The Legendary Atlanta Nightclub That Gave 'Disco Kroger' Its Name

The Limelight's wild 1980s history lives on through the iconic grocery store nickname.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:05am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged geometric shapes in high-contrast red and black, conceptually representing the iconic Limelight nightclub and its connection to the 'Disco Kroger' location.The vibrant history of Atlanta's legendary Limelight nightclub lives on through the enduring legacy of the 'Disco Kroger' it once called neighbor.Atlanta Today

The Limelight, a legendary 1980s Atlanta disco, was located right next to a 24-hour Kroger grocery store that became known as 'Disco Kroger' due to its late-night clientele. Though the Kroger has since been replaced by a Publix, the history of the Limelight and its influence on the local community is preserved through a mural on the remaining original wall.

Why it matters

The story of Disco Kroger and the Limelight nightclub highlights the vibrant nightlife culture that once defined Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, as well as the city's tendency to hold onto quirky local nicknames and histories even as the physical spaces change over time.

The details

The Limelight, open from 1980 to 1987, was known as the 'Studio 54 of the South' and attracted celebrities like Burt Reynolds, Grace Jones, and Andy Warhol with its over-the-top decor, including sharks swimming beneath the dance floor and caged tigers. The 24-hour Kroger grocery store next door became a popular late-night hangout spot for Limelight patrons, earning it the nickname 'Disco Kroger'. Though the original Kroger has since been replaced by a Publix, a mural honoring the history of the Limelight and Disco Kroger was preserved on one of the remaining walls.

  • The Limelight nightclub operated from 1980 to 1987.
  • Disco Kroger officially closed down at the end of 2022.
  • The Kroger location was redeveloped into a Publix with a wine bar.

The players

The Limelight

A legendary 1980s Atlanta disco that was known as the 'Studio 54 of the South' and attracted a celebrity clientele.

Disco Kroger

The 24-hour Kroger grocery store located next to the Limelight that became a popular late-night hangout spot for the nightclub's patrons.

Publix

The grocery store chain that now occupies the former Disco Kroger location, preserving some of the history through a mural on the remaining original wall.

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The takeaway

The story of Disco Kroger and the Limelight nightclub is a testament to Atlanta's vibrant past and the city's enduring attachment to local lore, even as physical spaces are transformed over time. The preservation of the mural on the former Kroger site ensures that this colorful piece of Atlanta history will not be forgotten.