Podcast 324 – High Street Expansion, Perimeter Mall Updates, and Kroger Gas

The High Street expansion is moving again, and it is bigger than most people realize. In Podcast 324, Mark Galvin of Discover Dunwoody joined me to talk about High Street, new restaurants and entertainment, and big changes coming to Perimeter Mall.

The High Street expansion in Dunwoody, Georgia restarted after the old AJC office buildings came down. The development will stretch to Hammond Drive near the State Farm campus, with a retail area expected to be larger than Avalon and plans for an upscale hotel.

Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the full episode above.

Starting with Gratitude

One thing I love about having Mark Galvin on the show is how quickly we go from thinking we might not have much to talk about to realizing we’ve got a full list of updates across the city. It happens every time. We start casually, and then suddenly we’re covering development, restaurants, events, and everything in between.

The High Street Expansion Is Back

Let’s start with the headline that got both of us excited. The High Street expansion is moving again. If you’ve driven by recently, you’ve probably noticed the old AJC office buildings are gone. That’s always the signal that things are about to accelerate.

Mark shared that the High Street expansion will stretch all the way down to Hammond Drive, which is a much bigger footprint than most people realize. You’ll eventually be able to enter near the State Farm campus, and that changes how the entire area connects. This isn’t just a development you drive to. It’s becoming part of the flow of Dunwoody.

And here’s the fun fact I keep bringing up anytime someone will listen. The High Street expansion’s retail area is expected to be bigger than Avalon. Same developers, but a larger commercial footprint and more emphasis on retail, restaurants, and experiences. That matters because when people are living in Dunwoody or even relocating to Dunwoody, they’re not just buying a house. They’re buying into a lifestyle. Walkability, energy, places to gather, and things to do all start to factor in.

The High Street expansion is shaping up to be a centerpiece of that lifestyle. Mark also mentioned plans for an upscale hotel right in the heart of the development. That’s always a strong signal. Hotels follow demand. They follow confidence. And they bring more visitors, more activity, and more visibility to the area. It also gives me a better answer when people ask where their friends should stay when they come to visit! Because when that happens, I’ll recommend High Street everytime.

Varuni Napoli Comes to High Street

We spent a surprising amount of time debating how to pronounce Varuni Napoli. Still unresolved.

What is clear, though, is that this pizza concept coming to High Street is a big win. The Midtown location has built a strong reputation for authentic Neapolitan pizza, focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients and a commitment to doing things the right way. If you’ve listened to the podcast for a while, you know I care about pizza more than I probably should, so I’m excited about this one.

Adding a place like this continues to elevate the list of great restaurants in Dunwoody. It’s also another example of how the food scene here keeps improving. People moving to Dunwoody are starting to realize they’re not giving anything up when it comes to dining options. If anything, they’re gaining more variety and quality every year.

Krua Thai and the State Farm Area

Another spot Mark highlighted is Krua Thai, a Thai kitchen and craft bar coming near the State Farm campus. That area went quiet for a while after COVID when offices emptied out, but we’re starting to see signs of life again.

Restaurants don’t open where there’s no traffic, so this is a good indicator that things are picking back up. When you combine Krua Thai with places like Mikata and Louisiana Bistreaux, you start to see a real dining cluster forming again. It’s one of those subtle improvements that makes everyday life better when you’re living in Dunwoody. You’ve got more options close by, more reasons to go out, and more energy in places that felt quiet not too long ago.

Bunker Golf

We also talked about Bunker Golf, and this is one of those concepts that just makes sense. It’s an indoor golf experience designed for real life. No five-hour rounds. No dress code. Just TrackMan-powered bays where you can play quickly, hang out with friends, and actually enjoy the game without blocking off half your day.

It’s built to be social. You bring your crew, compete a little, maybe improve your swing, and then move on with your day. They’re even hosting events like Masters watch parties, which tells you everything you need to know about the vibe they’re creating.

This fits perfectly into the “things to do in Dunwoody” category. It’s low pressure, high fun, and easy to say yes to when someone invites you out. Those are the kinds of places that stick.

