Ingles has plans for a new Bryson City store. The plans include an iMarket gas station
Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Got super grocery store envy? Swain County residents might not need to for much longer. Ingles seems to be moving forward with its plans for a new store at its current location at US 19 and Hughes Branch Road in Bryson City.
Nate Bowe, Bryson City town engineer, met with company representatives last week to discuss improvements to the sewer system in that area.
“That meeting went well. We got a proposal from them to partner on some sewer improvements to be taken up by the town board,” Bowe said. “I tried to push them on what can I tell folks on when are you coming here? I couldn’t get a good answer except that this is the next project on their list.”
No answers have come on a timeline beyond the indication this store is the next big project on the corporation’s construction list for western North Carolina.
Bowe said after the meeting, he “feels encouraged they are moving forward.”
New traffic pattern
As part of the plan, Ingles was required to conduct a traffic study with North Carolina Department of Transportation. Last week, Brody Sitton, assistant district engineer for District 14, said the state agency has approved the installation of a traffic signal at US 19 and Hughes Branch Road and approved a driveway project with Ingles.
“The phasing is still undetermined and is in design,” he said.
Sitton explained the plans include a new traffic light at Hughes Branch Road. There will still be a driveway into Ingles also off of US 19, where those leaving the parking lot can turn right but will no longer be able to left out of the lot. Drivers will also still be able to turn left or right from US 19 into the lot, according to the current plans, he said.
Gas station, bigger
store in the plans
In spring 2021, Ingles representatives shared the plans with Bryson City town board. Those plans include a larger store at 88,500 square feet that will include a soup and salad bar, and a Chopsticks bar in addition to a sandwich bar and hot bar. The store will also have a Starbucks coffee shop inside. Other upgrades include wider aisles, according to that presentation.
In addition to the expanded store, Ingles has plans for a gas station at the site. Also in the plans are retail spaces in the shopping center, one at 20,000 square feet, as well as an 8,000 and 4,000 square-foot space.
At that time, the planners had said they anticipated construction within the year, but the only work that has since been completed on that front has been the demolition of an unused adjoining storefront at the grocery store. The company has been mum on why the project hasn’t progressed more quickly. Construction supply expenses and permitting could have been part of the holdup.
Ingles has not responded to Smoky Mountain Times as of press time for this story.