Walk down Hank Aaron Drive today and it feels different. Vibrant. Alive. If you knew this area a decade ago, you know that wasn't always the case. For a long time, the Southside of Atlanta, specifically the blocks surrounding the old Turner Field, existed in a sort of retail vacuum. It was a food desert. Plain and simple. People had to drive miles just to find a decent head of lettuce or a gallon of milk that wasn't from a gas station. Then, the Publix Super Market at Summerhill opened its doors, and honestly, it changed the entire math of the neighborhood.
This isn't just another cookie-cutter grocery store. It’s a 48,000-square-foot anchor. When Carter, the developer behind the massive Summerhill redevelopment, announced they’d landed Publix, people were skeptical. We've seen "revitalization" projects stall out before. But this one stuck. Located at 572 Hank Aaron Dr SE, this store represents more than just a place to grab a Pub Sub—though, let’s be real, the subs are a major draw. It represents a shift in how Atlanta treats its historic core.
Why the Summerhill Publix Location is Actually a Big Deal
Context matters. Summerhill is one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods, settled by freed slaves and Jewish immigrants after the Civil War. It has history in its bones. But when the Braves left for Cobb County, there was a massive hole left behind. The parking lots were empty. The energy was gone.
The arrival of the Publix Super Market at Summerhill signaled to other businesses that this area was "safe" for investment. Suddenly, you see Wood’s Chapel BBQ, Little Tart Bakeshop, and Halfway Crooks Beer all thriving within walking distance. It’s a ecosystem. A grocery store brings foot traffic every single day, not just on game days. That consistency is what keeps a neighborhood from crumbling.
The store itself sits on the corner of Hank Aaron Drive and Georgia Avenue. It’s designed to be "urban-style." That basically means it isn't surrounded by a sea of asphalt that kills the vibe of the street. It’s integrated. You can actually walk to it without feeling like you’re risking your life crossing a six-lane highway.
What You’ll Find Inside (And What You Won't)
If you're used to the massive "Prodigy" or "Sienna" layout Publix stores in the suburbs, this one might feel a tiny bit tighter, but it’s efficient. It has all the staples.
✨ Don't miss: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Superstition Springs Menu: What to Order Right Now
- The Deli: This is the heartbeat of the store. During the lunch rush, the line for the Boar's Head Chicken Tender Sub can get long. Really long. But the staff here handles the Summerhill crowd with a specific kind of Atlanta hustle that’s fun to watch.
- The Pharmacy: A massive win for the local elderly population who used to have to take two buses to get prescriptions filled.
- The Produce: It’s fresh. That sounds like a low bar, but in a former food desert, seeing bright purple kale and organic dragon fruit feels like a luxury.
- Upstairs Seating: There is a mezzanine level. It’s a quiet-ish spot to eat your lunch and look out over the street. You see students from Georgia State University hunkered over laptops and construction workers taking a breather.
One thing that’s cool? The mural. Publix usually sticks to a very corporate aesthetic, but they allowed for some local flavor here. It reflects the heritage of the Olympic Park area and the Braves' legacy. It makes the store feel like it belongs to Summerhill, not just like it was dropped there by a corporate crane from Lakeland, Florida.
The Economic Ripple Effect
Let’s talk numbers, but not the boring kind. The Summerhill development is a multi-million dollar gamble. By bringing in a high-end grocer like Publix, property values in the 30312 and 30315 zip codes have seen a noticeable uptick. Is that a double-edged sword? Absolutely. Gentrification is a real conversation in Summerhill. Long-time residents are seeing their property taxes climb.
However, the Publix Super Market at Summerhill also created over 100 jobs. Many of the people stocking the shelves or ringing you up live within three miles of the store. That’s local money staying local.
It’s also about "leakage." In economic terms, leakage is when people live in one area but spend their money in another because their own neighborhood lacks services. Before this Publix, Summerhill residents were "leaking" their grocery budgets to Grant Park or Glenwood Park. Now, that tax revenue stays right here to fund local infrastructure.
The Experience: Is it Better Than Other Publix Stores?
Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you want a 10-acre parking lot where you never have to wait for a spot, you might find the parking deck here a bit snug. It’s a multi-level deck shared with other retail. It can be a "kinda" tight squeeze during peak hours.
🔗 Read more: Bird Feeders on a Pole: What Most People Get Wrong About Backyard Setups
But if you value the "city feel," this is the best Publix in Atlanta. There is a specific energy. You've got the GSU crowd, the young professionals moving into the new townhomes, and the "old guard" who have lived in Summerhill for forty years. It’s a melting pot.
The selection is tailored to the demographic. You’ll find a solid craft beer section featuring local Atlanta brews like Monday Night Brewing and Creature Comforts. The "Grab and Go" section is also beefed up because of the high number of commuters and students who don't have time to cook a full meal.
Common Misconceptions About the Summerhill Location
Some people think because it's an "urban" store, the prices are higher. That's not how Publix works. The weekly BOGO deals (Buy One Get One Free) are the same here as they are in Alpharetta or Buckhead. If you shop the circular, you can live quite affordably here.
Another myth is that it’s impossible to get to. While Georgia Avenue can get backed up, the store is actually very accessible via the MARTA 55 bus line. It’s one of the few grocery stores in the city that truly feels transit-oriented.
Parking Tips for the Savvy Shopper
Don't just try to park on the street. It’s a trap. Use the designated retail parking deck. It’s free for a certain amount of time with validation, and it keeps your car out of the Atlanta sun. The entrance is a bit tucked away, so keep your eyes peeled for the signs as you approach Georgia Ave.
💡 You might also like: Barn Owl at Night: Why These Silent Hunters Are Creepier (and Cooler) Than You Think
Looking Ahead: The Future of Retail in 30312
The Publix Super Market at Summerhill was the "proof of concept." Since it opened and proved that the demand was there, we’ve seen a surge in other developments. There are plans for more office space and even more residential units. The neighborhood is densifying.
This store is the baseline. It proved that Summerhill isn't just a place people drive through to get to a game; it’s a place where people live, eat, and spend. It’s the cornerstone of a new era for the Southside.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you’re heading to the Publix Super Market at Summerhill, don't just shop and leave. Make a morning of it.
- Park in the deck. It’s easier and keeps the street clear for pedestrians.
- Order your sub online. The "Pub Sub" cult is real, and the Summerhill deli gets slammed. Use the app to skip the 20-minute wait.
- Check out the mezzanine. It’s one of the best "hidden" people-watching spots in the city.
- Walk the neighborhood. After you drop your groceries in the car, walk down Georgia Avenue. Grab a coffee at Hodgepodge or a pastry at Little Tart.
- Visit during off-hours. If you hate crowds, Tuesday mornings or late Sunday nights are your best bet. Avoid the 5:00 PM rush when the GSU classes let out and everyone is heading home from downtown.
The reality is that Summerhill is still changing. It’s a work in progress. But having a reliable, clean, and well-stocked grocery store like Publix has anchored the community in a way that few other things could. It’s about dignity. Everyone deserves access to fresh food in their own backyard. Summerhill finally has it.
To get the most out of your shopping experience at this location, download the Publix app specifically to check the "In-Stock" status of specialty items, as this high-volume urban store can sell out of niche products faster than suburban locations. If you're looking to support the local ecosystem further, keep an eye out for the "Georgia Grown" tags throughout the produce and meat departments, which highlight products sourced from within the state. For those new to the area, remember that the parking validation is key—always bring your ticket inside to avoid unnecessary fees in the shared deck.