The news today from Bruster’s Ice Cream store in Evans hit customer Patricia Newsome Price… well… like a Chocolate Mudslide of ice cream with chunks of toppings. She may take the owner up on his offer of a free scoop to enjoy one last cone at her favorite spot.
She and hundreds of other Facebook friends responded with sadness to the news.
Franchisee Steve Foushee received and accepted an offer to sell the land on North Belair Road near Washington Road.
“I’m going to REALLY miss Brusters, Evans location. My great-granddaughter, Riley is going to be upset, she loves Brusters. I’m sure when we’re in the Agerton Lane area, we will be dropping by.” Price said with many creative emojis.
Foushee says the Agerton Road store across the Regal 20 Cinema’s will remain open though it wasn’t clear who would own that shop.
Price’s other comment also resonated with many customers disappointed by the news.
“I really hope KFC is not a flop this time around in Evans,” she said.
Price is referring to the closure of KFC’s and a short-lived experiment of sorts by a KFC franchisee who built a store on Washington Road in Evans in what is now the Sherwin Williams store.
The Wingate family used to own multiple KFC stores. The timing of their grand opening there in 2009 coincided with a corporate decision to allow Oprah Winfrey to giveaway (2) free pieces of grilled chicken and (2) free sides to every person in America.
Abuse occurred and franchisees were financially devastated including Wingate, who closed that store after about 3 years. He eventually closed other Columbia County stores. The one on Columbia Road is a Zaxby’s. Another at the county line on Furys Ferry Road is Barney’s Pharmacy and one was also closed in Grovetown.
Facebook fans also questioned the need for another chicken restaurant in Evans— as a new one, Slim Chickens is set to open this summer a block away across Washington Road—while Zaxby’s, Bojangles, Popeyes, and Chic-Fil-A are all within a 5-minute drive.
Here’s an excerpt of Foushee’s statement on his Facebook page:
“We hope you will continue to support us at our Augusta store located at 1115 Agerton Lane. Please be on the lookout for our Concession truck. We will use Facebook to keep you posted on where we will be and we will continue to make frequent stops all over the Evans area. If you would like us to make a stop at your neighborhood or place of business, please give us a call at 706-731-9929.
Our Evans store will officially close Friday, June 11 at 11:00 PM. As a way of thanking the Evans community, we will offer free single-serving ice cream cones to everyone who visits our Evans store between the hours of 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM on our last day of business.
“Thank you all!”
He also added that partners “Augusta To Go” and “Waitr” will deliver the ice cream if traveling to the Augusta store isn’t convenient.
Faithful Bruster’s customer, Nicole Beasley says her family will adjust to her limited choice of Bruster’s.
“Oh no, but hey we always receive great customer service from both, so no issues here just longer to get to that tasty Butter Pecan ice cream. My fiancé just said now more stops in Hobby Lobby, Target, Kirkland’s, and The Christmas Tree.”
