Now 20 years old, Atlantic Station is angling to put a fresh foot forward in 2026.
The 138-acre, master-planned neighborhood and Midtown-adjacent shopping hub today detailed the outlook on openings, expansions, and relocations across the year to come, as part of an effort to evolve as new intown districts including Star Metals, Centennial Yards, and South Downtown continue to grow.
The announced mix includes fresh brands for Atlanta and familiar names—MINISO, Repeat ATL, En Vogue Nail Bar, Gocha’s All Day, Playa Bowls, Busy Bee Café, and Art Station ATL—that reflects a balance of service, food, and fashion offerings, according to Atlantic Station owner Hines.
The retail shakeup follows the high-profile closure of the district’s Publix in late December (following the opening, relatedly perhaps, of Lidl nearby in October), leaving a 30,000-square-foot gap in street-level spaces. Hines leadership has said they plan to quickly fill the former Publix space, which could be reworked.
Now home to thousands, looking east over multi-tower Atlantic Station toward recent high-rise development in Midtown. Courtesy of Atlantic Station/Hines
Below is a rundown of what’s new and in the pipeline for coming months at Atlantic Station, which Hines officials today described as an “exciting new chapter” for the district.
NOW OPEN
MINISO: Described as a “global retail powerhouse” with more than 3,500 stores, Japanese-inspired Chinese company MINISO brought its playful mix of tech accessories, plush toys, home goods, and beauty items to the corner of Atlantic Drive and 17 ½ Street in late November. It occupies a 4,000-square-foot space across from the recently relocated and expanded Atlanta United and Falcons Team Store.
ARTS STATION ATL: This 1,500-square-foot gallery and art studio has set up shop on a corner of Atlantic Drive near the Twelve Hotel. Artsy Elaine and Sway Jones, Atlantic Station’s artists-in-residence, allow a window into their creative process at the arts hub during open studio hours. The space also hosts public workshops and classes.
EXPANDING
REPEAT ATL: A locally owned lifestyle and streetwear boutique, Repeat ATL is also now open in a new and expanded 2,500-square-foot space next to Kilwins treat.
EN VOGUE NAIL BAR (now Lush Nail Bar): Plans call for this beauty services provider to relocate and expand this year, taking a new 3,223-square-foot space near the AT&T store. Expect an enhanced service menu and elevated guest experiences, per Hines.
FRESH EATS ON TAP
PLAYA BOWLS: Set to open this summer, the 14th Georgia location of Playa Bowls will bring smoothies, juices, cold brew, and yes açaí bowls to a new location in “Eat Alley” (near centralized communal park space Atlantic Green).
BUSY BEE CAFÉ: A legend of Atlanta’s neighborhood restaurant scene, Busy Bee Café is scheduled to open its second location in coming months at 230 18th St. Suite 1110-A, adjacent to Atlantic Green. Busy Bee Café, established in 1947, is continuing to operate its original Vine City location for soul food take-out and catering, and it also plans to debut a new downtown outpost at Centennial Yards. When the concept was announced in April for Atlantic Station, it was projected to open sometime this spring.
GOCHA’S ALL DAY: This all-day dining spot from Atlanta restauranteur and TV personality Gocha Hawkins is set to claim a more than 5,000-square-foot restaurant space adjacent to Azotea Cantina, next to Atlantic Green, this spring. Plans call for combining the popular menus of existing Hawkins’ concepts in Southwest Atlanta—Gocha’s Breakfast Bar and Gocha’s Tapas Bar—to include tapas-style plates, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and other signature dishes, alongside a beverage program.
“Our goal has always been to balance what’s new and noteworthy with what our community already loves,” said Vikram Mehra, Hines’ senior managing director, in today’s announcement.
“Welcoming innovative global brands like MINISO alongside the continued success of long-time tenants reflects the property’s broader vision,” Mehra continued, “creating a place that grows with Atlanta and consistently delivers meaningful experiences.”
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