Patrones Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Another big addition is Patrones Authentic Mexican Cuisine, opening in Perimeter Village. This isn’t just another Tex-Mex restaurant. They’re focusing on a more authentic experience with fresh-made tortillas and a menu that leans traditional rather than trendy.

The space has been fully renovated and upgraded, which tells you they’re serious about doing this right. It’s also going into a high-visibility location surrounded by other popular spots, so there’s already built-in traffic.

What I like about this is how it raises the bar. Dunwoody already has plenty of Mexican options, but when someone comes in and focuses on quality and authenticity, it pushes the whole category forward. That’s how a food scene evolves over time.

Raising the Bar for Dunwoody Food

Zooming out for a second, the addition of Varuni Napoli and other new restaurants highlights something bigger. Dunwoody is quietly becoming a real destination for food. This isn’t just about convenience anymore. It’s about choice and quality.

Mark has talked in past episodes about the number of restaurants that have opened in recent years, and you can feel that momentum continuing. If you’re relocating to Dunwoody, this is one of those pleasant surprises. You expect good schools and a central location, but you might not expect a growing list of standout dining options.

The Perimeter Mall Shake-Up

Now let’s talk about Perimeter Mall, because this is a big one. There are two major developments that could reshape how people experience the mall moving forward.

The first is the relocation of the food court. Plans are in motion to move it from its current central location to the former Forever 21 space near the Macy’s wing. This isn’t a small change. It’s a complete rethinking of how people move through the mall and where they gather.

When something this big happens, it usually means there’s a broader vision behind it. Malls that adapt are the ones that survive and thrive, and Perimeter Mall continues to evolve instead of standing still. That’s not something every mall can say.

The second update is the addition of Aritzia, a well-known women’s apparel brand. Strong retail brands choose strong locations, so when they invest in a place like Perimeter Mall, it’s a signal that the area is healthy and growing. For anyone watching the Dunwoody real estate market, these are the kinds of indicators that matter. Retail strength supports demand, and demand supports long-term value.

Trolley Tours Matter More Than You Think

We also talked about the Discover Dunwoody Trolley Tours, and I genuinely enjoy being part of these. Not just because I get to emcee them, but because they give people a real feel for the city.

You can read about Dunwoody online. You can browse homes for sale in Dunwoody. But until you actually ride through the hot areas, hear the stories, and connect the dots, it doesn’t fully click. The trolley turns information into experience.

For people thinking about moving to Dunwoody, it’s one of the best ways to understand what makes this place different. You start to see how everything connects, from Dunwoody Village to the Perimeter area, and how each pocket has its own personality.

Events and Energy

We always end up talking about events, because that’s where the real community shows up. Whether it’s something at Brook Run Park or a local festival, these are the moments where neighbors become friends.

Discover Dunwoody continues to play a huge role in promoting these events, and the calendar keeps getting fuller. That’s a great sign. When people ask what it’s like living in Dunwoody, I don’t just talk about houses. I talk about energy, activity, and having something to do on a random Tuesday or a packed Saturday.

Why the High Street Expansion Matters If You’re Moving Here

If you zoom out, this episode is really about momentum. Dunwoody is not standing still. Between the High Street expansion, Perimeter Mall updates, new restaurants, and entertainment concepts, the city is actively evolving.

That matters whether you’re already living in Dunwoody, thinking about moving to Dunwoody, or relocating to Dunwoody for work or family. This is how cities become destinations. Not overnight, but through steady, consistent progress.

That word keeps coming up for me lately. Consistency. Just showing up and doing the work. That’s what Discover Dunwoody is doing. That’s what local business owners are doing. And honestly, that’s what I’m trying to do with this podcast too. Just keep showing up.

My Take: The High Street expansion is the biggest thing happening in Perimeter right now. Watch it closely if you are buying anywhere near it. For places to eat in the meantime, see my Dunwoody restaurant guide, and check Discover Dunwoody for events.

Frequently Asked Questions About the High Street Expansion

• Facebook
• Email