In a move that’s rippling through Midtown’s bustling streets, the beloved Publix supermarket at Atlantic Station is set to shutter its doors for good on December 27, 2025.
The store has been open for nearly two decades of serving shoppers fresh subs, local produce, and that signature Publix smile.
The announcement, which caught many longtime customers and employees off guard, marks the end of an era for the vibrant mixed-use development that’s become a cornerstone of urban Atlanta living.
The 30,312-square-foot store, which opened in 2005 alongside the launch of Atlantic Station itself, has long been a go-to spot for residents in the district’s thousands of apartments, office workers along 17th Street, and visitors drawn to the area’s shops, dining, and green spaces.
Why Is the Publix at Atlantic Station Closing?
But Publix cited a “number of factors” in its decision to close, including the store’s compact footprint and challenging parking layout—issues that have long frustrated regulars navigating the multilevel garage and pedestrian-friendly design.
“We’ve been privileged to serve the Midtown community at the Publix at Atlantic Station for almost two decades,” a Publix spokesperson said in a statement. “While it is always a difficult decision to make, we have decided to close this store on December 27, 2025.”
Employees at the store were notified Monday morning, with Publix emphasizing its commitment to its workforce amid the changes.
“”In our 95-year history, Publix has never had a layoff,” the statement continued. “We will offer associates at the Atlantic Station location positions at neighboring stores if they so desire.”
For many staffers, that means potential transfers to nearby locations like the larger Publix at The Plaza Midtown (just 1.5 miles away at 950 W. Peachtree St. NW) or the Howell Mill Village store (2.5 miles distant).
Shoppers, however, face a more immediate inconvenience, with five other Publix outlets within a two-mile radius but none as conveniently embedded in the Atlantic Station ecosystem.
The closure comes at a time of flux for the grocery sector in metro Atlanta, where rivals like Kroger have shuttered underperforming stores earlier this year in areas like Lindbergh, Brookhaven, and Decatur.
Publix itself is closing another small-format location at Shallowford Exchange in Chamblee around the same time, signaling a broader strategy to consolidate in favor of bigger, more efficient spaces.
What’s Next for Atlantic Station?
Atlantic Station’s tight-knit layout, while innovative for walkability, may simply no longer align with the modern grocery model’s demands for expansive aisles and ample parking.
For the community, the loss stings. “This Publix was more than a store—it was a daily ritual,” said longtime resident Jonelle Dennis, who lives in a nearby condo and relies on it for quick runs to grab ingredients for her family’s empanadas. “The parking’s a nightmare sometimes, sure, but it’s right here. Now we’ll have to trek across Midtown or settle for the Target.”
Indeed, the on-site Target will remain open, offering some grocery basics, while a CVS pharmacy inside provides prescription services.
Broader options include a Whole Foods on 14th Street and a recently opened Lidl on Northside Drive, but the convenience factor for Atlantic Station denizens is undeniably diminished.
Atlantic Station Management (ASM) is framing the departure optimistically, viewing it as a chance to refresh the district’s retail mix.
“The retail industry is cyclical, and Atlantic Station continues to adapt in ways that strengthen our position as a leading mixed-use destination,” ASM said in a statement. “With the planned closure of Publix on Dec. 27, 2025, we have an opportunity to reimagine the space and consider concepts that will add new options and value to the surrounding community. Plans for the space will be shared as details are finalized.”
The development isn’t standing still: Recent openings have already brought the expanded Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United Team Store, the interactive Art Station ATL, and the budget-friendly MINISO.
Looking ahead, a second outpost of the iconic Busy Bee Cafe is slated for 2026, with more announcements expected early next year.
Speculation among locals and bloggers is rife—could a Trader Joe’s or another fresh-concept grocer fill the void? For now, though, the focus is on wrapping up strong before the holidays.
Final Word
As Atlanta evolves, so does its neighborhoods. The Publix closure underscores the challenges of blending urban density with everyday needs, but it also highlights Atlantic Station’s resilience.
Shoppers are encouraged to stock up on those holiday hams and bakery treats while they can—December 27 will be the last call for this Midtown mainstay.
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