Matt’s birthday trolley tour has already sold out! If you want to Rediscover Dunwoody, you’ll have to hop on next month’s ride. Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody joins Matt to talk about everything popping up around town—starting with those new steel gateway signs. He breaks down who paid for them, why they matter, and what they mean for the city’s future. The whole episode is really about what’s new.
Did you know High Street will eventually be even larger than Avalon? It’s gearing up to welcome Rosetta Bakery, Hampton Social, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, Varuni Napoli, and Alo Yoga. Over at Campus 244, CT Cantina & Taqueria is drawing crowds with its chef-driven menu and hidden gem, Tierra Coffee. Stäge Kitchen & Bar is coming soon with upscale seafood, steak, and sushi. And Ashford Place is getting a big refresh with Stone Age Korean Steakhouse and Desi District moving in.
Episode 287 of the What's Up Dunwoody podcast is packed with everything that's buzzing around Dunwoody right now. Host Matt Weber welcomes Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody to talk about new restaurants, exciting developments like High Street and Campus 244, and insider details on the Rediscover Dunwoody Trolley Tour – which Matt is leading on his birthday. The episode also dives into how What's Up Dunwoody and Discover Dunwoody are teaming up to spotlight the best of the city, from dining to events to community pride.
CT Cantina & Taqueria: More Than Just Tacos
One of the standout features of this episode was the buzz around CT Cantina & Taqueria, now open at Campus 244. But don’t let the name fool you, it’s not just a taco joint. This place is redefining the Dunwoody dining experience with a spacious, modern vibe that blends festive decor, vibrant energy, and a full-on culinary approach. Think chef-curated dishes, innovative margaritas, and a layout that feels more like a destination than a dinner spot.
But wait, there’s more. Attached to the taqueria is Tierra Coffee, a separate coffee and pastry bar that has its own entrance. Whether you're craving a caffeine kick, a buttery croissant, or a sweet post-dinner treat, Tierra Coffee is designed to be your new go-to. It’s this type of multi-experience venue that makes living in Dunwoody feel like you’re in the middle of a much larger foodie scene.
Campus 244: Dunwoody’s New Lifestyle Hub
Campus 244 is fast becoming one of the city’s most exciting developments. Located next to the long-standing Marriott and right by the Dunwoody MARTA station, this area is set up for convenience, style, and a whole lot of great food.
Besides CT Taqueria and Tierra Coffee, the development includes valet and covered parking, charging stations for electric vehicles, and a green lawn space perfect for lounging while waiting on your reservation. Coming soon is Stäge Kitchen & Bar, which will offer a mix of steak, seafood, and sushi in a sleek modern setting. Campus 244 isn’t just about eating, it’s about gathering, relaxing, and soaking up the best parts of city living.
High Street: Where Dining Meets Destination
Just across from Perimeter Mall sits High Street, a mixed-use development that’s shaping up to be Dunwoody’s version of Avalon, but possibly even bigger. With residential units, open courtyards, green spaces, and a stacked lineup of restaurants and retail, High Street is becoming the kind of place that defines a neighborhood.
Already open are Velvet Taco and Agave Bandido, bringing lively Tex-Mex vibes and globally inspired tacos. Coming soon are several more heavy hitters:
Rosetta Bakery: This Italian bakery is set to become a carb-lovers dream, with handcrafted breads, desserts, and sandwiches.
The Hampton Social: Famous for its “Rosé All Day” neon sign and social media-ready ambiance, this coastal-themed spot is more about the experience than just the meal.
CRú Food & Wine Bar: A chic venue that pairs wine flights with artisanal bites.
Varuni Napoli: A Neapolitan pizzeria known for its wood-fired pies and casual, fun-loving atmosphere.
High Street also boasts Alo Yoga, a premium athletic wear store that brings a bit of L.A. flair to the Dunwoody retail scene.
Rediscover Dunwoody Trolley Tour: All Aboard!
One of the most exciting community engagement projects coming from Discover Dunwoody is the Rediscover Dunwoody Trolley Tour. And guess what? This time around, What’s Up Dunwoody podcast host Matt Weber is your guide on his birthday, no less!
