How Perimeter Mall Became Dunwoody's Economic Powerhouse
Welcome Back, Mark Galvin — The Voice of Discover Dunwoody
What’s Up Dunwoody podcast host Matt Weber welcomed back his favorite recurring guest, Mark Galvin of Discover Dunwoody, for another info-packed, laugh-filled episode. Whether you're living in Dunwoody or just visiting, Mark brings the local scoop each month — and this episode was no exception.
Mark Galvin, with his unmistakable voice, brings both insight and personality to his role at Discover Dunwoody. As the city’s official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Discover Dunwoody uses hotel taxes to fund marketing, attract visitors, and promote everything awesome happening around town.
Their team—including shoutouts to Madison, Ashley, and Zoe—manages an impressive slate of content across Instagram and other platforms, spotlighting events, restaurants, and new developments. That collaboration with What’s Up Dunwoody is a perfect match. Matt curates local buzz. Mark delivers the details. And together, they keep the Dunwoody community in the know.
Perimeter Mall: The Beating Heart of Dunwoody's Economy
The real centerpiece of this episode? Perimeter Mall. It’s not just a place to shop or grab dinner—it’s the economic engine driving much of Dunwoody’s prosperity.
Tax Base: As the largest taxpayer in Dunwoody, Perimeter Mall contributes more than just sales revenue. Its property taxes, business licenses, and associated sales taxes help fund city services, infrastructure projects, and parks. Simply put, it keeps the lights on.
Employment: Thousands of people are employed within the mall and in the surrounding Perimeter Center district, which includes high-rise offices, medical centers, hotels, and restaurants. The area supports a massive daily workforce that fuels both the local and regional economy.
Regional Draw: According to Galvin's memory, nearly 89% of Perimeter Mall visitors are from outside Dunwoody. That means revenue is coming in from Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Gwinnett, Roswell, and beyond. This economic inflow allows the city to thrive without relying solely on its own residents.
Identity: For many in metro Atlanta, “Dunwoody” is synonymous with Perimeter Mall. It’s not just a retail hub—it’s a branding beacon. This makes the mall a critical part of Dunwoody’s identity.
Development Catalyst: The mall seeded what is now known as Perimeter Center, one of the Southeast’s most dynamic job hubs. With two MARTA stations (Dunwoody and Sandy Springs), interchanges at I-285 and GA-400, and a wave of new mixed-use developments, this area continues to grow. It all started with the mall.
New Openings and Things to Do in Dunwoody
Mark and Matt breezed through a tour of new restaurants and local favorites making waves in the Dunwoody real estate market and dining scene:
Grana: Now open for lunch! Owned by Atlanta culinary star Pat Pascarella, Grana in Ashford Lane is offering pasta-making classes and serving up some of the best garlic bread around (but sorry, they were out of those iconic “Garlic Bread Mafia” shirts).
Wahaka: Located in Georgetown in front of Kroger, Wahaka is earning high praise for its flavorful dishes and creative vibe. Matt and Mark joke it should be called “Wild Wahaka” — the team loves it that much.
Chubby Cattle: Coming soon to the front of Perimeter Mall (near P.F. Chang’s). All-you-can-eat Wagyu beef and a jaw-dropping Asian-themed mural are setting expectations sky-high. This is one to watch.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: Located in the same parking lot as the mall, this place is booming. The meatloaf wrapped in bacon on mashed potatoes gets special mention, as does its strong national performance and flexible event hosting.
Yaba’s Bagels: Over in Ashford Place (near City Hall), this new bagel spot is turning heads. Be sure to grab one next time you're in the neighborhood.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream: Soon opening in Park Place, this trendy brand joins Dunwoody's growing lineup of dessert destinations.
Foxtail Coffee Co.: Not open yet, but set to bring even more caffeine to Ashford Lane in fall 2025.
Spotlight on Dunwoody 101: Know Your City
While not run by Discover Dunwoody, Dunwoody 101 is a standout civic program organized by the City of Dunwoody. It offers residents a hands-on look at how their local government works, with visits to places like Campus 244, Dunwoody Nature Center, and even the Real Time Crime Center.
Interestingly, the city is using the same trolley as the Rediscover Dunwoody Trolley Tour, which Discover Dunwoody operates to educate hotel staff and citizens about all the great local offerings. That shared resource shows how interconnected these efforts are, even with different audiences in mind.
Podcast host Matt Weber will return as the ReDiscover Dunwoody Trolley Tour guide in November, so grab your tickets soon at whatsupdunwoody.com/tour.
Quick Mention: Playfully Perimeter Event
Though not discussed in this episode, Matt wanted to flag an exciting event on the horizon. Playfully Perimeter takes place August 27, 2025, from 3–7 PM at The Green at Perimeter Summit. Hosted by PCID with support from Discover Dunwoody, the event promises art, music, games, and local treats. Learn more at perimeteratl.com/playfully.
Discover Dunwoody: Behind the Scenes of the Buzz
Mark offered a peek behind the curtain at how Discover Dunwoody builds its content. With 90% of their social media created in-house, the team’s strategic marketing directly supports local businesses and drives awareness.
Mayor Deutsch has emphasized the importance of community engagement, and Mark sees his regular podcast appearances as part of that mission. Whether spotlighting local businesses or reminding locals why Perimeter Mall matters, Discover Dunwoody serves both visitors and residents alike.
Final Thoughts: Why Perimeter Center Still Matters
This episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast highlighted not just a shopping destination, but a city centerpiece. Perimeter Mall has fueled the rise of Dunwoody as a business and residential hotspot.
Living in Dunwoody means more than just having great schools and parks—it means being part of a city that welcomes visitors, drives regional commerce, and supports both old favorites and new ventures. And if you’re moving to Dunwoody or relocating to Dunwoody for work, the Perimeter Center area should absolutely be on your radar.
