I am going to update this post as places open, places close and rumors bounce around and I will update when they become reality (if they become reality). By reality I don’t mean that your mama’s cousin works for the XYZ Company and they know for a FACT that it is a Buffalo Wild Wings. I mean, there is actually a sign on the door, wait staff is hired and I can go in and order a meal. Or buy something. Please comment about any rumors of new businesses you have heard or openings or closings. Don’t just comment about any rumors you have heard– this isn’t that type of website!
RUMORS AND PLANNED OPENINGS
- Chipotle at Magnolia Mall (outside)
- Academy Sports
- Cheddars Casual Cafe (Note they do not list Florence in their new location list, but they are on the retail site map)
- Dolce Vita in Downtown Florence (Chocolate-Wine-Tasting Room)(They will also sell SweetLeigh’s cakes!)
- Southern Latitudes in the Old Prime Time Location
- California Dreamin
- Fuddruckers (I would actually love this, so easy with kids too.)
- Hotel Florence (So exciting!)
- Dollar General on Second Loop across from Rogers (Blah. Sorry this isn’t more exciting)
MOVING
Florence Stride Rite is moving to 1988 W. Palmetto street beside Stuart Lawrence Salon and Quiznos on May 1st? We will have twice the space and will be bringing in the Hartstrings famous clothing line for children along with the Under Armor clothing line for little kids.
Also– Victor’s moving downtown at some point with Hotel Florence
- Bean Groovy is moving to the old Carolina Sandwich location on the corner of Coit and Palmetto
OPENINGS
- DA Massimo is downtown
- Virginia college in the Old Circuit City
- The Grotto reopened with a twist! It is now a wine and cheese shop.
- Sweet Frog Yogurt Now with 2 locations in Florence
- Lizards Thicket
- Let them eat cake!– a cake store
- Clay Pot Coffee Shop(Love!)
- Struttin Turkey (Irby Street on the right out towards South Florence)
- Cook Out
- Lula’s Coffee Co
- Wholly smokin BBQ– opening in the old Roberto’s location
- Once Upon a Child (Already sold some clothes there and bought some for Flossip girl!)
- Ulta
- Woofers Reopened on Jody Road
- Mellow Mushroom– OPEN and yummy!
- Roberto’s Italian– Delicious!
- Sweet! (it is sweet!)
- Dunkin Donuts near Florence Mall
- Buffalo Wild Wings at the Old Pier One Location (love)
- Sundae House (Reopened– new owners)
- Jimmy Johns on Pamplico Highway
- Planet Fitness (pre-grand opening sale going on)
- George’s Funnel Cakes on Cashua
- 1720 Burger Bar (Positive reviews on my FB posting asking for intel!)
- Ozzie’s Alamangia
- Red Bowl Asian Bistro
- Rebel Pie– defy Ordinary Pizza (Timmonsville)
CLOSINGS
- Cottontails is closing 1/26.
- Old Europe (reopened on 2d Loop at old Cafe Florentine location)
- Is Chutney Closed? Rumor says its just being renovated.
- George’s Funnel Cakes
-
Pattycakes– old location and the new location are closed
- Dance Etc(2012)
- Robertos (closed for good according to their FB status 3/21/12.) (THIS IS NOW DA MASSIMO)
- Indian Buffet– New one opened on Palmetto Street near Irby.
- FatBoys
- Handpicked
- Fazolis
- Smackin Daddies.
- Dr. Fishbones is closed
- Artie Macs has closed
- Books A Million (Wahhhhhh)
- Prime Time
- Artie Macs
- Travis Jewelers (Sniff)(2012)
- Shuckers (Now renamed to Cactus Jack Saloon)(2012)
- Hapi Balance
- Stuart Lawrence Salon
(I need your help to keep this post going! Comment away! I will put a permanent link in the sidebar.)
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Downtown is really starting to come along, I like the changes that are taking place. I envision a pharmacy like Walgreen’s locating down there and the building that is on the corner of Irby and Evans across from the old post office being turned into apartment homes. I also envision a inter-modal transportation center being built there as well. I would love to know where the new medical school will be placed and I believe it’s about time the new judicial center starts gaining some traction. I read in a local area paper that there are plans to put a clock tower downtown… apparently the individuals that want to do this wants it to be built out of steel. I believe it should be built of brick and steel that would be atheistically appealing. I like the new light that are going up downtown and the fact that its not the orange glowing kind but a clean bright white light. Downtown is going to be so different in the next few months and years, I’m glad that it’s finally starting to take shape.
Will there ever be any development around FMU and the flea market?
It appears that Fitness World is opening a larger location on Second Loop in the plaza near Heritage Lane
Actually I was referring to the red brick house on casual. They had some great stuff. Hoping they just moved somewhere.
Anyone know what happen to the Red Barn on Cashua? The building is empty. Did they close their doors overnight or move?
Both Checkers location have closed
A lot of work going on at the old wal-mart.
The sign at the old Ryan’s building on Palmetto says a new Tapas lounge will be open there soon.
Auddie Brown Superstore has moved last week and its already sold according to the sign out front.
And Bean Groovy Sandwich Station should be opening soon on West Palmetto Street. Also it looks like a new restaurant is opening soon in the old Ryan’s building.
Also saw in the Sunday paper that the owner of the City Bar and Grill on Evans is redoing it and it will be a wood oven restaurant with pizza and sandwiches and some other things. The article was really good and looks like they are really moving on making downtown nicer.
There are plans for a new cafe in downtown Florence. It will be next to Dolce Vita (which is next to Da Massimo’s). They will be serving gourmet burgers and hotdogs with handcut fries. Not sure when they will open, but guessing the end of the year/beginning of next year.
Tim, it’s going to be a park/green space.
Anyone know what they’re building (if anything) on Irby, south of Palmetto, adjacent to one of the government buildings? I saw them leveling and prepping a smaller lot there a couple of weeks ago.
They need to put something over where the old pecan company was .It looks so bad over that way now.florence is look better but needs to put something there.
@Mark..Big Lots on Irby is moving to the old Walmart. Curious minds want to know…what are you going to open?
Dickey’s BBQ chain opening in August at the old Bojangles’ on US 52 near the I95 bridge.
Fred’s is about to close, decent size store not that big, why do you want a building? What would you like to open?
I’m looking for 85K – 150K sf vacant retail box in in he retail node of Florence. Knowing the former Wal-Mart is gone, is there anything else out there?
American Lighting on Second Loop is gone/closed/empty.
@Tommy…not the whole town
I for 1 would love to see less chains and more quaint, individually owned places. That is what I want to see downtown where you can walk around and window shop/shop in the cute different places and stop in for a drink or something to eat in different restaurants. That would be great but we have to have individuals that can afford to open places. Chains have money and can go where ever they want. I’m not excited about them but I guess anything different than a Mexican restaurant is thrilling right now 
Why does this town get SO excited about chain restaurants?
Fred’s is also closing. They are having a closing sale currently going on.
I want a TGI Fridays! Any signs it’s coming?
Old Walmart is being split, one half will be badcock furniture, and the big section will be Big Lotz moving from Irby Street to West Florence
Does anyone know what’s going on at the old Walmart by Golden Corral?
@ Judy – the building over by Freedom Florence is the Pediatric Dentist Dr. Elvington – she’s moving there soon.
Fran according to this link on scnow.com they are looking at several locations.
http://www.scnow.com/news/business/article_728cbc24-8cf5-11e2-bf02-0019bb30f31a.html
Thanks Shannon…The strip center next to Creek Ratz is filling up. Is that were they were supposed to go? Or will they be building on Celebration/Cashua somewhere, do you know? I don’t really think there is enough room in the shopping center next to Creek Ratz for them especially after they were planning on going in the Old Prime Time that was huge!
Maybe they should think of taking over Victor’s Can always build out for more room!
@Fran. According to the paper Southern LAtitudes is moving near Creek Ratz. Victor’s will be opening Mother’s Day in their new location.
