News Summary
Parker’s Kitchen, a well-known gas station and convenience store chain based in Savannah, Georgia, plans to expand into Northeast Florida, targeting locations in Jacksonville and nearby areas by 2026. The company, recognized for its Southern comfort food, is looking at multiple sites including those on Wilson Blvd. and Atlantic Blvd. The expansion aims to enhance their footprint and create more jobs in the region, reaffirming their commitment to community engagement.
Jacksonville, Florida – Parker’s Kitchen Plans Expansion into Northeast Florida
Parker’s Kitchen, a popular chain of gas station and convenience stores based in Savannah, Georgia, is eyeing an expansion into Northeast Florida, with plans for at least four new locations set to open by the third quarter of 2026. This strategic move marks a significant step for the company, which currently operates over 102 stores primarily in Georgia and South Carolina.
The potential new sites include locations in Jacksonville and surrounding areas, with the city currently reviewing civil engineering plans for multiple properties. Parker’s Kitchen is specifically looking to add stores at 7481 Wilson Blvd. in West Jacksonville, 11205 Alta Drive in North Jacksonville, as well as sites at Blanding and Tanglewood boulevards in Orange Park, and 76010 William Burgess Blvd. in Wildlight, Yulee, Nassau County. Other proposed locations are also being explored in Clay County and St. Johns County.
One of the key proposals involves a site on Atlantic Blvd, which was previously home to a CVS pharmacy. This location would feature a 6,344-square-foot convenience store and 10 fueling pumps positioned on 2.13 acres. Another potential site is a former KFC at Baymeadows, which is being considered for redevelopment with an application submitted by Foresite Group LLC on September 2. The property is listed at $1.7 million and includes a 3,016-square-foot building on 0.56 acres.
Growing Presence and Menu Offerings
Parker’s Kitchen has garnered a reputation for its Southern comfort food, featuring a diverse menu that includes dishes such as catfish, grits, and chicken tenders. The company has earned a loyal customer base over its 47 years in operation, contributing to its consistent annual growth rate of 20 to 24 percent over the past quarter-century.
The company was founded in 1976 by Greg Parker, who opened the first store in Midway, Georgia. Since then, it has expanded its footprint significantly, now approaching its tenth location in Northeast Florida. The nearest existing store is located 32 miles north in Kingsland, Georgia, emphasizing the new market potential in Jacksonville.
Community Engagement and Employment
Parker’s Kitchen employs nearly 1,800 people across its operations in Georgia and South Carolina. The company places a strong emphasis on community involvement, having raised over $360,000 for local veterans and other nonprofit organizations through its Parker’s Community Fund. This fund focuses on crucial areas such as education, healthcare access, food security, and veterans support, showcasing the firm’s commitment to charitable initiatives.
Throughout the last eight years, Parker’s Kitchen has donated more than $30 million to nonprofits, solidifying its standing as a conscientious community partner. In addition to its charitable efforts, the company has received recognition for its innovation and customer service within the convenience store industry, earning accolades as a top workplace.
Future Market Exploration
Looking ahead, Parker’s Kitchen is not only aimed at establishing a strong presence in Jacksonville but also plans to expand into new markets including Myrtle Beach and Columbia. This expansion strategy reflects the company’s commitment to growth and dedication to delivering quality service and products to new customers.
The developments indicate Parker’s Kitchen’s ambition to increase its regional footprint significantly while maintaining its core mission of providing high-quality food and convenience services. As Parker’s Kitchen prepares for this expansion, local residents can look forward to new dining and fueling options in the coming years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Parker’s Kitchen Expands into Jacksonville Area
Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Parker’s Kitchen Opening in Jacksonville
- Jax Daily Record: Parker’s Kitchen Potential Sites
- Grice Connect: Parker’s Kitchen Community Impact
- Post and Courier: Parker’s Kitchen Expansion in Myrtle Beach
- Savannahnow: Leadership Changes at Parker’s Kitchen
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval 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 Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
