The market operates as a nonprofit enterprise, with the building leased from the City of Atlanta and the individual vendors sub-leasing.

[1][3] The 1950s and 60s saw the advent of supermarkets, suburbs, and integration; these resulted in many black residents dispersing from the area and consequently, traffic to the Curb Market fell, leaving vendors unable to pay rent.

At that time, though, a "Save the Market" campaign was launched, showing the market collectively had annual sales of $2.8 million and was the largest "soul food shopping center" in the country, providing specialty cuts of meat to a primarily black, low-income clientele.

[6][7] As part of basic maintenance and updates, a portion of the funds were used to replace the sign damaged by the tornado of 2008.

[6] As originally built, the single-story market and entrance was flanked on either side by two-story towers, but these were removed during the first renovation of the building in the 1970s.

[10] It is also featured in the ABC television series Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, appearing in scenes for the thirteenth episode, entitled "Fishtail".