Selig Enterprises, one of the largest privately owned real estate companies in the Southeast, is bringing upscale Asian fusion restaurant KAI Fusion to The Block at Phipps – located in the heart of Buckhead. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant will occupy the prime corner on Peachtree Road and plans to be open in the summer of 2027. 

KAI Fusion is led by restaurateur Sam Dong, who immigrated to the United States from China at age 19 and has spent nearly two decades building a career in the restaurant industry. Dong trained extensively in Japanese cuisine and gained experience in a variety of culinary markets, including New York, Ohio, Miami and Philadelphia, where he operated acclaimed concepts such as Green Papaya and Yume Sushi. Dong will lead KAI Fusion alongside his wife, Dia.

“We were attracted to the Buckhead neighborhood because it’s one of Atlanta’s most dynamic dining and lifestyle destinations,” said Dong. “Additionally, The Block at Phipps offers outstanding visibility along Peachtree Road and is positioned at the center of it all. We’re excited to introduce a fresh dining experience that combines exceptional food, craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere.”

KAI Fusion’s menu will offer a curated blend of Japanese, Chinese, Thai and pan-Asian culinary traditions, featuring sushi, dim sum, Thai specialties and innovative chef-driven dishes. The restaurant will also have a full-service bar with a craft cocktail program, a striking 18-foot sushi bar, a large main dining room and a semi-private dining area for group events and celebrations. Designs call for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience with operable windows and patio seating.

“Sam’s track record of creating successful restaurant concepts is very impressive and he beings the same thoughtful vision to KAI Fusion,” said Shirley Gouffon, Senior Vice President at Selig Enterprises. “The restaurant will be a significant addition to The Block at Phipps and a great complement to Buckhead’s dining scene.”

Julie Yang from MH Commercial represented KAI Fusion in the deal. The Block at Phipps is located along Peachtree Road, Wieuca Road, Oak Valley Road and Pritchard Way, across the street from Phipps Plaza. The 9.4-acre retail center, formerly known as Lenox Marketplace, underwent renovations in 2024 to create a vibrant, walkable retail district in the heart of Buckhead. The capital improvement plans enhanced connectivity with new wayfinding throughout the multi-level retail center, and the addition of a 30-foot open-air paseo that connects the sidewalk along Peachtree Road to the parking deck, as well as façade and greenery enhancements. The Block at Phipps is home to retail anchors Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Publix, and recently welcomed luxury nail salon LaBelle in 2024.  To learn more, visit blockatphipps.com.