News Summary
Developers are aiming to construct a new Parker’s Kitchen at the intersection of Washington Road and Bobby Jones Expressway in Augusta. The proposed site, which currently houses a closed Walgreens, sees over 30,000 vehicles daily, making it an ideal location for the fast-food chain. Developers are seeking zoning adjustments to facilitate the change. This proposal follows previous expansion attempts in Columbia County, and additional locations are being considered nearby.
Augusta – Developers are seeking adjusted zoning requirements from Columbia County to construct a new Parker’s Kitchen at the busy intersection of Washington Road and Bobby Jones Expressway. The proposed site, located at 3700 Washington Rd., is currently home to a closed Walgreens pharmacy, which is part of a nationwide trend, with an estimated 500 pharmacies expected to shut down in 2025.
According to data from the Georgia Department of Transportation, Washington Road near the proposed site sees daily traffic exceeding 30,000 vehicles, making it a prime location for the fast-food chain. In response to the heavy traffic, Parker’s Kitchen developers are requesting a suspension of the county’s standard 30-foot buffer requirement to improve vehicle access to Caribe Drive, a residential street nearby.
The aim is to demolish the existing Walgreens building situated on the 1.75-acre parcel to accommodate a new 6,065-square-foot Parker’s Kitchen. Although the property is still owned by Walgreens, the plans for redevelopment have garnered interest from local officials and residents alike.
Previous Attempts at Expansion
This is not Parker’s Kitchen’s first attempt to expand within Columbia County. Earlier this year, the chain requested a variance to permit a billboard within 500 feet of other existing billboards but was unsuccessful. This earlier proposal aimed to establish a location at 208 Bobby Jones Expressway, where US Auto Sales and Martinez Urgent Care were previously located.
Planning Commission Review
The Columbia County Planning Commission is scheduled to review the new request from Parker’s Kitchen during its meeting on May 15. The decision could pave the way for the fast-food chain’s expansion plans in the region.
Parker’s Kitchen Growth
Parker’s Kitchen opened its first Augusta location in June 2024 at 3661 Mike Padgett Hwy, and it is adding to its footprint in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). In addition to the new proposed site, other Parker’s Kitchen locations include 3645 Wheeler Rd. in Augusta, 4102 Windsor Spring Rd. in Hephzibah, and multiple sites in Evans and Grovetown.
The chain reportedly plans further expansions, aiming for up to 10 locations in the CSRA, known for offering freshly prepared hot food and clean restrooms. These enhancements reflect a growing demand for convenient dining options in the area.
Additional Zoning Considerations
Along with the review of the proposed Parker’s Kitchen at 3700 Washington Rd., the Augusta Planning Commission will also consider zoning changes for another two locations at 3054 Washington Rd. and 2311 Windsor Spring Rd. This suggests an ongoing interest and potential for growth for the Parker’s Kitchen brand in Augusta.
The initiative for new construction and zoning adjustments comes amid a shifting retail landscape, particularly after the closure of a significant number of pharmacies across the nation. As local developments progress, the outcome will likely shape the future of commercial activities and dining options at one of Augusta’s key intersections.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Parker’s Kitchen Proposes New Location in Augusta
Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Parker’s Kitchen Proposes New Location
- The Augusta Press: Two Parker’s Kitchen Locations Proposed
- Savannah Now: Parker’s Kitchen Joins Inc. 5000 List
- Wikipedia: Parker’s Kitchen
- Google Search: Parker’s Kitchen Augusta
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
