Georgia-born convenience chain Parker’s Kitchen is revving up for a big push into South Carolina’s Grand Strand, announcing plans to open 20 new locations and inject $200 million into the region over the next few years.
It’s a big swing from humble beginnings. What started as a single store in Savannah back in 1976 has morphed into a fast-growing network of 100 across the Southeast. Now, founder Greg Parker says the next big chapter is unfolding along the Carolina coast.
A Georgia Staple Sets Sights on the Strand
Greg Parker doesn’t do things halfway. Sitting down with WMBF News, the Parker’s Kitchen founder made it crystal clear—this move into the Grand Strand isn’t some casual experiment.
“We really want to be here. It’s an exciting community,” he said, eyes forward.
Parker’s tone matches the scale of the investment. Twenty new stores. Roughly 500 jobs. And a cool $200 million pouring into Horry County’s stretch of beach towns, suburbs, and growing neighborhoods.
That kind of talk turns heads. Especially in a region where seasonal tourism and residential growth are booming side by side.
This Isn’t Your Average Gas Stop
Parker’s whole thing? Redefining what people expect from a convenience store. And honestly, he’s been on that mission for decades now.
“Everything that we do in our store is an elevated experience,” he said. “It’s not a typical convenience store.”
That means no dingy microwaves or questionable coffee. Instead, think freshly prepared Southern food—fried chicken, mac and cheese, handmade biscuits. Clean facilities, efficient service, and tech upgrades most gas stations don’t touch.
It’s more like fast-casual dining with a gas pump outside.
And the gamble’s working. In Georgia and other parts of the Southeast, Parker’s Kitchen has built a fiercely loyal following. Their reputation rides high on food quality, staff treatment, and clean stores.
Big Plans, Bigger Numbers
This Grand Strand expansion is part of a much larger vision. The company is gunning to double its store count—from 100 to 200—by 2029.
It’s not just about slapping logos on new buildings either. Here’s what Parker’s Kitchen is bringing to the table:
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20 new Grand Strand stores in 4 years
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500 new jobs created locally
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$200 million economic investment in the region
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Dozens of construction, logistics, and operations partnerships
And Parker isn’t the only one betting on growth in Horry County. The region has been one of the fastest-growing in the Southeast. Census estimates show that between 2020 and 2023, Horry County added over 36,000 residents. That’s a 10% population jump in just three years.
From Coastal Georgia Roots to Regional Reach
Let’s rewind for a sec. This whole thing started nearly 50 years ago with a modest corner store in Savannah. Parker was in his early 20s, still figuring things out.
But he had a hunch: people wanted quality and convenience at the same time. So he built it. Then he kept building. And building.
Today, Parker’s Kitchen runs in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. The brand has picked up awards, headlines, and even attention from private equity groups along the way. But it’s still independent. And still run by the guy whose name’s on the door.
Their business model? Own the store. Control the food. Keep quality high. And grow slowly, but smartly.
Why the Grand Strand Makes Sense
It’s not hard to see why Parker’s Kitchen picked this stretch of South Carolina for its next big move.
This area is buzzing:
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Myrtle Beach International Airport saw nearly 3.6 million passengers in 2023
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Residential construction is booming, with more than 5,000 housing permits issued in Horry County in the last year
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Tourism contributes over $7 billion to the local economy annually
In short, there’s a lot of foot traffic—and even more potential.
“People here live full-time and part-time. They work and they travel. That’s our customer,” said Parker.
Add to that the area’s car-heavy culture, and Parker’s convenience-meets-quality formula fits right in.
Competition? Sure. But Parker Isn’t Worried
Now, it’s not like this market’s empty. National players like Buc-ee’s and Wawa have been sniffing around the Carolinas for a while. And locals still flock to QT and Circle K.
So will Parker’s Kitchen break through?
Parker doesn’t flinch. He says people can taste the difference.
“We make our food fresh in-store every single day. We take pride in that,” he said. “If people try us once, they come back.”
Here’s what sets Parker’s apart, at least on paper:
| Feature | Parker’s Kitchen | Typical Convenience Store |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Food | Cooked on-site daily | Mostly prepackaged |
| Store Cleanliness | Top-tier priority | Varies widely |
| Customer Service | High retention staff | High turnover |
| Tech Integration | Smart pumps, apps | Limited digital tools |
One short para.
If the table doesn’t do it justice, the fried chicken probably will.
Jobs, Construction, and a Slice of the Pie
Local leaders in Horry County are already eyeing the job creation with interest. These aren’t just minimum-wage gigs either.
Store managers at Parker’s reportedly make upwards of $80,000 a year. Full-time employees get healthcare, 401(k)s, and performance bonuses. And the company’s been named a “Top Workplace” multiple years running in Georgia.
Plus, the construction boom means more than just Parker’s profits. Dozens of regional contractors and supply vendors are likely to get a cut of the action too.
Looking Ahead
Parker says he wants to open the first few Grand Strand stores by early 2026. But he’s taking his time—looking for the right locations, hiring the right teams, making sure every store fits.
Line by line, town by town, Parker’s Kitchen is cooking up something big—and betting the Grand Strand will be hungry for it.
