Parker's Gives Flagship Location a 'Dramatic Renovation'

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Parker’s convenience stores has reopened the doors to Parker’s Market Urban Gourmet, the company’s flagship location at 222 Drayton St. in downtown Savannah, after undergoing a "dramatic interior renovation."

The renovation not only applies to the aesthetics of Parker’s Market, but to the new and expanded foodservice and beverage options.

"We’re building on our commitment to offering customers fast, fresh and friendly service, providing more of what our customers really want, from freshly prepared foods to specialty beverages," said Greg Parker, president and CEO of Parker’s. "We’ve been listening to their suggestions about how to make Parker’s Market even better. I think our customers will be thrilled to see our new interiors and to enjoy our exciting new food and drink options."

Located in a restored 1899 Mediterranean-style building, Parker’s Market now offers a wider selection of fountain and frozen drinks, milkshakes, and specialty bottled beverages like artisan juices, craft sodas and cold-brew coffees.

New foodservice additions include: a full-service chopped salad bar with 30-plus toppings and homemade salad dressings; a hot panini press with a selection of specialty flatbread sandwiches, a sauce and condiment bar offering more than 30 selections; and an expanded pastry case featuring freshly made cookies, bagels, muffins, brownies and more.

"Parker’s Market is an evolving concept, in terms of its aesthetics, design and product mix," said Parker. "I agree with Steve Jobs that it’s important to understand the changing desires of consumers and to anticipate their needs."

The store’s layout has been strategically redesigned to better serve customers and make their shopping experiences more convenient. During renovation, Parker’s made a number of changes, notably removing the checkout area, expanding the kitchen, and replacing coolers. Custom-made equipment, replaced fixtures and finishes, upgraded lighting, and re-tiled walls were added, finished with porcelain brick, Mediterranean-style tile and flatiron accents throughout the store.

Ralph Kuhn Construction served as the general contractor for the renovation project, and Rethink Design created the interiors. Additional subcontractors included Custom Cabinets, J.P. Tile and Hardwood, Jack Armstrong Painting and Floors, Hudson Plumbing and Wilson Electric.

The renovation was completed in only 12 days in an effort to minimize disruption for customers. All Parker’s Market employees were temporarily transferred to work at other Parker’s stores during the renovation process, or given the option to take vacation time.

Parker’s Market, which is open 24/7 and nestled in the heart of Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District, originally opened in 1999. It has earned national attention and been featured in USA Today for its innovative, upscale concept, according to the company, and has been ranked the fourth best restaurant in Savannah on TripAdvisor.

Headquartered in Savannah, The Parker Cos. operates 48 convenience stores across Georgia and South Carolina. In 2016, the company celebrated its 40th anniversary.