Has anyone heard anything else about Southern Latitudes? I posted on their FB but haven’t heard anything in awhile. Too bad they lost the lease on the Old Prime Time but hope they are looking for somewhere else in Florence.
A few weeks back someone on here said they knew what else was being built out in the Academy Sports shopping center, other than the Cheddars does anyone know?
Looks like Pita pit is moving into old quiznos location on palmetto.
@Judy, I think it’s a dentist or orthodontist office of some sort.
Anyone know what will be in the new building on Freedom Blvd. in front of Freedom Florence?
@Hopie, Groomingdales moved to the Palmetto Animal Hospital on Second Loop location. They haven’t closed.
Thanks,
Tim
Victor’s has on their sign “Moving Soon” So guess the hotel is moving right along!
Does anyone know why Groomindale’s closed? I always liked how they cut my dog’s hair.
Buffalo Wild Wings, Florence SC – Eat TODAY (4/17/13) and raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event! Mention “Relay for Life” when you dine in or take out, and *10% of your bill will be donated to Relay for Life. This event is hosted by Assurant. We encourage everyone to join us in the fight against cancer, while we also enjoy great food at Wild Wings!!!
*10% of pre-tax food sales
PeeDee Foodie just posted that in the spot where the India Restaurant was…206 W. Palmetto there will be the Long Grain Cafe opening the end of April or beginning of May. It will combine traditional Asian and Southern flavors. I personally can’t imagine that combination but…..
Also, its finally out in the open
Rebel Pizza is moving to 2nd Loop into the closed Old Europe Mediterranean Restaurant! I can’t wait!!
3rd…went to the Farmers Market Sunday and the street on the side, behind the Cosmetology School, is all cleared/dug up like in 2 or 3 spots. Anyone know what’s going in there?
Thanks Justin!
An upscale Mexican restaurant is opening at old Prime Time..and have played 2 months already for the lease.
@Margaret, Abuelos is okay. Not sure we need yet another Mexican restaurant in Florence.
I recently visited (last weekend) Abuelos at Coastal Grande Mall and was informed that they are looking at opening a Florene location.
@Lou If it’s the one i’m thinking of, it’s Lee Burris. The Banner for his business is the 4th down on this page on the right side. 843-206-8192
http://theflossip.com/2012/01/23/checking-things-off-your-to-do-list/
The signs are up for Marco’s Pizza at Celebration Shopping Center near Creek Ratz. I love that you can actually read the sign from the road!
Sagebrush has been torn down
Work is being done on old Walmart. Splitting it in two
Marco’s Pizza (http://marcos.com) and Orange Leaf Yogurt (http://orangeleafyogurt.com) coming SOON to S. Cashua Drive (Celebration Plaza) next to Creek Ratz.
Quiznos is closed.
Just an FYI that Clay Pot Coffee House will be closed this Monday, April 1st. Please plan accordingly if you are a frequent customer.
Flossip- can you tell us the name of that handyman you recommended not long ago again? I’ve tried to retrieve it but can’t. Thank you!
It’s not Florence, but Trader Joes just opened this past weekend in Columbia. For those who have never shopped there before, your gonna wish we had one in Flo Town.
Pho Vietnam is open next to Papa John’s on 2nd Loop. Eat in or take out! So excited to have a Vietnamese place again.
Well..Pee Dee Foodie posted on fb that he got a response from Panera Bread and at this time they don’t have any plans to open in Florence. ;(
@Bryan…I agree with both you and Tim about being tired of hearing all Horry County news and if lucky catching something from here. But…are you going to run it if the FCC says it could be?
Tim….good point but I wouldn’t say its a valid point there are media markets smaller than Florence that are able to support tv stations. I believe Florence has enough to support a Florence based station.
@Brian, that’s an interesting thought. I don’t know if there’s enough revenue to support a local, Pee Dee station any more. I would enjoy not always hearing about the Beach area first and foremost in all newscasts.
I know this may sound crazy, but how do you all feel about a true local TV station. We use to have three Fox56, Wpde and WBTW have left and broadcast from Horry county. I know it takes alot of resources but a group of people coming together can make anything happen. We could petition the FCC basically state that weare not being served anymore and obtain a liscense for a true Pee Dee station. I know it’s a wild idea but im.tired hearing about Horry county. This may go no where but it’s just a thought.
Waffle House on Second Loop??
Maddie and Fisher were saying that panera bread will be opening soon. Anyone know where? That will be amazing!
Heather, that is going to be a dialysis center.
Any one know what consturction is going on behind the waffle house on second loop?
Ok..to answer all the rumors/guesses about Publix coming here I contacted their Real Estate Dept and just got an email back. This is the important part of the email:
“I appreciate your desire to have a Publix Super Market located more conveniently to you. While we have no plans to move into a Piggly Wiggly or a Harris Teeter, we are monitoring the competition and residential growth of the area for a future opportunity.”
So guess we have to still hope, but we do have residential growth so who knows
Was downtown today and noticed that the old Carolina theatre looked as if there was some work going on. There was some type of covering on the front door that depicted an arcade. Also I hear a pozza parlor is coming downtown. Does anyone know where the medical school will go if it is decided to be built downtown?
On their facebook page, Chuntee says they’re reopening today with new owners.
I heard Rebel Pie is moving into the old Cafe Florentine location.
Heather..thanks for posting that, Bummer for them but Cashua is closer to me, so I like that! Was really looking forward to them opening soon so anywhere will work for us! So SC Latitudes and a Pizza place are opening in that strip mall next to Creek Ratz? Restaurant Row??
Great…another Mexican place in the Old Prime Time. Cheddars in the Pepsi thingy…gezz, mexican restaurants are getting to be lilke the dollar stores. No one have any imagination anymore?
Lou..Rebel Pie is moving to Florence, I’m sure Alan will post here or as soon as I see it on FB I will. I heard on the podcast he’s looking for sometime in April
Poor Latitudes,
http://www.scnow.com/news/business/article_728cbc24-8cf5-11e2-bf02-0019bb30f31a.html
Guess there will be two Mexican Choices for movie night.
Rebel Pie is supposedly moving; anyone know where?
Marcos Pizza opening soon in the strip mall on Cashua near Creek Ratz
1. Percy and Willeys is moving to the old ReMax building near Mellow Mushroom…they are doing so to get more of the hotel traffic.
2. A Pita restaurant is going next to Quiznos on West Palmetto.
3. Southern Lattitudes will not be in the old Prime Time location…another restaurant has already leased it. They will be opening next to creek ratz in the large strip mall on cashua.
4. There will be some more news regarding the old Pepsi property…very exciting.
I heard rumors tat a publix was opening in the former Piggly-Wiggly on Second Loop… who knows?
Make sure you drive by, or check out Bean Groovy’s Facebook page, to check out the work going on at their new space … VERY IMPRESSIVE!
I was in town for business and visit family, and could not believe the amount of work that’s going into that location.
Florence should be proud and support his business!!!
Chutnee is supposed to reopen from renovations this week.
Also saw the Blockbuster on 2nd loop is finally closing (no big surprise there though).
Mcallisters Deli is looking at the Florence market…could hear something soon. Fingers crossed!
Here’s the link to the WBTW story if anyone is interested.
http://www.wbtw.com/story/21578666/florence-makes-room-for-a-new-shopping-plaza
There is an article on wbtw.com about the plaza opening on Woody Jones..only confirmed anchor is the sports store…doesn’t mention a Cheddar’s..wonder why?…I would.like tgi Fridays there too!
Smart Phone Repair is moving downtown to 190 W Evans St which is on the corner of Irby and Evans. It is a locally owned business run by a young entrepreneur that specializes in repairs on iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches. There will be retail space as well in this business. It is expected to open March 30th in that specific location.
@Tim, I think we both want the exact same thing downtown. I’m so excited to see what happens.
From my understanding with Big Lots, Irby St would close. There are a lot of things that need to be done to that building and they are just going to move.
