Inside Perry, Georgia
Inside Perry, Georgia
What’s Opening Next In Perry: From Perry Parkway To Downtown
A wave of new spots is changing the rhythm of daily life in Perry, and we’re mapping it corridor by corridor so you know what’s open now and what’s around the corner. From coffee and cones to craft beer and new hotel keys, the skyline isn’t the only thing shifting - your options for food, services, and experiences are growing fast.
We start on Perry Parkway, where recent openings like KidStrong, Pilates, Waffle House, Giles Outdoor Power, and Holy Pie Pizzeria set the pace. Then we look ahead to Dunkin’ paired with Baskin Robbins, Surcheros, Meridian Craft Kitchen, Flow and Glow Wellness, a nail salon, Jack in the Box, Five Star Credit Union, and Valvoline - an everyday mix that keeps errands and weeknight meals closer to home. Over on Sam Nunn Boulevard, the new Hilton Garden Inn is open, while strategic redevelopment is reshaping high-traffic sites: Aspen Dental and Piedmont Urgent Care at the former Chick-fil-A property, Sonic at the old Zaxby’s, a Japanese hibachi in the former Applebee’s, and a major Hampton Inn renovation to match the corridor’s role as a gateway.
Downtown gets momentum from the Chalet Lofts, adding homes above fresh dining like Fuego Fresco and the Italian market Ciao Bella, with another 36-unit loft building in the pipeline. A craft destination, Left at the Pig Brewery, brings energy to Jernigan Street, and a new Morris Bank strengthens Main Street services. Citywide, major anchors round out the picture: a dual-branded Marriott at the Georgia National Fairgrounds with a restaurant and beer garden, Jack Link’s manufacturing up and running, and the UGA Grand Farm pushing ag-tech research and startup testing.
Underneath it all is a simple driver: more homes, more neighbors, and more demand for better choices. We connect the dots on how residential growth supports restaurants, medical services, hotels, and financial institutions—and why that matters for traffic, convenience, jobs, and a resilient local economy. Tune in to get the what, where, and why of Perry’s growth spurt, and hear how we’re working to keep it smart, sustainable, and community-first.
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Welcome to the Inside Perry Podcast, where you get an inside look at Perry, Georgia's local government. We're glad you chose Perry, where people make the difference. Whether you stay a few hours or a lifetime, your time in Perry will be rewarding and unforgettable. I'm Tabitha Clark, Communications Director for the City of Perry.
SPEAKER_02:Welcome back to Inside Perry, where we take you behind the scenes of local government and keep you connected to the people, projects, and progress that's shaping our community. Today we're diving into a topic that people always ask about, which is economic development. If you've ever driven around Perry lately, you've probably noticed new construction, new activity, and you might be a little curious about what's coming. So today, to help us break it all down, I'm joined by our economic development director, Holly Wharton, who's here to share updates on what's happening around the city, where new activity is taking place, and what businesses and opportunities are on the horizon. So, Holly, thanks so much for being here.
SPEAKER_00:Thank you, Amber. I really appreciate it. This is always a fun opportunity.
SPEAKER_02:So, Holly, there's a lot going on in Perry, and people want to know what is happening. So let's break it down in simple terms. You suggested that we walk through each area of the city and talk about what's recently wrapped up and what's currently in development. So let's start with Perry Parkway. What's happening over there?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, so Perry Parkway seems to be kind of the hot area right now for development. It seems like. So every it seems like every day that I drive by and I drive by multiple times a day, there's something new that you know you maybe didn't see the day before. Right. Yeah, did just want to walk through a few of the projects that have been recently completed and then talk about what's currently in develop and what people will start to see soon. So recently completed in that area is the Kid Strong and a Pilates.
SPEAKER_02:Holly, I love Pilates. I I'm a huge fan of Pilates. I haven't been over there yet, but I feel like I'm gonna have to make the trip.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, we need to go give it a shot. We do. Yeah, Kid Strong and Pilates are both in the encore development, and that area will continue to develop over the next few years. Also, there at Perry Parkway near the intersection of Houston Lake Road is a new convenience store and commercial center. So in that you'll notice there's a new gas station that is now open recently in the last few days, even. Also, in that commercial center, now open is a holy pie pizzeria.
SPEAKER_02:I'm always a fan of new pizza places. Bring them all here.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, holy pie is great. So definitely recommend everyone giving that a try. And then also recently on Perry Parkway is the completed waffle house and Giles outdoor power equipment. Right. Those are some new things that we have in town. Awesome. So now let's shift gears and talk about what's currently in development and what people can start to be getting excited about on Perry Parkway. So within the commercial center there, near the intersection of House and Lake Road, there's a mix of a lot of different retail and restaurant and service uses. So we have in permitting right now a flow and glow wellness center, a Cercheros.
