Florence, SC, October 11, 2025
The Morgan Companies
The Morgan Companies, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a prominent real estate development firm with a diverse portfolio that includes hotels, office buildings, and tenant-anchored properties. Established as a leader in commercial real estate, the company is dedicated to developing high-quality projects that meet community needs and foster economic growth. Their ongoing expansion and strategic investments have positioned them as a key player in regional development, particularly in the southeastern United States. With a focus on creating vibrant retail and commercial spaces, The Morgan Companies strives to enhance local communities through thoughtfully planned developments and strong partnerships.
News Summary
The Morgan Companies is set to develop a new shopping center in Florence, SC, featuring a 47,000-square-foot Publix grocery store and Parker’s Kitchen. Located at the intersection of West Palmetto Street and South Ebenezer Road, the center will include additional retail space and aims to enhance local shopping options. Construction is expected to start in October 2025 and be completed by late 2026, creating approximately 650 jobs in the region.
Florence, SC
The Morgan Companies has announced plans to develop a new shopping center in Florence, South Carolina, anchored by a Publix grocery store. The project, located at the intersection of West Palmetto Street (U.S. Highway 76) and South Ebenezer Road, will also feature a Parker’s Kitchen, expanding its presence in the region.
The shopping center will include a 47,000-square-foot Publix supermarket as its main draw, along with an additional 18,000 square feet of retail space. Parker’s Kitchen, a convenience store chain famed for its Southern-inspired cuisine, will open its first location in Florence at this site.
According to Trey Morgan, president of The Morgan Companies, securing Parker’s Kitchen is a crucial step towards establishing a premier retail destination for the Florence community. The land for the shopping center has already been acquired, with construction slated to kick off in October 2025 and anticipated completion by late 2026.
The project will be financed by United Community Bank, which will serve as the construction lender. Parker’s Kitchen has a rich history, initially opening in Savannah in 1976 and expanding to approximately 100 locations throughout Georgia and South Carolina. The convenience chain is recognized for its made-from-scratch Southern dishes, such as fried chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese.
Parker’s Kitchen is also making a significant investment in the region, with plans to open over 20 stores along the Grand Strand within the next few years, contributing around 650 jobs to the Myrtle Beach area. In addition, Columbia, SC, will see a similar Publix-anchored shopping center featuring Parker’s Kitchen in the Elgin area.
In a recent online poll conducted in March 2024, 53% of Florence residents indicated a desire for a Publix grocery store in their community, highlighting the demand for such facilities in the town. Leasing opportunities remain available at Palmetto Place for interested retailers. Potential tenants can reach out to Wes Thurmond or Robey Spratt at Atlantic Retail for leasing inquiries.
Project Highlights
- Location: Intersection of West Palmetto Street and South Ebenezer Road, Florence, SC
- Anchor Store: Publix supermarket (47,000 sq ft)
- Additional Retail Space: 18,000 sq ft
- Parker’s Kitchen: First Florence location
- Construction Start: October 2025
- Projected Completion: Late 2026
- Construction Lender: United Community Bank
Background Context
Parker’s Kitchen has been catering to customers with fresh Southern cuisine since 1976 and has become a favorite in the areas it operates. The convenience store is well-known for its quick service and quality food, making it an appealing option for those on the go. The establishment of new locations in Florence and along the Grand Strand is part of the company’s ongoing expansion strategy, aimed at bringing more job opportunities and convenience to local communities.
The Morgan Companies, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has a robust portfolio that includes hotels, office buildings, and tenant-anchored properties, demonstrating its commitment to developing commercial real estate that meets community needs.
FAQ
What is being developed in Florence, SC?
The Morgan Companies is developing a Publix-anchored shopping center at the intersection of West Palmetto Street and South Ebenezer Road, featuring an additional Parker’s Kitchen location.
When is construction expected to begin at this site?
Construction is expected to start in October 2025 and be completed by late 2026.
How large will the shopping center be?
The shopping center will feature a 47,000-square-foot Publix as the anchor store, along with an additional 18,000 square feet of retail space.
Is there interest from retailers for leasing opportunities?
Yes, leasing opportunities are available at the Palmetto Place shopping center. Interested retailers can contact Wes Thurmond or Robey Spratt at Atlantic Retail for inquiries.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West Palmetto Street and South Ebenezer Road, Florence, SC |
| Anchor Store | 47,000 sq ft Publix Supermarket |
| Additional Retail Space | 18,000 sq ft |
| Parker’s Kitchen | First location in Florence |
| Construction Start | October 2025 |
| Completion Date | Late 2026 |
| Construction Lender | United Community Bank |
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Additional Resources
- CoStar: Developer Acquires Site for Publix-Anchored Retail Center in Florence, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Parker’s Kitchen to Open in Florence, SC
- Google Search: Florence SC retail development
- Island Packet: Real Estate News in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florence
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
