A popular Savannah-based convenience store and fuel station chain known for its freshly made, down-home Southern-style comfort food is getting ready to open its first Florida location in Nassau County.
Parker's Kitchen expects to open in late October at 75970 William Burgess Blvd. — near the major intersection of Interstate 95 and State Road 200.
Yulee is among at least six potential Jacksonville-area locations identified in public records as in the works by the regional company and brand that is expanding its footprint beyond its coastal Georgia and South Carolina stronghold.
The Jacksonville area is a gateway to Florida for Parker's Kitchen, which plans to open a record number of stores in 2027, company leaders said in a news release announcing
the Yulee store.
Parker's Kitchen currently owns and operates 111 stores across Georgia and South Carolina.
CEO John Rudolfs said that "entering Florida represents an important step in Parker's Kitchen's long-term growth strategy."
“North Florida is a natural extension of our footprint, and we look forward to introducing Parker’s Kitchen to a new group of customers while delivering the quality, service and value that have driven our success for five decades,” Rudolfs said in the news release.
Noting the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Rudolfs said, "we’re continuing to build on a strong foundation by expanding into markets where we see meaningful opportunities for growth."
Now, the nearest Parker's Kitchen to Jacksonville is at 1215 E. King Ave., in Kingsland, Ga. It's also the chain's southernmost store.
Yulee location part of 'strategic expansion' into Florida
As the Yulee store nears completion, the company is beginning work on its first locations in Jacksonville.
On Sept. 25, Parker's Kitchen received a city site clearing/preparation permit for a nearly 10-acre tract at 11205 Alta Drive in North Jacksonville. Currently undeveloped, the property is north of Interstate 295, east of Alta Drive and south of Faye Road.
And in Arlington, a demolition permit was issued Feb. 24 for the former CVS pharmace at 9100 Atlantic Blvd., where Parker's Kitchen is planning another convenience store and fuel station.
Six Florida sites are expected to be under construction in the first quarter of 2027, with more to follow, according to the Parker's Kitchen news release. The company's goal is to open 12 new retail stores in Florida before the end of 2027, including one truck stop, according to its "dynamic growth strategy."
Parker's Kitchen hasn't announced it, but public records indicate that the company is also exploring locations at 8771 Baymeadows Road on the Southside, 7481 Wilson Blvd. on the Westside, and 1201 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park.
Homestyle Southern-inspired comfort food tops the menu
Parker's Kitchen offers a hot bar offering freshly-made breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Grab-and-go items include freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and more.
The breakfast menu features bacon, sausage or chicken biscuit sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, catfish and grits, a breakfast bowl, burritos, egg casserole and a full breakfast platter.
Other favorites offered for lunch and dinner include the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and "hand-breaded, never-frozen, antibiotic-free Parker’s Kitchen Chicken Tenders." Side dishes range from mac & cheese to potato logs, yeast rolls and French fries. In addition, a variety of salads, as well as desserts, such as banana pudding, are offered, according to the menu.
Each store offers electronic ordering kiosks and indoor seating.
Founded in Midway, Ga., in 1976, Parker’s Kitchen has earned nationwide recognition and accolades.
The company was listed on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies for the ninth time in August. Parker's ranked No. 4,693 on the list based on the percentage of revenue growth over three years, from 2022 to 2025.
In 2020, the company was named the Convenience Store Chain of the Year by Convenience Store Decisions, which is considered the industry’s highest honor. In addition, Parker's Kitchen has been honored twice by USA TODAY as a Top Workplace.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Parker’s Kitchen to open first Florida store in Yulee in October