SPEAKER_02:Cercheros.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah that's great. Yeah, that's really exciting to know that that's on the way. Yeah. Also, very exciting Dunkin' Donuts. Okay. So Perry Barkway. Yeah. I believe that Dunkin' Donuts will be a combination to also include a Baskin Robbins.
SPEAKER_02:Okay, even better.
SPEAKER_00:Exactly. Huge fan. Yeah. The more ice cream, the better. That's right. Also, in there is a restaurant called Meridian Craft Kitchen and also a nail salon. So there's a lot more activity coming to that commercial center right there at the corner of Perry Parkway and House and Lake Road. Additionally, on Perry Parkway, we have in review plans for a jack in the box, more food. More food. Also a five-star credit union. Okay. So another credit union is coming to town into our market, which is exciting. And also a Valvelline oil change facility. And this is just what's going on right now that we know about. There's a lot more land out there that continues to see a lot of interest from commercial development. So we expect more of this to be coming soon.
SPEAKER_02:Yeah. That's that's really exciting. Perry Parkway has really become a hub for a lot of that new activity. And I know residents love hearing about what's coming next. The the Pilates is so exciting to me. I think that that's such a cool thing to have in our area.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. So anything that's coming along that's something new to do or new to eat, we're we're always excited to hear about what's going on.
SPEAKER_02:Right. Another area people are constantly asking about is Sam Nun Boulevard. This corridor sees so much traffic and has a lot of redevelopment potential over there. So Holly, walk us through what's happening over there, what's recently finished, and what projects are currently underway.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, so I think you hit the nail on the head with the renovation and redevelopment opportunities in this corridor. But first to talk about a recently completed project that was not redevelopment, it was new development, is the new Hilton Garden Inn. Right. That hotel is now open. You can book rooms here in Perry. And it's beautiful. If you haven't seen it, you need to go check it out. It's gonna have a full bar and restaurant inside as well. So definitely be a good recommendation for friends and family coming to town. Especially for the holidays. That's right. Also, so in on the Sam 9 corridor in development, like we mentioned, there's a lot of redevelopment happening there. So a lot of people may have noticed that the old Chick-fil-A property is no longer there as of this week.
SPEAKER_02:No longer with us. No longer with us.
SPEAKER_00:But that's okay. There's something new coming right behind it. So that property will be rebuilt into a two-tenant retail development that will include a Aspen dental and also a Piedmont Urgent Care. So we'll have a medical user there in that space. Uh-huh. Which I think is a good use of that space because there was some traffic issues when Chick-fil-A was there. I think everyone remembers that, how much that was a challenge. So having a medical user will be very helpful traffic-wise.
SPEAKER_02:Uh-huh.
SPEAKER_00:So also redevelopment in that same area is the old Zaxby's.
SPEAKER_02:Right. This one is exciting to me. I have heard what's gonna go there, but I want you to confirm what what's going there, Holly.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, so we have plans in review for the old Zaxby's to be torn down and rebuilt as a Sonic.
SPEAKER_02:Yes, that is so exciting.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I think everyone will be excited for the Sonic happy hour.
SPEAKER_02:Yes, I know I will.
SPEAKER_00:Yes, exactly. Also, one property that has been vacant for a while is our old Applebee's. Right. The old Applebee's will soon be a Japanese hibachi restaurant. So this is a type of food that we don't necessarily have in Perry right now, especially you know, the sit-down hibachi style. Right. So I'm very excited about that opportunity. Also, renovation-wise, in that area, the Hampton Inn will soon get a major renovation. So that'll be another update on the Sam 9 corridor. And then one last thing to mention that is new in the area that everyone's probably seen from the interstate, it's really big, is the new Mason Tractor facility. So Mason Tractor is currently located in downtown Perry, but they're building a big new facility. They're on St. Patrick's Drive near Tractor Supply. And so they'll be moving into that property soon.
SPEAKER_02:It's really exciting to see how that corridor is evolving over there. Sam Nunn is a gateway into Perry. So this kind of investment is really going to make a huge difference over there on that side of town. Now let's talk about our historic downtown area. There's always so much buzz about what's coming next, and people notice every little change, at least I do. So, Holly, what's been recently completed downtown and what's in progress?
SPEAKER_00:Yes, so in the last year there's been a major project completed in downtown. It's known as the Chalet Lofts. Right. And this property is next to the Perry Event Center on North Side Drive. It includes uh 12 residential apartments in the upstairs portion and then retail uses and restaurants on the bottom. So now open in that building is Fuego Fresco. Yes. Mexican restaurant. Have you tried it? I have tried it. It's delicious. It's very good. Great. Yeah, so exciting to have um this type of food offering in the downtown area. It's walkable from the core and everything. So really great food. Also, just opened last week is Ciao Bella. Right. Which is an Italian market.
