Photos: Three cheers for Clarkston Market, a dynamic trailside hub

Unless they enjoy riding bicycles for punishingly long distances, many intown Atlantans might not be familiar with Clarkston Market. But perhaps they should be. 

Opened three years ago this month, the retail and office hub serves as a local gathering place and pitstop for Stone Mountain-bound visitors in a DeKalb County city once coined by TIME magazine “the most diverse square mile in America.”

Located at 980 Rowland St., with a large greenspace dotted with eateries that functions as its social nucleus, Clarkston Market has become a popular destination for locals and riders along the 25-mile Stone Mountain PATH Trail, a scenic multi-use route that links downtown Atlanta to Georgia’s most famous rock. 

The city’s goal with the market was to situate service providers and local restaurants and businesses near each other in an inviting environment—in a remarkably diverse section of metro Atlanta. 

The city estimates nearly 32 percent of Clarkston’s population is foreign-born, with 60 languages spoken in just over a square mile. (Other interesting facts: The median home cost in Clarkston is less than $80,000, and roughly 75 percent of the population is younger than 40.) 

“We want [the market] to be a welcoming gathering space that represents Clarkston’s rich heritage and a place for the community to live, work, and play,” city spokesperson Jasmine Murray wrote to Urbanize Atlanta via email. “Bikers often stop at the property for bike repairs, refreshments and food, and to relax as they travel the path.”

Today, Clarkston Market is home to six businesses and three nonprofits, plus leasable event space. 

Those include refugee-owned businesses, plus “nonprofits focused on assisting and providing wraparound care for refugees and vulnerable peoples, as well as a welcoming environment for a diverse community,” said Murray. 

Below is a quick rundown of businesses operating at Clarkston Market today, as provided this week by city officials. For a closer look, find a photo tour of the property in the gallery above. 

Amplio Recruiting: Job placement agency;

Refugee Sewing Society: Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming space for refugee women in addition to training in valuable skills in sewing and handcrafts, and an opportunity for employment;

Send Relief Atlanta: Nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring lives and strengthening communities through compassion ministry;

KuKu Coffee: Casual spot for coffee-based beverages plus pastries, tea and ice cream, with an Ethiopian focus;

Al Chef: Casual eatery featuring Mediterranean food;

Two Fish Myanmar Cuisine: Traditional Burmese dishes served in a casual atmosphere with friendly staff;

Narrow Path Cycles: East Atlanta’s premiere bike service and sales shop;

Edwin Jarvis Concierge: Business center, mailroom, and print shop;

Edwin Jarvis Coworking Space: Shared, flexible workspace environment for individuals and companies on a membership basis; 

Ethnē Clinic: Community clinic that provides a full spectrum of primary care, and psychiatric services as well physical and occupational therapy in a culturally sensitive, neighbor-sensitive environment; 

Ethnē Pharmacy (coming in 2026)

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