah VanTrece
Chef Deborah VanTrece, owner of local Atlanta restaurants Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Oreatha’s At The Point and La Panarda, all of which can be booked on Resy, will bring her take on modern, global soul food to the lounge. Using flavors and techniques she discovered traveling the world as a former flight attendant and enhanced by her own family food traditions and fresh, local ingredients, the custom menu includes Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri, and Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette. Additionally, there will be a dedicated food and beverage station with gluten free and vegan options, including protein bites, salads, smoothies, and immunity booster juice shots.

“Atlanta has become such an interesting melting pot of cultures and cuisines. I’m thrilled to partner with American Express to bring food that celebrates these traditions, along with the best southern ingredients, to the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” said Chef Deborah VanTrece. “Travel has inspired my approach as a chef and I feel blessed that, through this collaboration, I’ll be able to share my creative vision for food and hospitality with travelers from around the world.”

The Centurion Network’s First Whiskey Bar[1]
Celebrating the rich history of American whiskey, The Reserve by American Express is the first dedicated whiskey bar in a Centurion Lounge. The cocktail menu, curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan, features five specialty whiskey cocktails, including Drink a Peach with peach flavored whiskey and bitters and Mayme, Tailored, highlighting an American whiskey with ginger beer. Guests can also choose from over 20 classic and new American whiskeys. The bar offers a modern take on a classic whiskey bar with dark finishes and caramel leather seating and connects to an outdoor lounge area. The lounge also features a fully stocked main bar with 10 wines hand-selected by sommelier and Centurion Lounge Wine Director Anthony Giglio, a local cocktail menu including spirit free options, and Centurion Lounge signature drinks.

Signature Centurion Lounge Amenities for All Types of Travelers
Guests will find signature Centurion Lounge amenities, including dedicated workstations and phone booths, premium restrooms and shower suites, several seating areas and access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

Meeting More Card Members in More Places
With more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer and the only credit card issuer with a proprietary lounge at ATL, the American Express Global Lounge Collection™ is just one of the many ways American Express supports Card Members while they travel. This includes access to 28 Centurion Lounges and over 1,400 lounges worldwide. American Express continues to expand and enhance the Centurion Lounge Network with plans to open new lounge locations at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey.