Sneak peek: Could this be a southside answer to Krog Street Market?

CALL it Krog Street Market in a cul-de-sac, sort of. Call it another worthwhile pitstop off the future Atlanta Beltline’s southernmost reaches. Call it a huge risk. But calling Terminal South a mini mall will draw the ire of Melissa Ahrendt, developer Stafford Properties' executive direct of real estate, a woman calling the shots and crafting a new intown place in what traditionally, in Atlanta, has very much been a man’s world. 

One recent, boiling afternoon, Ahrendt led a tour of Terminal South, an approachable, adaptive-reuse mix of retail and food-and-beverage offerings spanning about 46,000 square feet in Peoplestown, straight south of the Braves former stadium. Beginning next month (tentative forecast: mid-August), Terminal South will start opening the first wave of 20 businesses signed to date. All of them are local to Atlanta. Many were originated by—and will be staffed with—southside residents. 

Expect an eclectic retail mix, including a purveyor of what’s called permanent jewelry, a sleek local bookstore with navy walls and bourbon-colored shelves, and a custom flower shop. Around the corner from those storefronts, under the same roof, is Switchman Hall, a foodie hub with everything from Maine lobster rolls, bubble tea, Açaí bowls, and Ethiopian-spiced blackened salmon to a martini named in homage to Peoplestown and infused with local java. It’s taking shape across what used to be a coal yard, an industrial bakery, and a brick and box factory—all of that long departed. Atlanta's first new transit line in more than two decades is being installed, albeit slowly, at Terminal South's doorstep. 

One goal, per developers, is to live up to the terminal name. That will entail luring customers from downtown (and its enormous hotels) by way of MARTA's bus-rapid-transit line—and to bring them up from the Beltline's Southside Trail via a switchback connection to the street that's already installed. Ahrendt estimates the southern tip of Terminal South is 50 yards from the Beltline, across Hank Aaron Drive. Like the MARTA BRT line, the neighboring trail is now scheduled to open next year. 

But the bigger goal, per Ahrendt, is to inject jobs, commerce, and social spaces the area has lacked in a way that doesn't feel heavy-handed, generic, or cliché. And that's no small feat. 

For metro Atlantans unaccustomed to venturing south of Interstate 20, culinary offerings like Switchman Hall's could sound surprising. Hip, preoccupied Midtown and Old Fourth Ward dwellers might not know where the southern end of Hank Aaron Drive is. But as Ahrendt points out, the immediate area in recent years has seen an influx of living options—4,000 multifamily units within a 10-minute walk of Terminal South, per Stafford's estimates—and new people. The trick is to cater to them, Ahrendt says, by way of development that uplifts the neighborhood, as opposed to butting in, taking over, and disrupting it. Keeping it family-friendly—the opposite of a party district—is also important to neighbors, she says. 

“I don’t think anyone can do gentrification the right way, but we can do it a better way,” she said. “We really want to integrate ourselves into this neighborhood. We want to give the neighborhood what they wanted, and that’s jobs, and those light-industrial jobs [formerly on site] are not coming back.”

Below is a behind-the-scenes look at how Terminal South's two-building format and large communal spaces are aiming to be uniquely alluring among a growing contingent of metro food halls, in a part of Atlanta undergoing fundamental change. The tour took place July 9, roughly five weeks before the scheduled opening. 

^^ Lighted signage installed for Terminal South's main entry on Hank Aaron Drive in Peoplestown, a one-way thoroughfare meant to keep traffic flowing. 

^^ Looking north toward downtown, next to Building One, is Terminal South's parking lot, a former coal yard and metalworks where lead remediation alone cost nearly a half-million dollars, according to Ahrendt. Beyond the parking area is a 3.8-acre property rezoned for multifamily uses—where a project with 355 units fell out of contract in February after encountering neighborhood pushback rooted in gentrification concerns. 

"It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my entire 20-something year career," says Ahrendt of efforts to build apartments on site. "We will eventually do multifamily there—we’re just waiting on the market. We need interest rates to come down. Everybody does. You can’t make anything with a parking structure pencil right now.” 

^^ A main entry to Building One, a former brick and box factory that had most recently acted as storage space, including for auction items routinely scooped up by Georgia's TV and film industry. “Floor to ceiling it was full of cars, Batman torsos, gurneys, 1980s phones, random stuff,” notes Ahrendt. 

Building Two, formerly an industrial bakery, is shown at left. 

^^ Inside 30,000-square-foot Building One, where a clean and simple aesthetic is meant to allow retailer signage to pop. “Each space lends itself to a different sign,” says Ahrendt. “What’s the sign criteria? It needs to look cool. I don’t want things to feel uniform in any way.” 

^^ Interior progress at 1,200-square-foot Offbeat Books, a local independent bookstore designed to be a “transportive retreat for readers.”

^^ Entering the Switchman Hall food hall portion that consumes most of Building One. Plans call for 18 concepts total (see details below). Twelve have been signed and announced, three have yet to be unveiled, and three other spaces are not yet leased, according to Stafford reps.

^^ Ahrendt says about 10 food concepts will be in business as part of Terminal South's soft opening in August. A more formal grand opening is slated for this fall. 

^^ Stepping outside the food hall, a covered patio area will include two walk-up windows for eateries STAXX (breakfast bowls, sourdough toasts, paninis, and açaí bowls) and Te Quiero Tacos. Ownership of the latter has told Ahrendt—perhaps jokingly, or not—that customers in line will get a free tequila shot when train horns sound from the active tracks next door.

^^ Overlooking the Terminal South patio to the east, 250-unit affordable housing venture Skyline Apartments has begun leasing along the Beltline, project reps tell Urbanize Atlanta. The 11-story building is considered the first of an eventual three phases. 

^^ Construction progress at the southern terminus of MARTA's new BRT line in Peoplestown, as of early July. A new platform for BRT patrons is shown at center. "I like to think that MARTA is building us a shuttle, connecting 5,000 hotel rooms to us and the Beltline," jokes Ahrendt. "It’s the first piece of mass transit that connects downtown to the Beltline—it’s a big deal." 

^^  Swedish company Rodeco designed these Terminal South playscapes and sculpture garden—a family friendly hangout Ahrendt says is sorely lacking in the area. 

^^ Fun fact: These mini windows are designed to let tykes view passing, horn-blaring freight trains. (Two trains rumbled by during this tour—a loud but fitting touch for a city founded on railroad commerce.)   

^^ Overview of Building One playscapes and patio. "As a southeast Atlanta parent, we don’t have a lot of spaces where we can come eat and take a kid," says Ahrendt. "It was important for me to create a space that’s really for everybody."  

^^ A future entry to the Beltline's Southside Trail is situated across the street. 

^^ One of two "phoenix" sculptures found in Building One's former clutter that will be painted pink as mascots. 

^^ Where Switchman Hall's bar component, Everyday People Caffeine and Cocktails, will serve patrons inside, and via a pick-up window, outside. 

^^ A hand-painted mural at forthcoming Ruki's Kitchen. The abundance of skylights—one of 13 total is shown above—aims to flood Terminal South with natural light. 

^^ Inside the Building One women's restroom. 

^^ And the men's loo. 

^^ Stepping outside to Building Two, which unintentionally echoes the color scheme of the above men's bathroom. Gluten-free option Feel Goods Pizza and an ice cream concept will front Ridge Avenue here.  

^^ The aforementioned pick-up window at Everyday People Caffeine and Cocktails. Expect bistro tables to be arranged around the sidewalk here. 

^^ Another "phoenix" for Building Two and, at right, the space for Jase's Lemonade, where 20 lemonade varieties will be dished from a former shipping container. (Not shown: Robot guard dogs that help keep watch around this area, from South Downtown-based tech company Undaunted.) 

^^ Terminal South's sprightly branding in one of three murals painted around common areas so far by Victor Walker, a Southeast Atlanta artist. 

^^ A marquee Building Two patio space along Hank Aaron Drive. A restaurant for this space was announced in 2023, but ownership has pivoted to a different concept that has yet to be revealed. 

^^ Expect clear views of downtown's most prominent buildings, especially in winter, from this patio.  

^^ The Skyline Apartments and its 6,300 square feet of retail from Terminal South's main restaurant patio. 

^^ Back to the main entry off Hank Aaron Drive, with Building Two at left. 

Ahrendt notes with pride that all Terminal South tenants are required by contract to pay into a scholarship started to assist needs-based students in Peoplestown. Stafford, which will match all funds, is working with nonprofit Dreambuilders to administer scholarships. Ahrendt says the arrangement is expected to raise between $30,000 and $60,000 for kids in the neighborhood per year. 

As the tour concludes, Ahrendt is asked, big picture, what she envisions setting her project apart. She waxes philosophic. 

“I’m a big believer in a million tiny details that all add up. I think we’re very careful about our tenant mix, and we are protecting our merchandising—we’re control-freaks in that way,” Ahrendt says. “I don’t think we’re building something that we’re trying to get people from Buckhead to come to all the time. 

“When you live in Atlanta,” she continued, “and deal with traffic, you want to be able to hang out in your side of town. As [residential development] is spilling over from Summerhill and Grant Park, and you’re getting more density, you just need more retail. It just so happens that we have our own little enclave back here, in our own little cul-de-sac. I think every neighborhood needs a hub.” 

