By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
A longtime fixture on North Main Street is coming down as Woodruff continues to experience commercial growth.
Demolition crews recently began tearing down the former car wash located beside Handee Mart on North Main Street. The site is expected to become a new retail shopping center featuring three commercial spaces.
According to information provided to The Woodruff Times, two of the planned tenants will be Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts. The third space has not yet been officially announced.
News of the project generated significant discussion on social media, with residents expressing a wide range of opinions about the future of the site. While some welcomed the addition of new businesses, many used the opportunity to share what they would like to see come to Woodruff.
One of the most common requests was for an additional grocery store. Numerous residents mentioned Aldi, Ingles, Publix, Harris Teeter, Walmart Neighborhood Market, and Lidl as businesses they would like to see locate in the area. Several commenters noted that Food Lion is currently the city’s only traditional grocery store and said another option would be beneficial as the community continues to grow.
Others suggested the city could benefit from additional services such as an urgent care center, a movie theater, clothing stores, family entertainment venues, or restaurants that offer breakfast and late-night dining options.
Not everyone was enthusiastic about the possibility of another pizza restaurant. Several residents pointed out that Woodruff already has multiple pizza establishments and questioned whether another one was needed. Others, however, welcomed the addition of Domino’s and expressed excitement about having a Dunkin’ Donuts location in town.
The demolition also brought back memories for some longtime residents. Several commenters reflected on spending time at the car wash over the years, recalling it as a gathering place where friends met, music was played, and memories were made.
The discussion also highlighted an important point raised by several residents: while city officials oversee zoning, permitting, and infrastructure, private developers ultimately decide what projects to build and which businesses to recruit as tenants. Retailers also make their own decisions about where to locate based on population, traffic counts, available property, and market conditions.
Whether residents are excited about the new development or hoping for different businesses in the future, the project is another visible sign of the growth occurring along the North Main Street corridor.
Construction is expected to begin following demolition and site preparation.
Yay I love those two options, donut place will be great if they can get people to work!! Excited about the growth!!