With no fast food options in city limits, Parker's fills gap for residents of Guyton
Effingham County is adding two more amenities for residents. Last week, Guyton celebrated the opening of Parker’s Kitchen and Rincon will welcome Empire Gym at the end of the month.
Although the town has one near the downtown district, Guyton Mayor Russ Deen said it is convenient for folks who need toiletries, gas or need to grab an item in the middle of the night. The new Parker’s is at the roundabout on Highway 17 and Blue Jay Rd.
“The Parker’s in the downtown district stays packed and it’s one of the only overnight stores in this area,” said Deen. “It's not on the scale of a Walmart or a superstore but at the same time, to have access to certain basic amenities whenever you run out at one o'clock in the morning, there's something to be said about that for our community.”
Parker’s Kitchen gives residents access to breakfast, lunch and dinner items, an amenity that is needed in a town that does not have fast food restaurants within city limits.
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“Parker’s convenience stores are exactly that – convenient,” said Deen. “You've got access to hot meals and fuel at reasonable prices. They have also stepped up their automated service game, so it's not requiring as many staff members as a traditional convenience store. They move people in and out quicker. If you're going to a gas station, you're looking for speed, you're not looking to stay there all day. They do good works in communities too. I’ve spoken to Mr. Parker several times and he always been pleasurable.”
Empire Gym opens in Rincon
On Jan. 30, Empire Gym will hold a grand opening ceremony at 614 Towne Park Loop in Rincon. The fitness center specializes in workout programs and classes that are designed for long term health living.
Residents enjoy Planet Fitness on S. Columbia Dr., but City Manager Jonathan Lynn said it is always good for people to have more than one option.
“We are very fortunate to be getting something like Empire Gym that's going to be catered to a different audience that want that class structure and a targeted, smaller scale environment,” said Lynn. “It's going to benefit exactly what they're looking to do, whether it's classes or personal training.”
The addition of the gym will bolster the town’s message to eat, live, work and play in Rincon.
“It gives people one of those amenities where you're not leaving the city to go somewhere else,” said Lynn. “It's not in the same vein as making sure you have a grocery store, pharmacy and doctor's offices but it's very similar. If you don't have a place like Empire Gym, they are going somewhere else to get it. So why not have something here for them to keep everybody local?”
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Parker's Kitchen opens in Guyton GA, Empire Gym opens in Rincon