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See below for an updated list of what Terminal South is expected to offer, beginning next month, as of today. Business descriptions provided by the developer have been edited for length. 

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BUILDING ONE, RETAIL: 

Sugar Polish

Sugar Polish provides luxury services in manicures, pedicures, and waxing with a focus on creating the ultimate nail salon experience and redefining the current nail industry.

Flower Paradise 

The retail storefront will feature a custom cooler housing pre-made bouquets and cut stems for custom onsite arrangements. Tropical plants, orchids, and other potted varieties from local growers will also be available, along with balloons ranging from the single mylar variety to elaborate party archways and backdrops. 

Nadora Sky

Designed to be worn continuously without the need for clasps or closures, Nadora Sky’s permanent jewelry is custom-fit and welded directly onto the wearer, combining both functionality and style. 

Offbeat Books

Offbeat Books, a locally owned independent bookstore with a love for the unconventional, will offer a curated selection of high-quality reads across every genre, from bestsellers to overlooked literary gems, with a special focus on sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and history that’s stranger than fiction. The 1,200-square-foot space will be a transportive retreat for readers.

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18-STALL SWITCHMAN HALL

Te Quiero Tacos

Te Quiero Tacos will specialize in Mexico City style cuisine with an emphasis on al pastor tacos which will be slow roasted on a traditional spit. The 400 square foot stall inside of Switchman Hall will include a walk-up margarita window overlooking Terminal South’s patio, offering guests the option of ordering from inside or out.

Tiger K Cup Bob

With one location in Duluth, this will be the first intown location of Tiger K Cup Bob. Guests of the Peoplestown location can expect a menu of Korean street food classics including Pork Bulgogi Croquets with house-made panko-topped buns, more than a dozen hotteok (Korean pancakes coated in cinnamon and sugar) and more.

Sabu K Ramen

Sabu K Ramen is a new concept that will offer 20 different ramen options with varying degrees of heat. 

The Cream

The Cream, also a new concept, will serve bubble tea (aka boba tea) and bingsu, a dairy-based shaved ice that's been likened to snowflakes.

To Be Named Hibachi 

The yet-to-be-named hibachi concept will feature classic hibachi (think steak, salmon, shrimp, veggie, and chicken) plus Korean-style chicken wings which are deep fried and then coated with sauce.

STAXX

Founded by local entrepreneur Olga Alvarez, STAXX is built on the philosophy of “Good Food, Good Vibes, Great Energy.” The eatery will feature a thoughtfully curated menu, including build-your-own breakfast bowls, sweet and savory sourdough toasts, pressed-to-order paninis, and a wide selection of açaí bowls.

Perfect Seasoning

Co-owned by Dalisha Williams and Jamaican-born Chef Nicoy McLean, Perfect Seasoning has a location at Chattahoochee Food Works and will open a second location at Switchman Hall at Terminal South. Direct-from-Jamaica spices lend to the authenticity of the Caribbean-inspired menu which includes Oxtails, Jamaican Jerk Smoked Chicken, and Escovitch Snapper. 

Everyday People Caffeine and Cocktails

With a walk-up window along Ridge Avenue, Everyday People Caffeine and Cocktails will open early and close late. Expect an extensive coffee menu and cocktail program plus a selection of grab n’ go breakfast and lunchtime items, plus late-night bites.

Saint Jawns

Saint Jawns is a unique spin on what you’d expect from your favorite sandwich shops in New Orleans and Philly—two cities known for their killer signature sandwiches. 

DM Sliders

DM Sliders at Switchman Hall will feature more than 20 slider-style sandwiches. The name is a play on the pop culture phrase “sliding into the DMs” and items will be named after the one-liner intros that DMs often contain.

Flat-Out Flatbreads

Flat-Out Flatbreads will feature more than a dozen flatbreads. 

Ruki’s Kitchen

Ruki’s Kitchen at Terminal South’s Switchman Hall will ­have four mainstay entrées: steak, chicken, and salmon combinations in addition to a four-vegetable plate. 

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BUILDING TWO (ALONG HANK AARON DRIVE)

Feel Goods Pizza 

Feel Goods Pizza, a first-of-its-kind neighborhood pizzeria, is set to offer high-quality, handcrafted pizzas and a truly inclusive dining experience. It features a dual kitchen concept with a fully dedicated gluten-free kitchen—one of the only concepts of its kind in Atlanta—ensuring a 100 percent celiac-safe environment.

Jase’s Lemonade

Housed in a former shipping container, Jase’s Lemonade at Terminal South will offer refresher (over ice) and slushie versions of the seemingly endless lemonade flavor combinations and a rotating menu of grilled cheese sandwiches. Expect 20 lemonade flavor varieties. 

Note: Two food concepts for building two have not been announced. Per Stafford, four retail and one restaurant space remain available. 

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