Podcast 300 – Why Perimeter Center Still Defines Dunwoody – Mark Galvin with Discover Dunwoody

Perimeter Center is the reason a lot of people in metro Atlanta know the name Dunwoody. In Podcast 300, Mark Galvin of Discover Dunwoody joined me to talk about why Perimeter Mall and the district around it still drive the city’s economy, plus a round of new restaurants and things to do.

Perimeter Center is the business and retail district around Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, Georgia. Perimeter Mall is the city’s largest taxpayer, and the district’s offices, hotels, restaurants, MARTA stations, and I-285 and GA-400 access make it one of the Southeast’s biggest job hubs.

Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the full episode above.

Mark Galvin and Discover Dunwoody

Mark is my favorite recurring guest. Discover Dunwoody is the city’s destination marketing organization, and it uses hotel taxes to market the city, attract visitors, and promote what is happening around town. His team, including Madison, Ashley, and Zoe, creates most of their social content in-house.

Why Perimeter Mall Matters to Dunwoody

The centerpiece of this episode was Perimeter Mall. It is not just a place to shop or grab dinner. It is the engine behind much of Dunwoody’s prosperity and the anchor of Perimeter Center.

• 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: Mark estimated that 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 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 Restaurants Around Perimeter Center and Dunwoody

Mark and I ran through new spots and local favorites:

• 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.

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.

The city uses the same trolley as the ReDiscover Dunwoody Trolley Tour, which Discover Dunwoody runs to show hotel staff and residents what the city offers. Book a seat at whatsupdunwoody.com/tour.

Playfully Perimeter

Playfully Perimeter took place August 27, 2025, at The Green at Perimeter Summit, hosted by the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts with support from Discover Dunwoody. Learn about PCID events at perimeteratl.com.

Why Perimeter Center Matters If You Are Moving to Dunwoody

As a Dunwoody REALTOR®, I tell relocating buyers to start with Perimeter Center on the map. It puts major employers, hospitals, MARTA, and shopping minutes from neighborhoods like Dunwoody North and Georgetown, and that convenience is a big part of why homes near Perimeter Center hold their value.

Living in Dunwoody means more than good schools and parks. It means being part of a city that draws visitors, drives regional business, and supports both old favorites and new ventures.

My Take: Perimeter Center pays for a lot of what we love about Dunwoody. Shop and eat local there, and you are investing in your own city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perimeter Center

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