National developer Portman today announces the delivery of Junction Krog District, a Class-A office building with ground-floor retail fronting the Atlanta BeltLine. This milestone coincides with Portman’s announcement that Yuji, a new Japanese concept by Kinjo Enterprise, LLC, is joining the restaurant mix. Junction Krog District is officially open, with the restaurants opening Summer 2024.

Named for Kinjo’s best friend, Yuji Matsumoto, Yuji will be an innovative, Japanese-modern restaurant that brings a Kaiseki-inspired menu with fresh and seasonal dishes to Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Kaiseki has a rich history in Kyoto, Japan, and includes a beautifully plated, multi-course Japanese dinner, typically served with sake. Yuji's culinary team will build upon traditional small plates and introduce contemporary flavors and profiles. Yuji’s flagship location at Junction Krog District represents the restaurateur’s lifelong dedication to the art of Japanese cuisine. 

Yuji will be connected to Junction Krog District’s expansive public porch that fronts the BeltLine and will include two outdoor bars that are easily accessible to pedestrians. The space will feature a 1,670-square-foot patio where it will serve cocktails, beer and sake on draft, including private label sake from the Kizakura product line owned by Yuji Matsumoto’s family. For additional convenience, Yuji will have a walk-up window with a touchscreen display for to-go orders. Inside, the restaurant will feature Japanese wallpaper and Hinoki wood accents. A first look at the restaurant’s sophisticated design can be found here.

“For a BeltLine-facing project like this, it was especially important for us to bring in exceptional, true-to-Atlanta concepts that share our vision for creating experiences that seamlessly blend with the character and soul of the neighborhood,” said Dotan Zuckerman, Head of Retail and Activation for Portman. “Yuji comes from one of Atlanta’s best, and we couldn’t be more excited to debut its flagship location at Junction Krog District. With construction complete and two chef-driven restaurants announced, we know that this will become a vibrant and activated gathering place for the community.” 

Junction Krog District is located at the corner of Irwin Street and Auburn Avenue and across from Krog Street Market. The development features 135,000 square feet of Class-A office space with private terraces, as well as a 7,000-square-foot public porch, which is now open. In the coming weeks, Portman plans to activate the porch with live music and pop-up bars. Yuji will join recently announced YEPPA&co, a hospitality-driven Italian concept, in bringing new flavors and energy to the project’s ground floor. Both restaurants will open Summer 2024. 

Adjacent to Junction Krog District, Portman recently purchased 1.3 acres where the firm will plan a second phase for the project, furthering its commitment to enhancing Atlanta’s most beloved pedestrian trail with quality, community-driven projects. Also in Atlanta, construction is underway on Spring Quarter, Portman’s three-building development centered around the historic HM Patterson Home and Gardens with luxury residential, office and retail space.  

To learn more about Portman, visit www.portmanholdings.com.