В Монкз-Корнер начинается новая волна инвестиций: открываются сети Chipotle, Cook Out и Subway

MONCKS CORNER — There’s a common real estate phrase that retail follows rooftops, and that couldn’t be truer for this Berkeley County town. Moncks Corner saw its population grow by 11.5 percent in the last year. And along with residents moving in, there has been a steady flow of business openings this year — ranging from the 28-inch pizza spot Benny Ernesto’s to the sushi restaurant Rollin Local. And there’s a lot more on the way. Some spots are slated to open soon while others that are still waiting to break ground. Community Development Director Justin Westbrook said the town has been seeing a lot of growth along Route 52, in particular — from the Foxbank Town Center near Cypress Gardens to the North end of town by Walmart. “We’re starting to get the second wave of investment — and that’s where things really get exciting for Moncks Corner,” he said. Cook Out The popular Southeastern fast‑food chain known for its chargrilled burgers and barbecue trays made its debut Sept. 1. The Moncks Corner spot is the chain’s first spot in Berkeley County, located at 646 Rembert C. Dennis Blvd., across from Arby’s and Food Lion in Moncks Corner. This location has a unique design with the state flag on the sides of the building — an extra touch the town pushed for to “fit into the town’s character,” Westbrook said. Panda Express The nation’s largest Asian restaurant chain expects to open its newest Berkeley County spot on Sept. 10. Panda Express has more than 20 locations across South Carolina, including North Charleston and Goose Creek. The new restaurant is located at 2745 Highway 52, near the Foxbank Town Center area and the Cypress Gardens intersection, beside McDonald’s. Aldi The German-owned discount grocer is building a new store at 613 N. Highway 52, near the intersection of Highway 17A and Anglers Drive, across from Chick-fil-A and Walmart. Plans filed with the town call for a 20,664-square-foot store on about 4.5 acres, with an additional 1,870 square feet reserved for a future expansion. Aldi has not yet announced an opening date for the latest location, but Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton Jr. shared a project update on social media Aug. 10, saying construction is moving along with the roof section delivered that week. Known for its no-frills shopping model, discount brands and its quarter cart-rental system, the Moncks Corner location will be Aldi's second store in Berkeley County. The chain currently operates a store in Goose Creek off Saint James Avenue. Chipotle and Aspen Dental Moncks Corner’s first Chipotle is slated for 607 N. Highway 52 near the upcoming Aldi. A restaurant spokesperson confirmed the Charleston-area location was expected to open by the end of the year. Aspen Dental is planning to open next door to the fast food joint. Tractor Supply A national retailer of farm and rural lifestyle supplies is eyeing a store at the Foxbank Town Center that is under development, according to developer Twin Rivers Capital. Tractor Supply carries farm supplies, pet and animal feed, clothing, tools, fencing and other rural essentials. The company has opened seven stores in the Charleston area since expanding to South Carolina in 2007. An unnamed national grocer, Auto Zone and Mavis Tire and Brakes are also slated for that development but have yet to be built. Bruster’s Ice Cream A new ice cream shop is coming to the Foxbank Town Center, according to leasing documents posted online by Twin Rivers Capital. It is the first of five spaces in a new commercial strip built by the developer to be leased. Subway A new Subway restaurant is coming to the Foxbank neighborhood Shops in Moncks Corner. The sandwich chain will occupy the space formerly leased by Essentials, at 117 Foxbank Plantation Blvd., according to Twin Rivers Capital. With the addition of Subway, only one retail space remains available in the center. An opening date has not yet been announced. Giacobbe’s Pizzeria & Trattoria A new Italian restaurant is undergoing renovations and will be located at 108 W. Railroad Ave., according to the restaurant. More growth on the way Westbrook, the town’s community development director, said national and regional retailers are increasingly viewing Moncks Corner as a solid bet after years of residential growth. He said the right commercial mix balances the need for “rooftops, retail and restaurants.” Looking ahead, Westbrook said the town hopes to “fill in the edges of the map” between what many consider Old Moncks Corner and Foxbank, particularly along Highway 52. The Moss Grove and Weathers Tract developments, which include both housing and commercial areas, are also expected to grow in the coming years. The town is planning to hire a new business development director to attract the next wave to the town. He said adding new businesses to downtown Moncks Corner will be a focus to enliven and revitalize that area for residents, too. “The goal is a Moncks Corner where residents can meet most of their daily needs without having to drive to Goose Creek, Summerville or North Charleston,” Westbrook said.