Second Loop, was told it is just a dollar general but they placed the building so there could be something in the future too.
I would love to have Panera Bread here. I miss a good sandwich shop where I could get sandwich, salad and/or soup. (it was sad that from rumor that the person running Atlanta Bread could or wouldn’t do what was needed so we all suffer from its closing)
But there is my two cents, lol.
It looks like they are building more than just a Dollar General there on 2nd Loop. Anyone else know what else is going in there?
I sure hope the rumor is true that Belk will be adding MAC cosmetics–that store desperately needs something to drive customers to the store. I was told by an associate there recently that the mgmt didn’t think Florence had the $$ to carry the better designer lines. It’s why you’ll see something in one of their mailer ads but when you go into the store, they don’t carry the line. She said we were a “ghetto Belk”- and that’s the #1 reason I seldom go there anymore unless it is to buy makeup–you just can’t find nice things there anymore like you can at other Belk’s across the state.
@Christopher..is that going to be a new Big Lots or is the one on Irby moving? Do you know? I love to see empty buildings being filled but not if its going to leave another empty one somewhere else.
@Jim and Tim. The old Wal-mart will become a Big Lots and Badcock furniture store with one or two spaces for future retail.
@Jim, I saw today that they are definitely doing work on the old Wal-Mart location but I do not know what is going there. I will see if I can find out next week what’s going on. Either way, it is positive news if something new is going to be there.
Saw today that work is being done on the old Walmart across from Magnolia mall .Looks like there putting in new A.C. units or redoing the roof . Anybody know if anything is moving in there ?
Oh I sure hope the ones that said Panera Bread was coming are right! I really loved when Atlantic Bread was here and sad when they closed. So would be really nice and I think Florence would love it!
As the owner of a VW, I hope a dealership opens in Florence. Its a hassle to get approved work done in Myrtle Beach or Sumter.
John at the Morning News posted on his FB page that Panera Bread is not coming to Florence.
Ah. Sorry about that. Rachel didn’t post it, she emailed it to me as she often does but I wasn’t trying to slight anyone.
I have to call it like I see.
We hold journalist accountable, and I’m afraid you owe a poster an apology.
“Rachel” was not the first person to post the map and schematic highlighting the Cheddars and Academy Sports and Outdoors. A poster by the name of “James Harper” did on Feb. 19, according to this wonderful blog’s records. He’s also added some other insightful posts about the city.
Just an FYI, I would hate for you to alienate a poster by giving someone else credit.
This is such a great outlet (better at than the Morning News) and I think credit should be due where it’s due.
“Rachel” did not post that information first.
Need to tear down the old pizza place in front of Harris Getter and put it there
panera read is coming to florence…just talked with their regional manager of development. looking at a knock down rebuild around 5 points area.
Morning News says Panera Bread coming to the area.
I think RIVALS in moving to the Old printing co next to LOWES and HOBBY LOBBY. Painters have been painting the building GRAY with Clemson and USC colors the last few weeks.
Katie, I think the Rivals store is moving there from their Palmetto Street location.
Such exciting news about all the new things happening around town. I agree with Flossip that a mix of things is good….gives everybody a choice. And, anybody that sells Sweetleighs cakes has got to do well! I’ll go there just for that.
Sorry for the delay. I was told that Mike Reichenbach was approached by Volkswagen to open up a dealership here in Florence. If this is the case, the Ford/Lincoln dealership will most likely be moving as well.
It’s in a very bad and secluded part of town, so that would be the smartest decision. Where, though? Celebration Blvd? Thoughts?
Just read that Publix is thinking of buying out Harris Teeter. So far just a rumor.
On another note….I come from Peoria, IL, and we had a Cheddar’s there. It is along the lines of Chili’s, but I actually like it better. The food was good, and the service was fantastic.
I was on David Mcleod blvd yesterday and noriced that the building by lowes is being painted steipes of clemaon and carolina colors. Does anyone know what is going on there?
Thank you to everyone that is commenting! I look forward to Florence growing. Personally, I want a diverse mix of chain stores and restaurants with locally owned places as well. I think that will give us so many more options and draw in even more people to help our tax base as well as all of the people employed here.
Wish it would go (carrabas) either at 95/52 or somewhere towards Florence mall. We have olive garden at civic center..
Dolce Vita is a Chocolate (Belgian) and Wine shop that will be opening downtown. They will also carry cakes from Sweetleighs Cakes and Treats (www.sweetleighscakes.com)
Excited for Academy Sports and Cheddars. That should really revitalize that intersection of McLeod and Woody Jones/Beltline. Carrabas would be a nice addition as well.
Let’s not forget that some really nice things are happening downtown with the revitalization and the need to support these folks in the early days since the foot traffic will be less initially. I know Bean Groovy had their Kickstarter project get funded so they should be opening soon and as Heather mentioned, a new place downtown (Dolce Vita?) looks to be opening soon. All in all, I would say there’s a lot of good things happening in Florence.
no they will be building a new restaurant. deciding on hwy52/95 corridor, civic center area and another spot where a tear down would occur first.
They could go in the soon to be vacated Percy’s and Willies! (Carrabas)
i spoke with someone from carabba’s yesterday and they are definitely interested in the florence market. she said they are in the process of making a decision one of the 3 properties they looked at last month. wont be long.
Read two comments down….
Anyone have any idea what is going into the old Sagebrush or what ever it was called on W Evans?
I stated that a few days ago Pee Dee! Hope it is true, do you have any proof for this? Would rather have a Texas Roadhouse, my opinion though
sagebrush will be torn down…and it will either be logan’s or texas roadhouse. print it flossip!
I don’t think any new business coming to town, existing business expanding or going out of business is off limits. We’re all here to learn about the goings-on in town. So, Ryan, go ahead and share.
Go ahead and share!
Just wondering – do local car dealerships fall into the discussion here? I was at MR Ford Lincoln looking at a vehicle the other day, and have some potential news I’d like to share.
Was enjoying a nice cup of coffee from Clay Pot today AND saw a new space under construction next to Da Massimo. The letter on the door stated petition for Dolce Vita to sell beer and wine. It looks really nice from the outside, I’m excited!
@Tim, It’s interesting to watch what’s going on downtown and it’s exciting to see the changes. I have to agree with a previous opinion someone voiced earlier; I also heard that they’re stopping certain businesses from coming downtown. What concerns me is that they’re focusing on office space and “conference spaces”, but that’s not what going to breathe culture and life into a city. Most cities need movement and diversity. Local bands, a thriving art scene, and culture are things that keep people interested.
I know that money is what drives people to make decisions and that there’s a “buddy system” in business, which is why most of the work downtown is involving law offices etc…but after business is over for the day and weekends, people want escape and entertainment. People who are staying at the hotel are going to need something that peak their interest while they’re downtown. Also, Research should be done to see what the people of Florence want. On the flip side, some people may need to be educated and exposed to the new, exciting, and wonderful things that the arts can bring. There are so many benefits to art that have nothing to do with money, but have a lot to do with bringing people together that would not even associate with each other. Or getting our children off the streets and away from gangs. Or helping people with disabilities. Or even bringing peace into the heart of someone who just wants to unwind that day.
Honestly, the people who have money are going to spend it the way they want…and they’re going to do things that benefit themselves and their lives. So, we’ll see how it’s going to unfold in the coming months and years.
Old Europe has closed
Just in case anyone missed the story last night on WBTW, here is a link to the on-line story on downtown Florence revitalization efforts.
http://www.wbtw.com/story/21432466/florences-downtown-revitalization-continues-to-make-major-progress
@Lisa, if what you’re asking is what I think you’re asking, it’s going to be yet another dollar store.
Anyone have an idea of what’s being built on 2nd loop road by Pizza Hut and Rogers BBQ?
