News Summary
Murphy USA is constructing a new convenience store at 7711 Two Notch Road in Columbia, where a Hooters restaurant formerly operated. The site, now cleared for construction, is strategically located near several popular dining establishments and boasts heavy traffic, with approximately 31,000 vehicles passing daily. Murphy USA plans to enhance convenience in the area with its new store, which will include fuel pumps and support local growth amid competition from other convenience chains.
Columbia Welcomes New Convenience Store at Former Hooters Site
Murphy USA is in the process of constructing a new convenience store at 7711 Two Notch Road in Columbia, a location that was previously the site of a Hooters restaurant. The Hooters establishment closed its doors in June 2024, with demolition of the building now complete as construction for the new store gets underway. There is currently no public announcement regarding the opening date for the Murphy USA store.
Location and Traffic Insights
The new convenience store is strategically placed on a high-traffic commercial corridor, directly in front of a Home Depot and situated conveniently north of Interstate 20 and south of Interstate 77. According to data from the state Department of Transportation, approximately 31,000 vehicles pass by this section of Two Notch Road each day, underscoring its potential for high customer turnout.
Surrounding Businesses
Several popular dining options are located in proximity to the new Murphy USA site, including Chili’s, Fazoli’s, Chick-fil-A, and IHOP. This clustering of restaurants contributes to the likelihood that the convenience store will attract foot traffic from nearby patrons looking for quick services.
Murphy USA’s Expansion Plans
Murphy USA operates around 1,600 convenience stores throughout the United States and has an expanding presence in South Carolina’s Midlands area. The new store will join other planned Murphy Express stations currently under construction in the Columbia area, including a nearly completed location at 3000 Two Notch Road. The new 2,800-square-foot Murphy Express will include eight fuel pumps, enhancing the convenience for consumers in the region.
Closure of Hooters and Market Dynamics
The Hooters restaurant’s closure represents a significant shift in the Columbia dining landscape, as it marks the brand’s complete exit from the market. Alongside the closure in June 2024 on Two Notch Road, another Hooters location on Fernandina Road has ceased operations. This has opened the door for new opportunities, such as Murphy USA’s expansion, especially as competition increases from other convenience store chains like QuikTrip and 7-Eleven.
Future Developments
A third Murphy Express location is also under construction within the Cedar Terrace shopping center, following zoning approval in 2020. This indicates that Columbia is being prioritized by Murphy USA in its growth strategy, aligning with their response to the regional demand for convenience retail options.
As Murphy USA continues to enhance its footprint in Columbia and its surrounding communities, locals can expect the introduction of new shopping and fueling options, catering to the needs of a growing customer base.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Convenience store
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Convenience Store
- Reuters
- Google News: Murphy USA Columbia convenience store
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