News Summary
Parker’s Kitchen is planning to establish a new convenience store at the corner of Washington Road and Bobby Jones Expressway in Augusta. The developers have submitted zoning adjustment plans to the Columbia County government, aiming to replace a shuttered Walgreens with a 6,065-square-foot store. This location sees heavy traffic, with over 30,000 vehicles daily, making it an ideal site for the venture. The decision aligns with Parker’s Kitchen’s expansion strategy in the Augusta area, further cementing its presence in the marketplace.
Augusta – Parker’s Kitchen is seeking to establish a new location at a high-traffic intersection in the Augusta area, specifically at the corner of Washington Road and Bobby Jones Expressway. The developers have submitted plans to the Columbia County government for adjusted zoning requirements to facilitate this project. The area is known for its bustling activity, with over 30,000 vehicles passing through daily on Washington Road, making it an ideal spot for a convenience store.
The proposed site currently contains a shuttered Walgreens pharmacy, which is slated for demolition to make way for a new, expansive 6,065-square-foot Parker’s Kitchen convenience store. The property at 3700 Washington Road spans 1.75 acres, allowing ample room for the new store’s construction and operations.
To optimize access to the proposed store from Caribe Drive, a nearby residential street, Parker’s Kitchen is requesting to suspend the county’s standard 30-foot buffer requirement. This request aims to enhance traffic flow and accessibility for customers visiting the new location.
The property is owned by Walgreens, which is part of a larger trend of closures that are expected to reach around 500 Walgreens stores nationwide by 2025. The decision to demolish the existing building aligns with Parker’s Kitchen’s strategic expansion in the region.
Parker’s Kitchen previously sought a variance for a billboard in proximity to existing billboards but was unsuccessful. In January, the convenience store chain proposed another location at 208 Bobby Jones Expressway, involving two other sites, but this plan did not come to fruition. The upcoming review by the Columbia County Planning Commission on May 15 will be pivotal for the new proposal, as it represents Parker’s Kitchen’s commitment to growth in the area.
Since launching its first store in Augusta in June 2024 at 3661 Mike Padgett Highway, Parker’s Kitchen has expanded its reach with additional locations in Hephzibah, Evans, and Grovetown. The chain aims to continue its growth trajectory, with further locations planned throughout the Augusta area and potentially beyond.
As part of its expansion strategy, Parker’s Kitchen aims to fill a gap in the convenience market by providing accessible services to residents and travelers in a busy intersection. Local stakeholders and residents are encouraged to follow the development of this project as it continues to move forward through the approval processes.
The attention on Parker’s Kitchen reflects a broader trend in retail as companies assess market demands and seek optimal locations to better serve their customer base. As the Columbia County Planning Commission convenes to consider the proposal on May 15, community members and residents will be eager to see how these developments will unfold.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Parker’s Kitchen Proposes New Columbia County Location
- WRDW: Parker’s Kitchen Opens Its First Augusta Store
- The Augusta Press: Two Parker’s Kitchen Locations Proposed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parker’s Kitchen
- What Now Atlanta: Parker’s Kitchen Moving Forward in Augusta
- Google News: Parker’s Kitchen