Saw this on Pee Dee Foodie’s site:
Cashua Cafe & Grill (914 South Cashua) is in soft opening while ramping up to full service. What we’ve heard is that the menu consists of meat and three for now, with planned expansion to other menu items, such as burgers and pizza. Local, casual dining located in the former Ann’s Kitche/Taste of Thai on Cashua Rd,
Florence Medical School downtown, hopefuly lt they go through with it !http://www.scnow.com/news/politics/article_29db9d3e-8088-11e2-b4fb-001a4bcf6878.html
Not a new addition but I did notice that the First Choice (?) bank building across from Carolinas Hospital is being torn down. The one that looked more like a mobile trailer than a real building. Could this mean something new coming to that location?
Great discussion. Let’s keep the ideas flowing, nothing is too small nor too outlandish at this point. Moving from bricks and mortar to events, what types of events would y’all like to see in Florence. The Pecan Festival and Friday After Five are great, are there other things that might make sense? I would like to see some sort of summer/early fall music festival that would bring in regional/national acts for a long weekend event. What about a concerts on the green with the chamber orchestra on the grounds of the library? What about a downtown art fair at some point?
MAC cosmetics is rumored to be coming to the Belk in florence.
@James
Absolutely, wholeheartedly I agree in aggressive annexation it benefits everyone in regards to services provided and the ability to expand the tax base. I don’t agree with a whole bunch of taxation but you do need some to provide the necessities and the quality of life that everyone has a right to. There is no reason Florence shouldn’t be out front and on the same levels as other so call top tier citied in the state. I wish Florence would market itself as the gateway to the beach there should be shops and restaurants multiple family homes on the far east side sort of like a gateway to the beach. Just imagine if Florence could capitalize or get investors to build a high speed train system from here to the beach. Endless ideas I have for my hometown. I see the potential just ready for lil ol Florence to come out of her adolescence and come into womanhood. Get her so called grown and sexy on…..lol.
@ Bryan: What is this I hear? A South Carolinian pushing for annexation?
I can’t believe it. LOL!
Bryan, I wish your endeavor well, and couldn’t agree with you more. My mother was born and raised in Florence in 1954 and the city’s population was over 22,000 residents proper at that time — fast forward to the 2010 Census and Florence’s population still hasn’t broken the 50,000 threshold.
Big-time retailers don’t like that, especially if you’re not a tourist town (like Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach). Florence should take note of Rock Hill’s aggressive annexation measures to bring those around peripheral into the city. Rock Hill is now the fifth-largest city in the state with more than 66,000 residents — I have a hunch that if Florence were to pull in residents within five miles of its city limits, it would over take Rock Hill easily, and give the city some overdue respect and clout.
But, with that said, Florence is also technically larger than Spartanburg, Aiken and Goose Creek — all cities that do not have aggressive annexation policies, and are doing a FANTASTIC job pulling in retailers and industry that Florence dreams it could have.
I think Florence should focus on Florence first, then, adopt planning ordinances that push for denser zoning in places and neighborhoods like east Florence that provide a nice mixed-income balance so it’s not a crime-ridden, low income slum. Wilmington, N.C. is in the process of adopting a Urban Mixed-Use zone that will promote denser development in the city’s downtown core since we can’t annex into the county for the next 12 years.
Plus, as the city hopefully continues to unload its bounty of revival projects, you’re going to see more people want to move toward the core, thus promoting denser residential development in the city, which will drive the city’s population even higher.
There are also a number of vacant properties in the city that are ripe for denser, mixed use redevelopment, a number of infill development parcels — where, for example, a street, or a water or sewer line reaches the property, it will ultimately develop.
But that’s my 2 cents. I think Florence is an awesome city, I just wish its city/county leadership would think bigger in terms of its future. With it’s location, it could easily become the next Greenville, maybe even give Myrtle Beach a run for its money.
What’s going on everyone….I’m excited just like everyone else on the new potential commercial realestate happenings taking place in West Flo. Let’s use our voices to push an expansion of the city limits. I know everyone is not going to want to be in the city, but those who are receiving the benefits should be put into the city. Currently we have over 37,000 in the city taken in to account those just on the outside it swells to close to 68,000….68,000 looks better on paper to National retailers and other companies than 37,000. Does anyone know what we have to do to push expansion.
@Jawaun, I agree on all your points. I would say that the whole eastside of Florence is in need of help. However, if we try to do too much all at the same time nothing will get done. Let’s redevelop downtown and continue to develop the west side. Maybe some day things will get going on the far east side of town.
I’m so excited for the new hotel coming near the civic center and the new plaza with Cheddar’s and Academy Sports and Outdoors! I can’t wait for them to open.
Also i think Percy’s and Willie’s should stay where they are. Its a good location, my aunt and her friends always come all the way from columbia just to eat there. They are in a good location.
And i was thinking that Florence should try to get a hotel near the airport. One of my relatives was disapointed that all the better hotels were on the west side.
Tim, your vision sounds wonderful and something I would really love to see. We lived in Aiken, SC for 6yrs before we moved to Florence. That is kind of what they had there. All the chain/big box stores were out on the south side and downtown was quaint streets and breezeways they called the Alley. There were restaurants with outside seating, pubs and the side streets had a few more pubs, ice cream store, big antique mall and lots of other places to window shop. We would go down there on a nice night and walk down the “alley” and decide where to eat, usually outside so we could watch the people and things going on. Different kinds of restaurants to choice from too. Then walk off dinner around town. Amazing how many people like to do that on a nice night! I miss it and hope to see it come to pass here!
@Ashley, thanks for the response. I agree, having a thriving, interesting downtown is more than shows or pubs, etc. I don’t know if Florence hired the guy that revitalized Greenville but I do know that the guy who used to be in Sumter is in Florence and they have a solid plan. I don’t know if Florence will ever be Greenville or Charleston but I would like to hope that we can be that quaint, quirky town in Eastern SC that has a thriving young professionals scene, thriving arts scene and a thriving local/regional music scene. How nice would it be to be able to head downtown on a Friday night with some friends and be able to have a choice of pubs/bars and restaurants to choose from? Maybe catch a great blues or country band. How nice would it be to stroll downtown on a Saturday afternoon and do some shopping/window shopping at the unique retail outlets, maybe grab an ice cream cone in the summer or sit outside and enjoy a coffee or latte on a Saturday morning? That’s sort of how I envision what I want downtown Florence to be.
It’s going to take a long time (if ever) to get where I think all of us want it to be but in some ways it has to start with us. Talk with your local council member to let him/her know you want downtown Florence to grow and revitalize, attend the current events hosted downtown, patronize some of those brave “pioneers” who have already set up shop downtown.
Finally, a solid downtown will help the powers that be attract new employers to town. I would have to think that right now it’s sort of embarrassing to take executives of prospective companies looking to relocate and show them downtown.
I would love to hear from others. This gets me excited!
@TIm…. The rumor was that the City of Florence hired the guy that helped redesign downtown Greenville. The plans are to turn our downtown into something that is similar to Greenville. I have heard that some of the higher ups in the city have been blocking businesses that want to setup downtown. They only want certain things and places down there. I think the people who get to decide on downtown should travel more and see what other places have, not just look at pictures and say yeah that could work here. I also think there should be more public opinion. I am 28 and I know what I would like to do downtown and it doesn’t involve a club scene or a play every week. Don’t get me wrong, I have an Art degree and I love the arts and glad to see Florence finally doing more with the arts but I’m not going to see a play every time there is a new one and yet I would like to spend time downtown like I do in Charleston and Greenville and such. I really hope that Florence finally gets the backing and push and everything else we need to get things better and where we would all like to see it.
JMHO but I think it would be a mistake for Percy and Willie’s to move. It works right where it’s at and it seems like sometimes when restaurants try to move, they lose their business. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ can be the right choice sometimes.
Opened a few weeks ago… Strutting turkey across from south Florence high. Awesome twist on a country buffet. Great food, good prices!