The trolley tour is designed to connect hotel staff and residents with the best Dunwoody has to offer. From hidden gem restaurants to historic sites and entertainment venues, the tour gives attendees a hyper-local view of what makes the city special.
And it’s not just sightseeing. These adult-only tours come with food samples and cocktails from some of Dunwoody’s favorite restaurants. It’s the perfect blend of education, entertainment, and indulgence. Plus, with only 25 seats per tour, it feels more like an insider experience than a big public event.
The Power of Local Collaboration: What’s Up Dunwoody + Discover Dunwoody
This episode also highlighted the growing partnership between What’s Up Dunwoody and Discover Dunwoody. Host Matt Weber and guest Mark Galvin shared their excitement about collaborating to share more hyper-local content that helps residents and newcomers discover what’s happening around town.
Discover Dunwoody’s website is a comprehensive resource for events, dining options, hotel info, and more. By linking arms with What’s Up Dunwoody, the partnership ensures that local happenings reach even wider audiences. From listing community events to promoting new business openings, the duo is helping shape the narrative around living in Dunwoody and moving to Dunwoody.
Local Gems: From Breadwinner to Bistreaux
During the episode, Mark and Matt couldn’t help but shout out some of their personal favorites.
Breadwinner Café: Dubbed the home of Dunwoody’s best cookies, Breadwinner is also a favorite for lunch and casual bites.
Louisiana Bistreaux: Nestled inside the State Farm building, this spot offers authentic Louisiana cuisine with live jazz every Friday. Be sure to look for the underground parking entrance off Hammond Drive.
Velvet Taco: Just across from High Street, Velvet Taco has quickly become a local staple with creative spins on the classic taco. The Webers were there for Cinco de Mayo!
Each of these restaurants reflects a different facet of the Dunwoody dining scene, from upscale vibes to cozy comforts.
Events Galore: Discover Dunwoody’s Website as Your Event Hub
With over 60 events listed for the month of May alone, DiscoverDunwoody.com has truly become the go-to calendar for what’s happening in town. Whether it’s a concert, community picnic, or a yoga class in the park, you’ll find it all there.
And if you’re hosting something public? Submit your event through the site and let the whole community know about it.
That includes nonprofits, local artists, churches, and small businesses. The listing is free, and it helps Dunwoody stay vibrant and informed.
A Word on Those New City Signs
A portion of the episode also ventured into the polarizing topic of the new Dunwoody gateway signs. Matt and Mark made sure to clear the air: these signs are funded by hotel taxes, not just local residents’ pockets. That tax is collected from guests staying in any of Dunwoody’s 10 hotels, and 3.5 percent of it goes directly to Discover Dunwoody for destination marketing.
So yes, those signs that welcome you into the city are paid for, in part, by tourists and business travelers. And from a branding perspective? They work. They clearly mark the boundary between Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, helping visitors and locals alike understand when they’ve arrived in this special place.
Moving to Dunwoody: What Makes It Special
Throughout the episode, one theme stood out: Dunwoody is becoming a more dynamic place to live every single day. With developments like High Street and Campus 244, new restaurants opening every month, and events bringing the community together, moving to Dunwoody is increasingly attractive to families, professionals, and retirees.
Add in the access to MARTA, quality schools, and parks like Brook Run and Pernoshal Park, and it’s clear why people are choosing to put down roots here.
Final Thoughts & How to Learn More
Mark Galvin and the team at Discover Dunwoody are doing more than just marketing. They are building a roadmap for local pride, economic development, and inclusive community storytelling.
Matt Weber, through the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, is using his platform to spotlight the stories that matter most to locals.
Want to dive deeper? Here’s what you can do:
Visit the Event Calendar: Head to whatsupdunwoody.com/events to see what’s happening right now.
Check Out Restaurant News: Go to whatsupdunwoody.com/food to explore Dunwoody's restaurant scene.
Submit Your Own Event: Planning something cool? Let Discover Dunwoody help you spread the word at discoverdunwoody.com.
Join the Next Trolley Tour: Space is limited, so reserve your seat early at discoverdunwoody.com/rediscover-trolley-tour.
