What’s New in Dunwoody? With Mark Galvin
In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber teams up with Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody for their monthly roundup of everything buzzing in town. From pizza ovens shipped from Italy to arcade lasers, it’s a whirlwind tour of what’s fresh, fun, and worth showing up for in Dunwoody, Georgia.
Rosetta Bakery and Varuni Napoli Join High Street
High Street is about to get tastier. Rosetta Bakery and Varuni Napoli are both finally opening their doors. Rosetta’s known for buttery pastries and a chic European vibe. Varuni Napoli is going full authentic by importing a custom-built oven straight from Italy. As Matt joked, that beats the conveyor belt at his pizza shop.
These spots aren’t just restaurants—they’re part of the reason High Street is fast becoming one of the top destinations for folks moving to Dunwoody or just craving better date night options.
Campus 244: A New Look from the Highway
Just down the road, Campus 244 is drawing eyes from 285—and that’s not a small thing. For many people, especially those unfamiliar with the area, their entire impression of Dunwoody comes from how it looks while passing by on the highway. Thanks to the work GDOT has done with the entrances and exits around Ashford Dunwoody, paired with the sleek, modern backdrop of Campus 244, Dunwoody now makes a stunning first impression.
Between its clean design and growing list of restaurants, Campus 244 is changing the face of Dunwoody—literally. Stäge Kitchen & Bar will soon join the already-popular CT Cantina & Taqueria, bringing more upscale dining options to the area. If you haven't swung by lately, it’s worth a visit—especially if you've only seen it from your car window.
Big Play ATL Delivers Big Fun
At the corner of Mt Vernon and North Peachtree, Big Play ATL is winning over families and local skeptics alike. With laser tag, arcade games, a solid bar menu, and surprisingly fair pricing, it’s become one of the go-to things to do in Dunwoody. Matt shared how he first visited as a guest of the owners, then came back as a paying customer. It's a hit with birthday parties, weekend warriors, and neighborhood kids from spots like Dunwoody North, Village Mill, and the nearby Kingsley neighborhood.
Live Music at Le Méridien on Weeknights
Looking for live music without leaving town? Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter is now hosting shows every Monday and Tuesday night, featuring lounge crooner Michael Magno. Pair it with a solid burger and you’ve got a relaxed grown-up night out—no babysitter or drive into the city required. Mark highlighted this as one of those little gems that helps Dunwoody hotels stand out to visitors and locals alike.
Game Show Battle Room: Not Your Average Night Out
Just above Politan Row at Ashford Lane, Game Show Battle Room has quickly become one of the most unexpected crowd-pleasers in town. Imagine a mash-up of Family Feud, trivia, and team-building chaos. Even Village Orthodontics brought their whole staff for a team day. Mark said it best: it’s a business that people didn’t know they needed until they tried it. When Matt asked Mark what businesses he thought were the biggest draws to the Dunwoody area—what really brings people in—Mark’s first answer after Perimeter Mall was Game Show Battle Room. That kind of surprised Matt, but it says a lot about how unique and fun the experience really is.
Perimeter Mall Still Leads the Pack
Amid all the new openings, Perimeter Mall remains Dunwoody’s number one visitor magnet. Mark noted that people come for a reason—they usually find what they’re looking for. The mall continues to be a major draw, whether it's for shopping, food, or a casual weekend visit. It may not be flashy, but it’s still the commercial core of the area.
Dunwoody Dialogues and the DHA’s Event Lineup
Mark also highlighted Dunwoody Dialogues, Discover Dunwoody's livestream series featuring hyperlocal leaders. One of the recent guests was Tim Brown, president of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association (DHA). The two covered classic Dunwoody events like the Fourth of July Parade, Light Up Dunwoody, Food Truck Thursdays, and the Farmers Market. As always, the theme was clear: these things work because the community shows up.
What’s Next for Discover Dunwoody?
Near the end of the conversation, Matt asked Mark about the future of Discover Dunwoody, and Mark’s response highlighted how much momentum the organization has right now. As the city’s go-to for tourism and community branding, Mark’s been involved in everything from boosting local restaurants to rethinking how Dunwoody is seen by newcomers.
But he’s quick to credit the team behind the scenes. Discover Dunwoody isn’t a one-man show. Mark mentions the work of Zoe Demetry, Ashley Rossolillo, and Madison Holtz, and their Executive Director, Ray Ezelle—who Mark praised for putting all the right people in the right roles. Each teammate brings a unique strength, from social media savvy to strategic event planning, all with the same goal: keeping Dunwoody front-of-mind for both residents and visitors.Together, this crew is working to keep Dunwoody top of mind for visitors and new residents alike.
So what’s worked best so far? According to Mark, it’s their commitment to highlighting the places that make Dunwoody feel different. Instead of just showcasing chain hotels or generic tourism material, they double down on hyperlocal events, business spotlights, and content like Dunwoody Dialogues—Mark’s own livestream series.
Matt’s Calendar Idea: A Smarter Way to Stay Connected
Matt tossed out an idea he’d been holding onto: a free subscription-based community calendar. Think: one click on your iPhone or Apple Calendar, and boom—you’re subscribed to all the Dunwoody happenings automatically. Mark was genuinely intrigued. It’s the kind of smart, frictionless tool that would give residents and newcomers a real-time pulse on what’s happening around town without having to dig for it.
From restaurant grand openings to city events, Discover Dunwoody is clearly evolving. And with a team that’s both scrappy and seasoned, the next phase could include even more creative ways to stay connected. As Matt pointed out, when someone like Mark—who’s been in nearly every business in town—says something’s a good idea, you listen.
Call to Action
Want to check out these local gems? Follow Discover Dunwoody for real-time updates, or explore the full episode archive at whatsupdunwoody.com. Thinking about relocating to Dunwoody? Host Matt Weber—a longtime local and the best real estate agent in Dunwoody (if you ask us)—would love to help. Call 404-502-8683 or book a time online.
Show Notes
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Rosetta Bakery and Varuni Napoli now open at High Street
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Campus 244 adds Stäge Kitchen & Bar to CT Taqueria
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Big Play ATL wins over local families and Facebook skeptics
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Le Méridien hosts live music with Michael Magno
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Game Show Battle Room becomes a top pick for team outings
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Perimeter Mall remains Dunwoody’s top visitor driver
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DHA and Dunwoody Dialogues showcase year-round local events
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Benchmark Physical Therapy earns a quick spotlight
About What’s Up Dunwoody
What’s Up Dunwoody is hosted by REALTOR® Matt Weber, spotlighting local businesses, events, and neighbors across Dunwoody, Georgia. Follow along at whatsupdunwoody.com for new episodes and community updates.