An awesome thing could be for the Percy’s and Willies location to be a Carrabbas….the Sagebrush to be a Logan’s or Texas Roadhouse, and to put a TGi Friday’s with the new complex coming at Woody jones, and David Mcleod….Would be awesome if it did!
Florence seems like a good match for a TGI Friday’s. I really like their food but only eat there once or twice a year since the nearest locations are at the Beach. Any chance of us getting one here?
Percy and Willies is moving to the old Remax building near Mellow Mushroom.
Groomingdales is not closed. It has moved to a section in Palmetto Animal Hospital on Second Loop.
The old Sagebrush building is going to be demolished, don’t know if there are any plans for the lot.
FWIW, Groomingdale’s (pet grooming) on W. Palmetto has closed. Anyone know if they’re out of business or relocated?
Rumor has it that it will be either the Logans, or Texas Roadhouse
Hello everyone does anyone know what the old SageBrush Steakhouse building is going to be?? Also Home2 inn and Suites will be by Swamp Fox Cinemas!!!
@James, thanks for the input. I agree with all you’ve said. My original hometown of Madison, WI did some really nice things with the streetlights, signs, etc in the downtown area to update and refresh the look.
@ Tim: I t seems that while downtown Florence is starting to make some headway, it needs something for everybody.
Not everyone is going to want to come downtown to watch a performance, or go to the new museum (albeit, once it’s completed it’s going to be a GREAT anchor downtown).
Wouldn’t it have been nice if your city leaders had the foresight to place that gorgeous baseball stadium currently on the fringes of FMU in downtown Florence???? That’s your feet on the street, beds in heads and nightlife scene so desperately needed down there.
I also think downtown Florence needs its own brand, and the city should take extra steps to make infrastructure stand out. Get rid of the ugly traffic signals, and place new signals up with glowing street signs (we have these in our suburb south of Dallas, and they are incredibly beautiful and helpful to drivers). The city also needs to invest in street scaping that makes downtown more attractive to dinners that want to have patio dining.
Also, if Florence can get that USC School of Medicine downtown, that would be another great anchor…especially if studetn housing for those practicing professionals are provided.
But, that’s just my 2 cents.
@ John: Academy Sports & Outdoors is similar to Dick’s. You can actually catch better sales at Academy than Dick’s on some items. We have both in our city, and they doing well. As for Cheddar’s, the serve typical American cuisines (i.e. burgers, pasta, margarita’s ect.). Quite affordable and large portions. Not to mention, they have some good dishes that change seasonally.
I think it’s going to be a great addition to the Florence dining scene.
Also heard that Logan Steakhouse or Texas Roadhouse is going somewhere in Florence, and Carrabbas is still targeting the area. Seems like the national retailers and restaurants are making Florence a submarket to Myrtle Beach…but thne again, Myrtle Beach isn’t getting a Chipotle either.
OK, indulge me on this one please. I just returned from a business trip to Greenville. While there I spent some time wandering Main Street. That is the vision I want Florence to follow. Lots of bars, restaurants, hotels, shops, etc and it seemed very safe and clean.
How do we do that in Florence? I know we’re trying so don’t take this as a slam on anyone. I just want to see downtown Florence flourish like Greenville is. Is it more pubs/bars? More restaurants? Shopping? Family activities? What?
That looks like it might be a really nice addition to Florence. I’m all for development and new businesses but let’s not forget the great entrepreneurs and business folks that are here now, working hard to add a needed service or product to Florence. Places like Bean Groovy, Rebel Pie, etc. We need to continue to patronize those folks and help them succeed.
I’m really looking forward to what Florence might look like in 2 years, 5 years and beyond.
Never ate at a cheddars…what kind of food do they serve? All what is the sports store like….a store similar to Dicks?
Check out this link in regards to the Academy Sports & Outdoors coming to Florence: http://www.cityfeet.com/cont/ForLease/LN18030971/2300-David-H-McLeod-Blvd-Florence-SC-29501
It appears Academy Sports & Outdoors is anchoring a new, 96,550-square-foot retail development at that intersection. The Red Robin, however, is actually set to be a Cheddar’s.
But no fear, it looks like there are several outparcels for restaurant development, so it could still be true.
I’m certainly glad to see Florence is still getting the attention of national retailers and chains. Academy Sports & Outdoors is great store, and is certainly going to be an AWESOME addition to the market. Cheddar’s isn’t that bad of an eatery, either, and the service and food are pretty good.
Kudos Florence, I think you’re FINALLY becoming a real city! LOL!.
I can, thankfully, confirm that the building going up behind Waffle House on Second Loop/Pamplico Hwy is NOT a dollar store. They are putting up a dialysis center there. Sorry for the not-overly exciting news but I thought I should share.
Yes, I heard the same thing as well about the sports store and Red Robin. There is actually a job posting on http://www.indeed.com for a Manager of a new store coming to Florence, named Academy Sports and Outdoors.
It says the location is at the corner of Woody Jones Blvd and David McLeod Blvd! I’m so happy to see new places are wanting to come to Florence!
Just heard on radio that the rumor is that the old Pepsi place off David McLeod is to be site of an plaza with sports center and a red robin….and that also they said Percy’s and willies would possibly be on the move near the civic center…hmmm…thoughts? ( heard on 103X)
@Tim and Fran I see that on my way home everyday. I was thinking(praying) maybe it was a Publix. But what could possibly be put back so far from the main strip? My daughter(10yrs old) said it was a Waffle House parking lot…
@Tim…not sure what’s going up behind the Waffle House but we can only pray that its not another Dollar Store!
Well so much for the Cuban Cafe on Cashua I guess. Their sign is gone and the building looks pretty dark.
There were people working in the old sagebrush parking lot today.
Anyone know what is going up behind the Waffle House on Second Loop/Pamplico Hwy east of Irby Street, near Carolinas Hospital?
Looks like a pretty big lot of land they’ve cleared and are grading, prepping.
Thanks.
Southern Latitudes is still actively working towards opening as soon as physically possible. The 3410 Radio Dr (Formally know as Prime Cafe’) still remains the target location. We have hired all of our key personnel, obtained our licencing, vendors, and the restaurant re-design and transformation is ready to take place, but due VERY unexpected and last minute delays with banking lender has required us to unfortunately re-target our opening to April 2013 so we can obtain our final funding for the upgrades to allow us to open properly.
The website is in the process of being updated to reflect the re-targeted opening date and will display the finalize menus as well as other new features and specials that we will be offering. We very excited about what our establishment will bring to Florence and offer to our customers and we look forward to you visiting our establishment and enjoying our food and exciting atmosphere. We are deeply apologetic for the unexpected delays which we hope to have resolved in the coming days.
Thank you for your comments, support, and word of mouth advertising as we prepare for our opening. It will be a fun and exciting place with great food, good prices, and state of the art technology.
Sincerely RC Floyd Enterprises
@Sam – I SO hope that’s true! I love Logan’s.
Someone at Kmart said Sagebrush is to be a Logans Roadhouse…who know if its true…what are your thoughts?
I’d like to know about SC Latitudes also. Their webpage still has February and its got an application on it because they are hiring. All seems funny with nothing going on. I emailed them last week on their webpage and posted on their FB page that …its February, so when are you opening? No response from either. Hope it didn’t fall through. I was really looking forward to them opening.
Is Chutnee closing or is it just temporarily closed for renovations? I would hate to see it go. Their food is definitely authentic Indian.
Welcome Mary Anne! Hope you do come to Florence! We’ve come a long way and have a long way yet to go but we’re gettin’ there.
I Facebooked a rep for Publix on Saturday and asked if there was any word of Florence, SC possibly getting a Publix. His response was:
Margaret, I do not have any information on a location in that area. However, I will pass on your desire for one to the proper people. Thank you! » Jacob
Nice canned answer!
