News Summary
Columbia is set to enjoy the addition of Parker’s Kitchen as the popular convenience store chain expands into the Midlands market. Plans include over a dozen new stores across the area in the next few years, enhancing food and shopping options for residents. The first store will open at 191 Earth Road, part of the Market at Spears Creek development, which will also feature a Publix grocery store and other eateries. The development is expected to reflect the growth in the community, making it a key destination for convenience and delicious food.
Columbia Gets a Tasty Surprise with Parker’s Kitchen Expansion
Columbia residents, brace yourselves! Our beloved city is about to get a whole lot more convenient and delicious with the news that Parker’s Kitchen is spreading its wings into the Midlands market. Yes, you heard it right! This popular convenience store chain, known for its mouth-watering food options, is planning to open more than a dozen stores in the greater Columbia area over the next four or five years.
Parker’s has been a cherished staple, especially along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia. With roughly 100 stores already, it’s about time Columbia got a taste of what makes Parker’s Kitchen so special.
First Steps Into Columbia
On March 6, 2023, an exciting public meeting took place where the Columbia city zoning board gave a green light, unanimously approving the very first Parker’s Kitchen location at 191 Earth Road, nestled near northeast Columbia. This fantastic new store will be part of the sprawling Market at Spears Creek development, conveniently located at the intersection of Earth and Spears Creek Church roads.
And if you think a great food destination on its own is enough, wait until you hear the whole lineup! The new shopping center will also host a Publix grocery store, Little Caesars Pizza, Wingstop, and even a Palmetto Trading liquor store! It’s shaping up to be a go-to spot for a one-stop shopping experience.
Exciting Plans Ahead
Daniel Ben-Yisreal, who handles real estate development for Drayton-Parker Companies, shared his enthusiasm for bringing Parker’s to Columbia. The company is actively seeking sites in Columbia, Richland County, and Lexington County (where plans are also afoot). One promising location in Lexington County has already seen action with the recent purchase of a property at 1367 N. Lake Drive.
What’s even more telling about the plans underway? They’ve submitted stormwater management and sediment control fees for the Lexington project, meaning they are moving right along with their planning stages.
Food That Satisfies
Now, let’s chat about what really gets folks excited—food! Parker’s Kitchen is not just your average convenience store. They offer a mix of traditional convenience items like gasoline and snacks, but what sets them apart is their diverse selection of hot food.
Imagine this: tasty breakfast options like fish and grits, biscuits and gravy, or for lunch, you can indulge in delights like chicken tenders, pork chops, and catfish. It’s a comfort food lover’s paradise!
A New Hub for the Neighborhood
The new store at Spears Creek is being created specifically to fulfill the needs of the growing neighborhood, and it’s about to make life a whole lot easier. With a spacious 5,000-square-foot convenience store, it will have access through the shopping center’s parking lot, prioritizing smooth traffic flow on adjacent roads—an important factor since over 10,000 vehicles pass through that highway daily!
Speaking of growth, there’s more on the horizon! This shopping center represents a broader wave of development in the area, as new homes and businesses are springing up everywhere you look. And to add to the excitement, city and county projects are slated to widen Spears Creek Church Road, with completion expected by 2026.
What’s Next?
The Market at Spears Creek development is no small investment, costing a whopping $3.3 million. While we’re eagerly awaiting Parker’s Kitchen’s opening date, we do know that Publix is scheduled to debut in early 2025, although the exact dates for our hot food haven and the liquors store remain under wraps.
With Parker’s Kitchen stepping into Columbia, there’s no denying that the community is in for a delightful treat. Exciting times are ahead, and we can’t wait to dig in!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Myrtle Beach Expands Healthcare Facilities
Parker’s Kitchen Opens in Moncks Corner, SC
Additional Resources
- The State
- Augusta Chronicle
- Post and Courier
- CSP Daily News
- WRDW
- Wikipedia: Parker’s Kitchen
- Google Search: Parker’s Kitchen
- Google Scholar: Parker’s Kitchen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parker’s Kitchen
- Google News: Parker’s Kitchen
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington 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 the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