SPEAKER_02:That is so unique for Perry. We really don't have anything like that. I haven't visited yet, but I have plans to, and I am so excited. I hear they have true, authentic Italian espresso and coffee. So I am I'm excited about that.
SPEAKER_00:Yes, so they have the coffee for sure, and they also have a deli where they make fresh panini every day. So that's exciting. Can't wait to try that for lunch. And then also just buy some Chris, buy some Christmas gifts from their market. Right. Everything they have comes from Italy. So this is very authentic, very unique to have right here in Perry. So the next building that people may start to see under construction in that Northside Drive corridor area will be another mixed-use loft building. That one will include 36 apartments. So this is a great opportunity for more downtown living. Right. And we have a housing study that supports the demand for growth and housing in the downtown area. So this is really fulfilling what we know is true in that study that the downtown development authority completed. So we're excited to have additional residential units coming online there. And it will also include a restaurant, more so one large restaurant instead of multiple smaller retail and restaurant spaces. Okay, that's exciting. Then also in downtown, everyone's excited about this one is a brewery.
SPEAKER_02:Yes. Yes, over on Joernigan Street, right?
SPEAKER_00:Yes, Jernigan Street. The brewery's name is called Left at the Pig Brewery. So we're very excited to have this in development right now. So still maybe a little while before it's completed, but do just want to put that on everyone's radar to go ahead and get excited about. Something exciting on the horizon over there. That's right. And then also we know there will be under construction very soon a new Morris Bank building. Right on Main Street.
SPEAKER_02:Yes. Holly, finally, let's talk about anything that doesn't quite fit into one of those corridors. So citywide projects, industrial growth, redevelopment efforts, anything else residents should know about?
SPEAKER_00:Yes. So we have another new hotel just about to open. It's incredibly close to opening, and that's the Marriott Hotel out at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Niagara Center. So that is a dual-branded Marriott, which means it is half town place suites and half Fairfield Inn. But it's a very nice high-end property. We'll have a whole restaurant, beer garden, a nice swimming pool, very good amenities for people that are, of course, coming to the Georgia National Fairgrounds, but will be open to anybody that wants to stay there. Right. Yes. So we're very excited to see that come to fruition here in Perry. And then also I think everyone is aware, but our Jack Lynx manufacturing facility is now complete and open. So that's very exciting to have here. We're looking for continued growth with them here in Perry. And then one last thing I'd like to mention, not necessarily commercial development, but is very interesting to have here is the UGA Grand Farm that's out at some property adjacent to the Georgia National Fairgrounds. And so that's a research farm that we're excited to have here. A lot of startup companies are testing new equipment, new products there at that farm. So that's just something new that people can ride by and see. Right. Just to know that that's what's going on there at that property.
SPEAKER_02:Yeah. So before we wrap up, Holly, are there any trends you're watching or opportunities you're excited about? Essentially, you know, why is Perry in general experiencing this level of growth?
SPEAKER_00:As everybody is aware, Perry is growing rather quickly. A lot of that growth has been in residential development. So we're seeing a lot of new homes built every year in Perry, which is effectively increasing the population by a couple thousand people every couple years. So with that increased residential development, complementary commercial development comes along behind that to support those residents. So that's why we're really seeing a lot of this commercial growth here in Perry. So now we have the residents and the population to support more diverse commercial retail restaurant opportunities. So that's why we're seeing a lot more of this coming our way. Really excited to see how the city of Perry is developing and how I'm able to work with the prospective businesses as they decide to choose here. You know, Perry is a very special place. It is. It is. Yes. We we love Perry, we love to talk about it, but it's not just us. People are choosing to uh live in Perry, choosing to do business in Perry, choosing to raise families here. Yes, and it's because we have something different to offer. We do. We have a lot of amenities, high quality of life, good services, and because of that, we're seeing a lot more of this uh attention and development coming to us. So we're excited to embrace this and continue to work strategically with mayor and council and driving good quality, sustainable growth and development here in Perry.
SPEAKER_02:Well, Holly, we always appreciate getting this insider look. Economic development can feel complex at times, but conversations like this I think help people understand the why behind the newness and the growth. Uh so Holly, thank you so much for joining us today and helping break down everything happening around Perry.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, you're welcome. You know, we get the questions all the time: what's going on here? What's going on there? And so I like to take a second and come on the podcast every now and then and just sort of give an overview of what we have in review, what's coming, what's recently opened, just so the community is aware.
SPEAKER_02:Right, and still no target coming, right?
SPEAKER_00:Not that I know of.
SPEAKER_01:Thanks for listening to the Inside Perry Podcast, your inside look at Perry's local government. Take a look at the show notes for more information about today's episode. If you like Inside Perry, we encourage you to subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you around in our amazing community where Georgia comes together.