We have visited the Florence SC area several times over the past few years. We are a Senior Couple tossing around the idea of re-locating there. This website has given us some idea of what is going on for the future of Florence. Thank you
Went to The Clay Pot Coffee Shop for lunch. Loved it! I did have some trouble finding it and parking. It is at the corner of Cheves and Dargan, downtown, across from the new construction (I think the new Florence Hotel). I parked in the back, in the Pee Dee Mental Health parking lot. The special was Chili with salad and bread. The food was great and loved the “small town feel” inside. They are working on a patio in the back. Nice place to just relax and eat good food!
@Maddie….A hotel is being built by 1720 and as for Southern Latitudes, I don’t exactly get that either. They still say February as a target date but that doesn’t seem possible. I was told by one of their neighboring businesses last night that it’s supposed to be May so who knows. Maybe they’ll update us on here. Southern Latitudes…can you update us on your progress please?
And thanks @Jon for the info. Someone on FB shared a picture of their rating so it could have easily been outdated. I like that website you shared; good to know these things.
Does anyone know what is going to be built next to 1720 Burger Bar? The land has been cleared out, hoping it isn’t a bigger parking lot.
Also, I keep reading that Southern Latitudes is opening in the old Primetime location but I drive by there several times everyday and have yet to see any activity going on in the building. Even the real estate sign is still out front indicating the space is Available. What’s the story there?
According to http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/envhealth/food/htm/inspection-rating/ they have a 92, and a 100 rating. Not saying you are wrong, it could possible be outdated.
Ditto the Carraba’s. They are owned by Outback …or so I’m told… so maybe we could appeal to our local Outback for them to consider. Also, I recently ate a place in Charlotte called Brixx Pizza. Would like to see them here as well and mentioned it to the franchise owner who said they would look into it. Are starting to open some franchises in SC and he seemed genuinely interested in Florence as a possibilty but, of course, it wouldn’t really be anytime soon.
I don’t know if this is the kind of thing that’s ok to post here or not so if I do something wrong Flossip, I apologize. But I wanted to pass along the fact that apparently Sakura Japanese Restaurant has recently recieved a C rating. Not good.
The old Sagebrush has been bought. Any ideas by who?
I would like to see Carrabba’s and Dave & Busters open in Florence, SC
re: Chutnee, we drove by them today and they have a sign on the door saying they are remodeling and will be open soon. Crossing fingers!
We also went past the new Cuban Cafe on Cashua which now looks open and had several cars there during lunchtime. Would love to hear any trip reports. Will probably try to get out there ourselves before too long.
Good news for now. Florence Morning News reporting that the Barnes & Noble in town will not be on the list for closing.
http://www.scnow.com/news/business/article_c2e7316e-7174-11e2-9b54-001a4bcf6878.html
I work at Johnson Controls and I would LOVE if more restaurants were out this way. Money would not be an issue for the business due to our 100′s of employees. I get tired of bringing my lunch
@ Cheryl……I have no idea and really don’t have any reason to know unless I happened to hear about it like anyone else might.
Dear Lou:
Is it true that they are going to be putting a Whole Foods or EarthFare here in Florence??? Can you please let me know?? Would be so exciting!!!!
Thanks,
Cheryl
Thanks Lou.
@ Fran’s comment: Since we here seem to hear/see things probably sooner than others then its our place to spread the word!
…….Having said that, I think it’s worth noting that it was here on Flossip’s site that there was first confirmation that Chipotle Grill was being built beside Buffalo Wild Wings. Pee Dee Foodie takes the credit for it on his site but I think credit ought to go where credit is due. Thanks again, Flossip, for your hard work at keeping this site the gem that it is and providing a place for the rest of us to share information and news and, in some cases, even support for each other as Tim points out. I’m sure when he gets his place going, he’ll aleady have some good, established support as well among his Flossip friends.
NANCY J. LE VINE, I know of no successful franchise that would make a statement that their business “WILL NOT BE EVER PUT IN FLORENCE.” “NOT BE EVER” (poor grammar aside) is a bit too permanent. To make such a statement would be asinine as successful businesses always locate in growing markets. There is no way to predict what the future may hold. In the meantime, I suggest you research iternet courtesy and stop yelling when you post.
Too bad we don’t have a ‘like’ button on here.
Tim…I’m with you 100%! If we the people of Florence or Flossipians can’t help out then how can we expect others. Since we here seem to hear/see things probably sooner than others then its our place to spread the word! I am really excited and until you open your place, my husband already said…sounds like a place we would like and patronize. We’d love to meet up with you and your wife sometime once they open!
Maybe have a Flossip meet and greet ..hehe.
The question now is, what are we, the Flossipians, going to do to help this new venture succeed? I will tell everyone that I am not in any way associated with Southern Lattitudes but feel that we need to support local businesses that keep dollars here locally. I want this place to succeed. I want it a place that my wife and I can go on a Thursday, Friday, Monday night and socialize with friends. I want it to be a place to bring my out of town guests when they come to visit.
Thanks Tammy! Happy to hear/see someone opening up there. That place has been empty too long! And yes…they have a facebook page and it says the address there. I’m excited! Something that is opening beside a dollar store or bank
Be sure to check out Southern Latitudes – http://www.sclatitudes.com/index.html. I believe they are opening in February in the old Prime Time location.
I agree with Fran!
Also, I notice there’s some land clearing around mile marker 163 on 1-95. Wonder what’s up with that?
@ Nancy Levine….if you want good NY style pizza, thin crust and oven baked, you have to give Rebel Pie a try! Best pizza in the area in my opinion!
Thanks NANCY DEVINE. We knew that last week and it was reported over a month ago that it was to be a Chipotle’s. And please type like a grown-up and stop yelling at everyone.
Hi All, just wanted to let everyone know that Rebel Pie is now open for lunch Tues.-Sat. 11:30-2:00. Come join us for some Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza! Thanks
http://www.facebook.com/rebelpie
JUST SO ALL OF YOU THAT HAD AND HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT IS BEING BUILT ACROSS FROM THE CHUCKY CHEESE PLACE, I PERSONALLY DROVE BY (PURPOSELY) AND ASKED THE CONSTRUCTION HEAD GUY WHAT IS THIS GOING TO BE: HE TOLD ME A CHIPOLTE RESTAURANT. SO THERE IT IS FOLKS. PROBLEM SOLVED, AND CURIOUSITY SETTLED. I ALSO HEARD FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE THAT ” HOOTERS ” WILL NOT BE EVER PUT IN FLORENCE. THAT TAKES CARE OF THAT MESS. SO NOW WE KNOW. HAVE FUN EATING AT CHIPOLTE. I HATE THAT PLACE. RED BOWL IS MY FAVORATE AND STEFANOS’ FOR GOOD PIZZA. ALSO TRY “MELLOW MUSHROOM”. NOT TOO BAD, BUT NOT LIKE THE ALMOST NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA FROM STEPHANOS’. GOOD LUCK KIDS !
Fran et al, it’s all good. I’m just thinking of ways we can support those businesses that are already here in the greater Florence area so that they don’t end up going away. Btw, I just read that Barnes & Noble is going to trim its number of stores by 30% over the next 10 years. I don’t want the Florence B&N on that list. http://www.nbcnews.com/business/barnes-noble-expects-trim-30-its-stores-over-next-10-1C8137477
@Tim…sounds like a plan to me but with working in Hartsville by the time I get home, especially until it is light later and warmer, I usually stay home during the week. Friday evening or the week ends we are usually looking to go out and do. So if I don’t have to go on the specific day I would go that week when we could, if that works.
Hey all,
In support of local restaurants and to help keep Florence as vibrant as possible, what if we were to try to promote a specific restaurant on a specific day for all the Flossip readers to patronize? For example, Thursday could be Cook Out (or any other restaurant) day this week and we would all try to patronize them to help keep them going.
The thought being that it is a concerted effort to help publicize our local establishments. I’m just thinking out loud. Thoughts?
http://www.scnow.com/news/business/article_bd9a6176-65a9-11e2-b23d-0019bb30f31a.html
CHIPOTLE!
I heard that Chutnee was just doing remodeling and will be open again soon!
