CHARLESTON, S.C. — Parker’s is investing $50 million in the Charleston, S.C., market to set up nine convenience stores by the end of the year, according to a report by the Post and Courier.
Founded in 1976, Savannah, Ga.-based Parker’s has 57 c-stores in southeastern Georgia and South Carolina. It is No. 129 inCSP's2018 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by number of company-owned retail outlets.
In early May, Parker’s opened a new c-store in Pooler, Ga., its fifth in that market. The new store is part of a larger strategy to expand the Parker’s footprint from the company’s headquarters in Savannah, Ga., to Charleston, S.C., the company said in a press announcement.
“At Parker’s, we like to be in the path of growth, and the growth in Pooler has been tremendous,” said Parker’s CEO Greg Parker.
Of the new stores in the Charleston market, three will be in Summerville, opening in early July, late July and late November, respectively; two will be in Monck's Corner, opening in late May and late August; and one each will be in Goose Creek (early August), North Charleston (mid-November) and Charleston (mid-December), company spokesperson Allison Hersh told CSP Daily News.
Parker hopes to have 35 to 40 locations in the Charleston region within four years and capture 30% of the c-store market, Hersh said.
“The Charleston marketplace is phenomenal,” Parker told the Post and Courier while visiting one of the Summerville sites.
He said the company may end up building an office in Charleston. And he is already eyeing Georgetown, S.C., for further expansion up the coast and eventually wants to enter the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area with new stores, the report said.
Parker also said the company is not hamstrung by financing. “We can do whatever we want,” he told the paper.
New Parker’s locations include the Parker’s Kitchen concept, which has ordering kiosks and seating for up to 20 customers. Parker’s Kitchen serves fresh hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, breakfast biscuits and more. All items are prepared fresh on site. All Parker’s stores offer fountain drinks with chewable ice, bean-to-cup gourmet coffee, freshly brewed sweet tea, a variety of convenience items and gasoline. They also feature the new Parker’s Rewards loyalty program.
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