TheTandD.com | New retail stores planned behind IHOP

New retail stores planned behind IHOP

By GENE ZALESKI, T&D Staff Writer Thursday, June 28, 2007

An Orangeburg automobile dealer says he plans to develop a retail shopping area behind the North Road International House of Pancakes and the Dollar Tree.

Jimmy Guthrie Jr., owner of Superior Honda and Superior Motors on U.S. 301 North, purchased about 15 acres of land 1.5 years ago to develop about five acres for a possible retail outlet or maybe a movie theatre.

"Orangeburg is wide open for a lot of things," Guthrie said. "It is a good location. My understanding is that it (the North Road area) has the highest traffic flow in town."

"It is a long-term project," Guthrie said, explaining there are no specific retailers lined up at this time. Guthrie declined to speculate on when the project may be completed.

Currently, the land is being cleared and all the permitting and other procedures are underway to prepare the land for development. Following the preparations, discussions will begin with potential customers, Guthrie said.

In addition to the land behind IHOP, Guthrie said he owns about 60 acres on U.S. 301 near the Orangeburg Athletic Club which could be developed in the future or sold.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be used by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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44 comment(s)

The following comments are reader submitted. They do not represent the views of The T&D or Lee Enterprises.

bell wrote on Jul 26, 2007 6:33 PM:

" A new movie theater GREAT!!! Everyone keeps talking about what Orangeburg does and doesn't have. You're right! The theater we have now sucks. I went and saw the new Harry Potter movie recently and personally had to go and get the manager from his office to correct the screen. (Meanwhile he was relaxing in the office in what appeared to be his pajamas)I almost fell out in the floor, I couldn't believe it. However, I also keep reading about what Orangeburg DOESN'T have. I believe I even read that a new skating rink would be of interest. Well HELLO?? We have a skating rink here, and for those of you who haven't taken the time to check out; well maybe you need to. My kids go there quite regularly and they love it. They now have laser tag, a indoor soft playground for the toddlers and they even have redemption style arcades now (like Frankies, and Chuckie Cheese has). Whoever this guy is that bought the rink out certainly knew what he was doing. He has completely renovated the skating rink inside and out. And he even has further plans for the future for things like go-carts and even putt-putt. Maybe if we all took the time to back some of the retailers we already have in town things might begin to look a little better around her. "

batb67 wrote on Jul 23, 2007 3:05 PM:

" There is a valid reason why Orangeburg WILL NOT get the retail stores and restaurants that we would all like to have here. A few weeks ago, in another newspaper, Orangeburg County ranked 5th highest in the state for poverty. It is quite evident when you visit the eating and retail establishments we have now how true that is. The building are nasty and not very well maintained in most cases and the staff are not well educated and SLOW! I work in production management for a local company and it is hard to find people that WANT to work. We keep on average 1 out of every 6 we hire for more than a year (and my company offers health, dental and disabilty insurance as well as 401k). There is no person working for minimum wage. The work force in Orangeburg is lazy, uneducated and plain sorry. I will CONTINUE to travel east or west on I-26 for entertainment, or a good meal. You wonder why there are so many dollar stores and check cashing places. Take a look around. It is not going to get any better!! "

beast wrote on Jul 23, 2007 11:43 AM:

" Check this out. This guy is blogging about a lot of the stuff you are all talking about on a day-to-day basis. http://thetandd.com/blogs/?cat=4 "

confisussum wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:54 AM:

" Will I disagree with "dirty's" assessment of the majority of our citizens being trashy, I do agree that these quick loan establishments prey on the demographics of this community. They are a scourge that needs to be eradicated. As these legal "loan sharks" take advantage of the disadvantaged, they move them more towards the inability to be self sufficient. Until classes on financial responsibility are mandatory prior to borrowing, the uneducated will fall victim to high interest rates and unscrupulous collection policies. It is apparent that many equate the notion of "wanting", with "needing". There is a HUGE difference. When this difference is realized, there will be no need for these predators. "

atl wrote on Jul 20, 2007 9:43 AM:

" Dirty Sanchez you can include yourself with the bunch of ignorant non-educated people because your grammar and spelling needs some work also. Talking about the pot calling the kettle black! lol "

swillabill wrote on Jul 19, 2007 9:31 PM:

" Not one big name company will locate to a city whose published population is 13,000. While we all know that there are alot more people here than that, these companies do not. Instead of painting first grade murals on non used alley ways, they should try to attract more business to the business corridors. Downtown is DEAD, accept it and move on. "

dirty sanchez wrote on Jul 19, 2007 5:47 PM:

" The reason these dollar stores and check cashers keep showing up is because thats what type of people we have in this city. Quit complaining about what you are. If you want to do something your going to have to change before the city does. The reason we can't have anything nice is because the fine citizens tear everything up. Who wants to bring a nice store to a place where they will be terrorized and stolen from. "

dirty sanchez wrote on Jul 19, 2007 3:41 PM:

" I'll tell you why no one wants to bring there businesses to Orangeburg. Look at the makeup of our city, it is nothing but a bunch of ignorant, non-educated, trashy people... all of this stuff you guys are talking about- most of you couldn't afford it. For example, just look at you grammar and spelling in some of these comments. "

MizzShan wrote on Jul 17, 2007 7:12 PM:

" The ideas are already pretty good with the Dave and Buster's and Krystal and other stores. If Orangeburg going to do a major upgrade it needs: A Kohl's Circuit City Relocate JCPenney and make it as big or bigger as the one in the Shops of Sandhill in Columbia. A 15 screen theater Ross Ikea Yamato's Hobby Lobby Target Outback Steakhouse CookOut (an excellent burger chain in NC, I wonder if we get one in O'burg...) Old Navy TJ Maxx Marshalls Fashion Bug Home Depot California Dreaming Bally Total Fitness Putt Putt golf and games If we get some of these, then we will be on the right track. "

eorussell wrote on Jul 16, 2007 12:05 PM:

" What Orangeburg needs is: 1. A Publix 2. A Kroger 3. Either a White Castle or a Krystal 4. A Target 5. A Home Depot 6. An Arbys 7. A Chic-fil-A And to put us on the MAP: An IMAX theatre. "

fhsmct wrote on Jul 14, 2007 3:10 PM:

" Call me crazy but there is a simple, tried and true solution to this inventory pilferage problem: stop letting thieves off th hook by simply firing them. After the 1st couple of successful prosecutions, the message will become crystal clear. Also, the remark about college students is unwarranted. It comes across as an implication that our local college student population is devoid of moral courage. You simply can't make such a broad based, paint them all alike, indictment! Also, the other hidden message that so clearly is hidden in that comment is a sad indication that some things still, regretably, remain unchanged and an impediment to progress in my hometown . . . "

superfluousman wrote on Jul 14, 2007 5:55 AM:

" Things were so much better when most of the stores were run by small business people who actually owned their businesses and raised a family and sent their kids to college on what they could make with their businesses. Now we get corporate stores that take so much more than they leave. A few in town still profit, but not nearly as many as before. The Walmartization of America continues on, and we are so often told it is progress. I'm not sure that what's good for Wall Street is really good for America. But we are often fooled by the facade of "progress". I think I'm getting old. So many people now don't remember how it used to be. "

0944 wrote on Jul 11, 2007 5:50 PM:

" I think this development is a great idea for Orangeburg. Since Orangeburg is over populated and jobs are few, this will provide employment and more shopping for the residents. I also think Target, Value City and Best buy are the retailers that would provide a variety of quality merchandise at reasonable prices for Orangeburg residents. Orangeburg seem to be stuck in the 1920's when it comes to development. I applaud Mr. Guthrie. "

New2Orangeburg wrote on Jul 10, 2007 1:57 PM:

" Thank goodness for more developing. I've been here for 3 years and am finding it a very sloooooooow process. I am all for a nice, clean, updated movie theater. The old movie theater needs a serious facelift. Actually that whole strip mall by the old movies needs a facelift. A new movie theater will give myself and my family and MANY other local residents something fun to do in the area. I also think it's a great idea for teenagers because it'll keep them off the streets. There's next to nothing for kids to do in Orangeburg. It will also give stay at home mothers something to look forward to do during the day w/their children. I would also be thrilled w/the possible idea of a Target, Old Navy, Kohl's or even a Chuck E. Cheese. PlEASE NO check cashing/loan title place and NO dollar store. Orangeburg has more than enough of those. Let's make Orangeburg a nice place to live and keep our money in our hometown of Orangeburg instead of Columbia or Charleston. "

PalmettoGirl wrote on Jul 10, 2007 8:44 AM:

" I have been living here for close to three years now and I am so disappointed with the quality of life here. I refuse to let my puppy see a movie in the theater because it looks disgusting from the outside so I can only imagine what the inside looks like. It is refreshing to see some leaders with the ability to promote and bring change to the area actually do so. This community has way too many pay day lending shops and Family Dollar Stores. There is no shopping to meet the needs of those who prefer not to wait in the long lines at KMart because only two cashiers are working or those who prefer to stay out of Wal-Mart because it is filthy and dirty. The next time you are in Summerville or Columbia, visit a Walmart. Come back to Orangeburg and visit the Walmart here. You will note the serious disparities in quality. When this community start to demand more from the existing retailers already here, we will see improvements. Consumers hold the power in retail. Lets work together in bringing about change. "

wagreen1 wrote on Jul 9, 2007 10:04 PM:

" The city is in need of everything including a movie theatre and a complete makeover. The town center is disgusting. Russell street and the square need to be redeveloped. Why would anybody tear down the J.C. Penny building pave over that land and build a building to rear of that property. That is the craziest thing I have ever seen. You tear down buildings and but a stupid fence in front of it, such as by the bowling alley. That old country way of doing things is not becoming of a city or county trying to move foward. The old Winn Dixie and Eutaw Hotel need to be developed, but again there is no visionary because you don't thank outside of the nine dots. The railroad corner is also an eyesore with a train going 60 miles an hour through the heart of the city, relocate it or tunnel it. Orangeburg could be a beautiful city but unless the mindset is changed it will remain ordinary and well just Orangeburg. Please sir/mam when you build, build something that the whole community can be proud of and enjoy, there is enough second rate establishments in the burg. Think outside of the nine dots and build something, big bold and beautiful. Good Luck "

Jtucker wrote on Jul 9, 2007 4:48 PM:

" It is good to see Orangeburg is growing retail wise to catch up with its populations. I think Orangeburg would benefit from a Target, a newer resturant something simalar to Dave and Busters that would be appreciated by Adults and children, and a more up to date moive theather. This a great small step for a town that brings thousands of college students each year, and now has the attention of other cities since the Presidential Debate. "

notime wrote on Jul 9, 2007 8:48 AM:

" Just not another dollar store please! "

CarolinaGal wrote on Jul 9, 2007 8:11 AM:

" The current movie theater has beena disgrace since I was a teenager, and I'm in my 30's. Before y'all get too excited about things, lets remember Orangeburg's track record with new business. As has already been stated, Red Lobster left after they were being robbed openly by their "college student" employees. Chic Fil A came to Orangeburg several years ago performing a market survery, and for the very reason that Red Lobster left, they felt that Orangeburg was NOT a place they wanted associated with their company name. That doesn't speak so well for your fair town, now does it? Your WalMart fired half of its electronics department, from stockers to the receivers a few years ago, because of the thousands of dollars in inventory that was literally walking out the door with "good" employees. "

Orangeburg Native wrote on Jul 8, 2007 4:48 PM:

" I am so happy that someone wants to invest in the community. That movie theater has been a disgrace before I moved away from Orangeburg in 1996. It has just been accepted. If people would just stop going there, it would force a change. I believe that some type of outlet mall near I26 will thrive because Orangeburg is a good stopping point for drivers. It really would not have to totally rely on Orangeburg residents to support it. However, cutomer service is very important wherever you go. Good customer service will keep your business going. Treat that customer the way you would like to be treated, regardless of the way that person presents him or her self. The richest person could walk in looking like a bum off the street, but could spend $1 million on the spot. Hopefuy, this plan takes off and Orangeburg progresses. "

fhsmct wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:47 AM:

" An Orangeburg business person desires to invest his $$$ in the local community and some folks complain? Give me a break. Tonto: you're comparing apples and oranges. The man owns some property in a prime location and desire to develop it. That has nothing to do with public transportation, something that has been tried before but which the community need did not and probably still can not realistically support. Curious George: Traffic flow? should have considered that when the back door, smoke filled room decision was made to move the business district from down town to that corridor. Obviously: Red Lobster could have locally found responsible, capable management who could and would address the pilferage issue as well as manage and run the shop and run it well. Other, non-chain/frnachise, eating establishments have survived in O'burg and they could have, too, had they desired. Highly Upset: unless this gentleman owns the Camelot (which I get the distinct impression he doesn't), he has no obligation to fix, repair or change the conditions there. As a matter of fact, if he provides the community with an alternative that is clean, functional, provides professional customer service, it will either force the Camelot to change and improve or end up having to close from a lack of customers. Let's give this thing a chance and be thankful he has chosen to invest in the local community "

Hometown hero wrote on Jul 6, 2007 4:18 PM:

" I would like to see a chick fila or olive garden. I don't go to the movies much,so a shopping center with an old navy, or something we don't have around here would be great. I would say arbys, but i heard we are getting one on edisto drive right by dodges store. "

columbia/charleston shopper wrote on Jul 6, 2007 1:06 PM:

" It will be great to see a new movie theatre in Orangeburg as well as a few more retail stores. Let's face it, there is really nothing here for the school aged & college going folks to do, everyone that I know shop and entertain in either columbia or charleston. Orangeburg is set up for the retired community therefore our youth suffers. "

At home mom wrote on Jul 5, 2007 2:28 PM:

" Mr. Guthrie you would be all the stay at home moms hero with a new theater and maybe an aracade inside. Great idea I hope you are successful in your attempt. "

highly upset wrote on Jul 5, 2007 11:47 AM:

" the movie theatre is ridiculous. you can feel the springs from the seat which makes it very uncomfortable to sit and enjoy the movie. we have to go all the way to columbia. it is sad when they are tryin to bring more things in the area and can not fix up what they already have. take care of what you got then move on to bigger things "

tonto wrote on Jul 4, 2007 3:41 PM:

" You are worrying about a theatre, when you dont even have a way to get around.[buses] What are you going to do when the gas prices get higher. $4-5.00. Come out of the caves you are in. "

CURIOUS GEORGE wrote on Jul 3, 2007 6:24 PM:

" HAS ANYONE CONSIDERED THE TRAFFIC FLOW/PROBLEM WITH THE PROPOSE LOCATION..SEVERAL OF THE PRESENT BUSINESSES IN THE TCBY STRIP MALL DON'T APPEAR TO BE DOING THAT MUCH BUSINESS.REGARDING A NEW THEATER, DEVEOPLERS COULD PROBABLY FIND A BETTER SUITABLE LOCATION. "

obviously wrote on Jul 3, 2007 12:37 PM:

" All of these suggestions are nice, but most companies look at the track record of previous businesses and the potential employees and decide Orangeburg is not worth it. Many people remember Red Lobster leaving here years ago. This national company decided it was better to leave than to continue to absorb the theft by their employees. The decision was made after, in one weekend, over 50% of their stock was taken by employees. As this reputation gets out in the business world, they stay away. I am sure that most theatre owners figure that it is not worth it to build here, being that their concessions would be stolen or given to friends, and their facilities would be destroyed by vandalism and neglect. Until the work ethic of many area employees improves, Orangeburg will be stuck with lousy stores, nasty theaters and no customer service. "

Be realistic wrote on Jul 3, 2007 11:09 AM:

" A Target, Best Buy, Home Depot or another large store is very unlikely. Wal-mart, Rex, and Lowe's were the first to set up shop, and a town the size of Orangeburg cannot support two of these type stores so close together. More than likely, you can plan on a restaurant, a payday lender, or a wireless/cell phone company. "

City in Need of "real" Movie Theatre wrote on Jul 2, 2007 10:23 PM:

" Last week a guest and I attended a movie at Camelot 4 in Orangeburg. The experience was not a good one. The movie theatre where Shreik 3 was shown did not have a working air conditioner. Customers were instructed to go in to see if it was too hot. My guest and I went in and concluded that it was bearable and that we would see the movie. Upon my return to the desk to buy tickets, another customer was asking if the persons seeing the movie would get a discount on tickets due to the air conditioner. The attendant responded that drink refills would be free. When I purchased my tickets next, I told the attendant that I did not think refills were comparable to having to sit and watch a movie without air. The attendant then responded that Camelot 4 didn't have to provide any air conditioner to see any movie. "We beter be glad there was some." My reply to him was that in that case, Camelot 4 would have no patrons. He continued to argue until I told him that I would not argue with him. I asked for the manager's name and the employee responded "Patterson." He said that he did not know the manager's full name. I have a difficult time believing that. I later reported the situation to the manager and now feel even better letting others in Orangeburg know of this experience. On last week the local paper reported that another theatre may be coming to the Orangeburg area. With the horrible setting (dilapidated, unclean conditions) and the rudeness at Camelot 4, another theatre would close Camelot's doors. I can't think of anything better. "

disapointed movie lover wrote on Jun 30, 2007 3:33 PM:

" I think all the suggestions that I've read would be great. I especially would like to see a decent movie theatre here. My family loves movies. We have continued to go to the Camelot even though the projectors don't work half the time and the service is lousy. Mainly because we are a busy family and the ride to Columbia seems excessive when we go to see at least two movies a month. Today was the last straw for me;however, I will not go back there again. We went to see the Fantastic Four. The air conditioner in the theatre it was in was not working. I wasn't suprised. We were going to see another movie but the manager said he would only charge us half admission and we could have refills on our concessions at no charge. Needless, to say when it came time for refills on the popcorn he stated that he had not said that and that it was only the cokes he said would be refilled. We had already spent $33.00 on concessions for our group. That was just the last straw. I've decided I'd rather watch movies in a theatre where I can see and hear them and the staff is professional even if it means that we watch fewer movies because of the drive. I certainly hope that someone will build a decent theatre in Orangeburg soon, it would certainly be profitable for them. "

daisygirl wrote on Jun 30, 2007 7:40 AM:

" I think we need a new movie theater because the one we have smells, bathrooms don't work & the seats are no longer any good. I don't think we need any new stores because they come & go quickly in Orangeburg leaving more empty buildings. "

Developer wrote on Jun 28, 2007 11:47 AM:

" I think that a Bolen Alley, A new skating rink, and a movie theater combo would be a great idea not to mention something similar to a Frankie's fun Park!! Oh what fun!!!! "

mmm wrote on Jun 27, 2007 6:31 PM:

" personally fazolis would be great... maybe dave & busters - that is food and fun..... anything that we don't have now would be great. target would be awesome too... and old navy and hollister... ooh yea we definitely need a new mall. "

My two cents wrote on Jun 27, 2007 4:03 PM:

" I think a movie theater will be fine, but what about a family arcade somewhere to play a little skii ball or other arcade games. There was one in the mall and it closed down. Our youth need a place to go also and as family they could both do that maybe with a pizza shop inside (food and fun). "

Atlanta wrote on Jun 27, 2007 1:43 PM:

" THERE IS A GOD!! My hometown is in Orangeburg County and I visit Orangeburg often to attend football games at SC State. It would be nice to take in some shopping and catch a movie at a nice theater while i'm in town. Since the Orangeburg Community has several area colleges (SCSU,Claflin,OCTech,Voorhees,Denmark Tech) PLEASE, PLEASE... offer retail so that the younger people will have a place to shop. (Old Navy, Finish Line,Abercrombie& Fitch,etc) A plus size store such as Lane Bryant would do well in Orageburg also. "

Finally wrote on Jun 27, 2007 1:11 PM:

" either a target ,best buy or movie theater something where i can work at "

Sandra N. wrote on Jun 27, 2007 12:31 PM:

" TARGET! TARGET! TARGET! PLEASE! "

excited wrote on Jun 27, 2007 11:56 AM:

" Thank you Mr. Guthrie, for your interest in bringing this town new retail outlets and movie theater. I hope your plan is a sucess, I pesonally would love to drive 15 minutes instead of 45 minutes to see a movie. North Rd. is a very busy place and the more retail options the community has the better. I truly hope your plans are a sucess!!! "

kms wrote on Jun 27, 2007 11:26 AM:

" I hope they build a movie theater. I have been here all my life and I have said many times that if I had the money I would build a movie theater like the one in Summerville or Columbia with theater seats and surround sound. Orangeburg needs that and I know it would be very successful. Alot of the bigger empty buildings here could also be a good place for a theater like the empty Winn Dixie building. Glad to hear about the progress. Keep it up! "

Tiffany wrote on Jun 27, 2007 10:19 AM:

" I am also excited about this new project that is taking place. Orangeburg needs a serious make over, and it needs to allow outside retailers in besides Wal-Mart using up all the money that citizens spend. We also need a New Movie theatre because the one we have is an absolute disgrace. We have three to four major institutions here with plenty of college students who need a place to enjoy. We also need a real mall instead of that shopping center we a call a mall. Prince of Orange Mall is also a disgrace. So much of Orangeburg money is going 45 mins away to Columbia instead of right here in Orangeburg. The reason for this is because Orangeburg is having a hard time just taking the a step out of the old tradition. "

Steve wrote on Jun 27, 2007 10:13 AM:

" I think we are long over due for a new movie theater, the one we have is not worth going to because it always has problems. "

citizen wrote on Jun 26, 2007 11:08 PM:

" I think we need a new movie theater an upgrade and it could bring more people to catch movies here instead of Columbia and bring a larger theater to hold more movies than the one that is already here.Also an outlet type shopping center would be great so people would not have not to travel far to get great clothing and entertainment!! "

TW wrote on Jun 26, 2007 10:55 PM:

" I am excited. Orangeburg needs some more recreational facilities for our youth and college students. Hopefully, this will bring a higher tax base and more money into our public schools. "

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New retail stores planned behind IHOP

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