If we get another dollar general i may scream. It is a quick in and out place in a hurry but seriously how many do we need? I sure hope that is not what’s coming but the area they are clearing looks about the right size for that. wow.
Oh no!..Say its not so Tim, please!!! They are going to have to change the name of this town from Florence, SC to Dollar Stores, SC. Every empty spot is turning into a Dollar General or Family Dollar. You get all excited because something is coming and poof! another Dollar Store
I heard today on pretty good authority that the construction happening on Second Loop Road is going to be yet another Dollar General store. Ugh.
It appears that the Chutney Indian restaurant on Palmetto (next to the Drive-In) has closed. My gf had been wanting to go back recently, but noticed it was never open when she drove past several days in the past couple of weeks. We drove over on Saturday evening and it was dark. Also looked like people were working on equipment in the back (possibly moving stuff out).
I was riding down S. Cashua yesterday and noticed a sign that said “Coming Soon – Cuba Cafe”. It’s near Ann’s Taste of Thai and on that side of the road. It’s closer to the Second Loop intersection. I can’t name the plaza, because it’s not a familiar one of mine.
When I first moved here 7 years ago, I actually e-mailed Publix requesting them to open here, but they said that they were not looking to buy land here at that time. I am excited to read that they may come here, I love their Deli!
And a Carraba’s.
I would love to see a Publix here . Also would love a Fresh Market. Both would be wonderful additions for our city.
Also wanted to ask if there is any staffing/hiring information available for Florence Hotel or other new downtown projects available?
Just moved here late last year and am anxiously looking forward to finding employment.
Just wanted to say that I’ve been reaching out to old business contacts to invest in Florence (I think it’s a great time to invest in the downtown). I will let you know if those go anywhere beyond interest.
Just wanted to comment on the Dave and Busters rumor above.
I promoted the Greenville/Spartanburg area to Dave & Buster’s two years ago, and they said that GSP doesn’t have anywhere near the population for them to bring in a D&B’s there, so I highly doubt Florence would be an option for them. So more than likely, Hooter’s.
Fran, I believe I heard a while back that Victor’s was closing their restaurant to move into Hotel Florence. It could have changed since then. though.
Big article in the Sunday paper about the Hotel Florence planning on being open in April. Victor’s will be going into the bottom floor. Anyone know if they are closing their place on Irby to move and when they might be closing?
Also just saw on FB Florence Chamber posted:
Seven new Façade restoration projects approved for the downtown district! It’s awesome to see the Florence Downtown coming to life before our eyes! It’s going to look great!
Love hearing about the renevation and really hoping it can become something nice!
Anyone have info on the Cuban restaurant opening on Cashua?
Thanks Holly for the update.
George’s closed, just drove by yesterday.
It is still disappointing. All three Piggly Wigglys were sold and one is not profittable. I have to think it’s more profittable than the one on Cherokee. Perhaps they own that land as well while Second Loop was leased. I doubt it was based only on poor performance and probably was based on the landholder/ leasor as well.
Almost like what happened to Books-a-Million. The leasor refused to correct the problems and just put band-aids on everything, knowing that they can get more rent from a new tenant once the lease runs out. I don’t think Ulta is doing much better. I hope something like PW replaces PW. 50 people lost their jobs and those are hard to find.
It would be nice to have a McAlister’s Deli or Jason’s Deli (http://www.jasonsdeli.com) somewhere on or near Celebration Blvd. Also for people interested in a different type of fitness or hobby place, an indoor climbing gym would literally…um, rock!! I used to go to this place in Greenville called “Rocks and Ropes” and really miss doing things like that locally. (http://www.rocksandropes.net/) An old building in downtown could possibly be converted into a climbing gym. It would make a good place to “hang out!!” Anyway…just some ideas for anyone looking into bringing new things to our town.
I suppose that’s good news. Any word on the Second Loop activity? Looks like they’re doing something substantial. Perhaps more than a dollar store.
It has to be Chipotle…that page on Preit Website on Magnolia Mall used to just say proposed restaurant, now it says Proposed Chipotle Mexican Grill…that was changed this past week.
Pig on Second Loop was sold by corporate Piggly Wiggly to an investor group. The group bought many stores, some of which were not profitable (Second Loop), in order to get the one’s that were profitable. They have made a decision to close the unprofitable stores that they now own to help make the other one’s even more profitable. Not saying it’s right or wrong, just informing everyone what actually happened.
Also, anyone know what’s going up next to Buffalo Wild Wings at Magnolia Mall? Is it going to be the long-rumored Chipotle or something else?
Bryan…great idea about talking things up here and trying to make Florence a great place to live!
I am crossing my fingers that Publix shows up here..we use to live in Aiken and sure do miss them the last 6yrs we have been here!
As for 2nd Loop…I agree, we do not need another Dollar Store or Bank! I can’t believe there are enough people here to support them all I mean they couldn’t support a Piggly Wiggly! I can’t believe they are closing!
The lot beside 1720 burger Bar is going to be whaattt… another hotel. it is planned to be a Home 2 Suites by Hilton.
Yeah, Tim, I could certainly see something we really don’t need, like a Family Dollar, Dollar General, or a nail salon going there. What has happened to new stores and ideas?!
From what I can tell, it doesn’t look like the site will be big enough for a Trader Joe’s. Maybe it is a fast food restaurant or, more likely, some crappy pawn shop or dollar general. Ugh.
This can’t be, so I can only dream that Trader Joe’s is going up at that Second Loop lot. We really need a fast food place on Second Loop. While there are McDonalds’, Burger King’s and Wendys’ in the general area, I’d like one more convenient for residents who live off of Second Loop like me!
Looks like there’s a new building going up on Second Loop. They have the foundation outlined and are beginning to get ready for the footings.
Anybody know what’s going on in the empty lot on Second Loop Road? There were people out there surveying or something this morning. It’s the lot where the old skate park used to be, kind of near Pizza Hut takeout.
Also, what’s going on at Ruby’s orner? There are stakes all around like it has been sold.
Spell check on my last post!!!….Proprietorship! (gotta love auto-correct!)
Corona is still alive and kickin’ under new proprietorasship. They are working really hard to improve the atmosphere and the food, and it’s working! Everything I’ve ordered has been fresh and yummy! They have a chicken and rice soup (not on the menu) that is just what the doctor ordered when you’re feeling under the weather. Hunks of white meat chicken and rice in broth, topped with just enough pico de gallo to add a little sinus-opening heat! My new favorite is a fresh spinach quesedilla with fajita style grilled peppers, mushrooms, and onions. (also not on the menu…they make it at my request!) You can add chicken or shrimp if you like, but it’s perfect just like it is! They are such nice people, and are so eager to please. Try them again. They’ll definitely be one of your new-old favorites!
I also heard that a sports park, mostly soccer fields, is going to be built near I95 and Hwy76. If this is true, what sorts of development do you think we’ll see at that exit? I would like to think that we’ll have a new hotel or two, probably some more eating establishments and maybe some light retail. If this happens I will be the first to say good riddance to much of the garbage that is out that way now.
I see that they have started construction (or at least lot clearing, etc) in the lot next to Buffalo Wild Wings at Magnolia Mall. Is this the long-rumored Chipotle coming to town or something completely different? Additionally, I see that there is a sold sign on the lot next to the small strip mall where La Bamba and Burger Bar is. Anyone know of anything going on there?
Finally, I know that I mentioned awhile back that the former PrimeTime was sold and a new bar/restaurant was to open there in mid-January. However, I haven’t seen any activity at the site. Did I maybe have my information wrong on the time frame?
Have tried Struttin Turkey. Not impressed. In fact, rather disappointed. First of all, they advertise that they have sandwiches and all sorts of options yet they wouldn’t let me get just a sandwich; the only choice we had was to eat from the buffet. However, that did allow me to try various things and I hate to say it but there was nothing I had that was worth a second trip. Would be interested to hear others’ opinions.
I love the mindset Bryan has! I agree with him!
