Since Taco Bell closed, the sign has said “Remodeling for 2009″. Now there is a “For Lease” sign out front.
I remember when Taco Bell opened, it was big news for Florence. My team used to go there after matches, though we didn’t celebrate as much as we would have liked.
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While Chris and I were dining at Old Europe Mediterranean Grill last week, we spoke briefly with Sonny – the owner. He told us that he had just purchased this property and was going to make a coffee shop out of it. It will take a few months, though (per him).
I was sad to see the For Lease sign. That Taco Bell was the best one in town, and very convenient to my job, for a quick lunch.
A lot of Taco Bells have been closing recently in this area, though. The one in Lake City has closed as well as the one in the Kangaroo station on the way to FMU (I really hope it did not close as a result of me graduating and not spending ALL my food money there anymore, j/k).
I’m surprised the Taco Bell’s are closing. As cheaply as some of their items are, you’d think people would stop in more often and keep the business going.
I went to the one on Irby Street yesterday. The manager said they are building a new one on the west side, but the old property wasn’t big enough.He said it should open in 2010.
Who owns the Taco Bells in Florence?
This one was owened by a doctor in town who closed it because it was too expensive to remodel and get it up to code. Sonny needs to open a breakfast shop to take the place of Atlanta Bread.
Yes! I heard yesterday from someone “familiar with the subject” that this is going to be a rockin’ coffee shop with fresh sandwiches. It’ll be open in about 6 weeks and will rock steady. Can’t wait for a local alternative to Starbucks on the Darlington side of Florence (kudos to Aroma Underground, but it’s a trek for us Darlingtonians).
The for sale/ for lease sign is gone and people are working inside today.
Wow! I am late on this one… I hope that maybe my message will get back to each of you that inquired about the Taco Bell on West Evans St.
My name is Ken Lee and I am the owner of all of the Taco Bells in the Florence, Hartsville, and Conway area. Brief history, I worked with Taco Bell and it’s previous owners Bruce & Cynde White since 1994 until I purchased it in 2002.
I closed many of the smaller gas station units for two reasons. First they were bleeders on the P&L, and 2nd it simply did not meet my vision of a family atmosphere.
On 12/31/2008 I closed my Taco Bell on West Evans with the intentions of rebuilding the unit. After several months of designs, red tape, and such, we simply could not get the new bold building to fit on that lot so I decided to lease the opposite corner (Hoffmeyer & West Evans). The site was surveyed, plans drawn, and it was ready to go…
On my visit to the Taco Bell on Irby St., I observed the quality of the team I had employed there and just was not satisfied with what I saw. Upon observing my other units I discovered that we had the wrong teams serving my guest. Now i’m not suggesting it was a Taco Bell thing, but a fast food thing. The quality of help available simply did not meet my standards so I went back to my construction manager, landlord of the property, and Taco Bell and pulled my plans off the table. It was a HUGE gamble but it payed off…
I had a new strategy for my old vision.
It’s a simple vision, but it’s not an easy one to go after. This vision is “The Spirit to Serve” and to have the best sit-down type service in a quick service restaurant.
It just didn’t make sense to me to build a new store, or to expand, until I could be proud of what was behind the counter of my restaurants.
Well folks, I am happy to tell you that nearly two years later we have come a long way. I am PROUD to tell you that i am pleased with the quality of help that we employ, they are the best of the best, literally. Our Taco Bell on S. Irby Street was ranked #7 in the nation and have been awarded with the Best of the Best for 2010 by Taco Bell Corporation and independent companies contracted by TB. I encourage you to come on out there and visit us. If you do, please ask for me “Lee” so I can introduce myself to you. You will find me there 6 days a week working with the wonderful team that made us the Best of the Best. You most likely wont find me on Sundays, I am usually off.
Needless to say, we are in a position to start the planning process of a Taco Bell on the West side of town. The last quarter of 2011 to the end of the first quarter of 2012 is the targeted date range.
I look forward to personally serving you so get over there and enjoy the best food in town and don’t forget to ask for me and I will give you a Frutista for free!
Hope to see you soon!
Ken Lee
Cell: (843) 319-1046