BAM IS BACK!
My years covering CSRA business tells me that when businesses’ “temporarily close” and say they’ll re-open—they usually don’t. It’s happened with Sunshine Bakery in downtown Augusta, Moe’s on Washington Road in National Hills and in about 9 out of 10 situations.
So, when Books-A-Million announced it was closing its Aiken Mall store in July so they could find a better option, I was understandably skeptical.
ABD’S learned that the national chain will be retrofitting the old Aaron’s Rental store in the Kalmia Plaza next to Hibbet Sports in Aiken.
We’re told BAM will not be able to open in time for holiday shopping, but hopes to be open in time for Valentine’s Day in February 2022.
RHINEHART’S EAST???
It’s so hard to replicate what the Bailey’s have done for decades with their Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar. There is a Southeast chain that is slowly inching towards Richmond and Columbia County to compete.
With stores in Charleston, Myrtle Beach (coming soon), Florence and Warner Robins— you wonder if they’ll take on Rhinehart’s directly.
Tasty Crab House serves shrimp, crab legs, seafood boil and many other seafood choices with a distinct, Cajun flavor. Once the Aiken store is open, they’ll have 14 locations up and down the East Coast from New York to Florida.
TRENDY PET STORE MOVES
Woof Gang Bakery is moving to the National Hills Shopping Center according to agent Scrott Brantley of the Beman Group from Blanchard and Calhoun’s Commercial Division.
B&C convinced Woof Gang to move down Washington Road from its’ Washington Crossing location to better serve its customers in nearby neighborhoods like on the Hill.
Woof Gang is leasing 1700 feet and be close to Fresh Market—a like-minded grocery store.
Whole Foods used to be in Washington Crossing by Woof Gang Bakery.
WGF does pet grooming, dog and cat food and supplies and dispenses nutritional advices for your furry friends.