Were getting a Chipolte in front of the mall sometime this year
Sounds like a good plan to me Bryan. Where do we begin?
Long time browser first time poster, got some pretty good news on the Publix front. They are indeed looking at building Florence received an email yesterday from the gentleman over location planning. I believe this forum is a very good place where we can come up with companies we believe should come here. Prime example there are smaller cities with stores such as Dillards ex Anderson….small population smaller mall but have a Dillards or like Aiken I hear they are getting a Lowes foods. So lets be proactive come up with are list and start bombarding these places to let them know we have the population and the resources to support these companie. It’s 2013 lets make Florence the city that we all know it has the potential to be.
Sweetleigh’s is SO GOOD! Well worth the money.
Congratulations on your Rebel Pie win Flossip! Great pizza!
And just a plug for Sweetleigh’s Cakes….if you haven’t tried them, you should. Awesome cakes! They make jar cakes that are for sale weekly , I think, at Sweet Serenity. If not weekly…often. Their FB page will tell you when he (owner Mark Palmer) takes more jar cakes to Sweet Serenity and what kind he takes. A must try!
A Publix would be wonderful in Florence, at the Pig’s location. I always thought that store did a good business though, really weird to see it close.
Our World Market here is across from our mall, but I’ve never seen one in a mall either. I would hate for those stores to close, I actually like Magnolia Mall a lot better than Citadel Mall here in Chas (it’s dated and so many stores have closed or moved to the outlets).
Here is the obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/florencenews/obituary.aspx?n=pannee-miles-wise-ann&pid=161994681
She was having heart problems.
!!!! I cannot believe Anne has passed! Does anyone know what happened? I sure hope the restaurant stays open, always great food, and great service by Anne and her staff, I will miss her!
Sandra, the owner, Ann, died on Christmas Day.
Any idea what happened to Anne’s Kitchen? Was closed due to family emergency and today there are funeral flowers at the front door? Wonderful place and the family is so nice.
Hate to see The Pig close on 2nd Loop. It always makes me worry that when stores like that close, more things at the same location will start closing up as well and leave another vacated lot. Hopefully Publix or something equally as good will consider that location soon.
If you’re interested in Struttin’ Turkey, I found out they have a menu on their FB page. Click in the area around where their address is and it will bring their menu up. It looks very good as far as what they will have.
While they would be absolutely wonderful, I can’t see a World Market or HH Gregg coming to the Magnolia Mall. I haven’t seen either of those connected to malls. Dillard’s might work, but it’s a higher class store and I can’t see it lasting long. Same with Macy’s but it probably wouldn’t last as long as Dillard’s. With talk like this, I’m afraid sooner or later the mall is going to turn into Hilton Head’s Shelter Cove Mall, where all retailers bail out of it. Since the department stores are the main attraction to the mall, the inside retailers might unfortunately lose business. Wish the Celebration Blvd. idea would have gone as planned :/
As for the Piggly Wiggly space, a Publix would be excellent! That plaza is also showing it’s age
I certainly hope that the mall doesn’t close, I’m just stating a scenario.
Wow..sorry to see that Pig closing! It was really convenient and a nice one too! But I agree…I would love to see a Publix open there! Well..I can dream
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/four-retailers-die-020900118.html
Hmmmm,….all four of these stores are in our mall. IF they were all to close maybe it would go like this. (Just Dreaming!)
Sears – Dillards
JCPenny – Macy’s
Best Buy – World Market OR HH Gregg
Yep the Pig on 2nd Loop is closing and they are moving the pharmacy to the location at the Florence Mall
Struttin’ Turkey opens today.
Manager at the Pig on 2nd loop says the store will be closing on Jan. 11.
Would be a nice spot for a Publix!
Proposed Chipotle Grill….here’s proof even though they replied to me saying there wasn’t one planned…hmmmm? http://www.preit.com/leasing/detail/plans/29
Hope everyone has/had a wonderful Christmas! Flossip…thank you for your site and looking forward to another year!
@J……that would definitely hurt business! lol
Roma Oven closed a few months ago, besides they were rude and did not really care for the customers at all.
Was told today that the place on Pamplico near Sweet Frog with the Myami license in the window is for a nail salon rather than another restaurant. The same family owns that Nail Artisan place on David McLeod Blvd. and are apparently opening another location. This isn’t exactly confirmed but it does make more sense given the size.
Also, Roma Oven has closed. “Available’ sign out front.
And didn’t someone post that Corona’s had closed awhile back? It’s still open so did I misunderstand that one?
Flossip…..love the new logo!
Is there anywhere in Florence for middle aged people to go out and have a few drinks and dance that is not a sports bar?
Men’s Wearhouse is now open! Grand Opening!! Near Petsmart!
Thanks Larry! That certainly clears things up doesn’t it? lol I have to admit I’m a little surprised cause they don’t seem to have a constant, busy business enough to warrant opening a second place and like Fran said, it will certainly be much smaller. I do hope that’s the case though rather than moving.
Plus that place would be much smaller I think than where they are now?
Hmm..I think its great since I live in S. Florence and like Myami’s but wonder if it is a 2nd place or if they are just moving? Hate to see empty buildings when places just move.
@Lou, nope..took a picture: http://lfalck.posterous.com/japanese-steakhouse-coming-to-pamplico-highwa
Just heard from a good source that Pita Pit is looking to open in Florence and they are looking at something on 2nd Loop.
@Larry….had lunch at Myami’s today and asked two people who work there and they knew nothing about opening another restaurant. I know that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not happeing but is it possible you misread the name?
Miyami Japanese is coming to the shopping center with Sweet Frog and Jimmy John’s on Pamp. Hwy. There’s a business license permit in the window.
@Shannon you seem to have an inside connection
So….I heard Publix was looking at a lot on Celebration but it got tied up in litigation? Do I have something to look forward to? Is Publix looking to come to Florence?
Forgot to mention…. With Big Lots, It would be nice for them to be some where new and start fresh but like I said before with the staff that don’t have honor or whatever in where they work it will just be more space for them to not clean up. Unless management does something and gets rid of people like the one they have who doesn’t put anything away properly and feels it isn’t his/her responsibility to leave the register to clean or even answer a phone, then things will be the same they are now just in more space.
Sorry I haven’t read the comments here in a bit.
Umm, I have been to Out of Bounds. It is like every other bar in this town. I wouldn’t call it a grill because they don’t really supply food, it is more like if while you are drinking if you want to snack on something they will tell you what they have on hand at the moment and you can pick. This is an area of the business that needs a bit of work. On the bar side of things, they have the basics in bottles and drafts and the last time I heard they were trying to expand their types of mixed drinks and shots available. The owners really want to fix up the place and make it better since they took over but unfortunately I think the people in this town that look to be bartenders and such just don’t show the drive to help a business be better they are just looking at the money they can take home in that day, but if the staff would help the owners get things where they want it they could make more money because more people would go.
Opps sorry for my soapbox there…
@Ryan Big Lots is not moving as of now. Apparently the lease negotiations fell apart. Something about the new facility changing the agreement already negotiated. Besides Publix would never go where the old Wal-Mart was anyway.
What happened to the Big Lots move? I can’t wait for them to move to a nicer, more convenient place, but I would also like to see a grocery store like Publix in the old Walmart space, too.
@Fran. I heard from a very reputable source that Chipotle’s is coming. As to Soapy Rides I think they were connected to the Sweepstakes place next door to make it look legitimate. I’ve noticed that most of the Sweepstakes places that were open closed after a few got raided.
Went to Jersey Boyz Pizzaria yesterday and the pizza was awesome! It reminds me of Primo’s at Verandah Cafe. The atmosphere is fair, but it’s a bit small.
what is up with the soapy rides car wash? i haven’t seen it operating lately. are they closed in the cold weather?
Looks like George’s Funnel Cakes, near Irby Street Walmart is closed.
Thanks Jon and Shannon…both good information!
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