(SAVANNAH, GA) Enmarket, a convenience store chain with operations in three states, has purchased Joker Joe’s Truck Stop in Hardeeville, S.C., a move that expands the company’s reach in a key market that extends from Savannah to Charleston, S.C.
Savannah-based Enmarket will assume operations of Joker Joe’s on Thursday, Sept. 6. In addition to growing the retailer’s services and territory served, the purchase will significantly enlarge its diesel fuel business.
“This acquisition is a strategic move for us as we have plans to expand our diesel business through new to industry construction,” said Brett Giesick, Enmarket’s president. “But more than that, it is another example of our commitment to further build our brand in the Southeast by filling in the geography from Savannah to Charleston with a strong Enmarket presence in convenience stores, restaurants, and truck stops.”
The new Enmarket store is located just north of Savannah on Interstate 95 at exit 8 in Hardeeville, SC. The busy interchange at US Highway 278 serves as the gateway to Hilton Head Island and the South Carolina Lowcountry.
The 13,000-square-foot facility, which includes nine diesel lanes, will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week while the building and nine-acre property go through a significant remodel.
Improvements will include an enlarged trucker’s lounge, showers, truck scales and laundry equipment as well as a resurfaced parking lot and overnight parking for over-the-road and RV drivers. The updated convenience store will feature freshly prepared hot and cold grab-and-go food options, frozen yogurt, state-of-the-art bean-to-cup coffee brewers and an expanded cooler and beer cave. Enmarket will also continue to be an area destination for fireworks, which is what Joker Joe’s was best known for by many locals and travelers.
As part of the remodel, Enmarket will add Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, an award-winning Baja-style fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise that features plenty of seating and a full bar. Fuzzy’s Taco Shops have more than 100 franchises nationwide. It marks Enmarket’s first fast-casual style restaurant, with plans to open additional Fuzzy’s locations beginning in 2019.
“The executives at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop are thrilled to introduce the concept to the Savannah area by way of Enmarket,” Giesick continued. “The brand originated in Texas and earned a cult-like following behind a high-quality product served at an affordable price, which makes it an ideal fit for Enmarket and our customers.”
Enmarket currently operates 122 convenience stores and 14 quick-serve restaurants throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and recently doubled its presence in the region with the acquisition of 34 E-Z Shop convenience stores in the Palmetto State and 34 Clydes Markets in southeast Georgia.
ABOUT ENMARKET
Enmarket, founded as Interstate Stations by Robert Demere in 1963, is part of Savannah-based Colonial Group, Inc. The retailer operates convenience stores in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina and is expanding its diesel business, filling in the geography from Savannah to Charleston with a strong presence in full-service, 24-hour auto and truck stops. The company is committed to giving back to the community through many charitable contributions and volunteer efforts, offering fresh food, healthy snacks, and competitively priced quality fuel as part of its mission to enrich life. Enmarket currently employs more than 1,200 people and operates 122 convenience stores and 14 quick-serve restaurants as the 54th largest convenience store operator in the country. www.enmarket.com
