Midway, Georgia: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Business Growth
Can you believe it? It’s been half a century since a bright-eyed 21-year-old named Greg Parker opened his very first convenience store right off I-95 in Midway, Georgia. Back then, he had no clue that this small venture was the launchpad for a multi-billion dollar empire! Fast forward to today, and Parker’s Kitchen has grown to a whopping over 90 stores across Georgia and South Carolina, employing an impressive 1,600 individuals.
An Acclaimed Leader
As the founder and CEO, Parker’s leadership style is nothing short of remarkable. He’s not just building a business; he’s creating a family. His company bagged the title of Convenience Store of the Year in 2020 by Convenience Store Decisions and was hailed as a Top Workplace in 2024 by USA Today. However, what truly makes Parker stand out is his heart for giving.
A Commitment to Giving Back
Over the past eight years, Parker’s Kitchen has donated an incredible $30 million to various causes! That’s right, you heard it! Their philanthropic efforts focus on four key areas: education, hunger, health care, and most importantly, heroes. “Giving back has been part of our DNA for years, and it is part of our culture,” Parker shares enthusiastically. “Our team loves it, our customers appreciate it, and we think it’s the right thing to do.” What’s even cooler is how they plan these donations to directly impact their local communities.
Community-Oriented Programs
Knowing the importance of connection, the company recently teamed up with the Wounded Warrior Project to support local veterans. By allowing customers to round-up their purchases for donations, they raised over $300,000 for a great cause with the help of the Parker’s Community Fund. Olivia Parker, Greg’s daughter, proudly mentions, “All of that money stays right in our communities. It’s coming back to really impact the lives of injured veterans right here and their families.”
It doesn’t stop there! Back in 2011, the company launched the Fueling the Community program, which donates a percentage of gas sold to local schools every first Wednesday of the month. And don’t forget the annual Fueling the Community Charity Golf Tournament! Over the years, they’ve given away more than $2 million to schools to support our future generations.
Major Investments in Education
Speaking of education, Parker’s Kitchen made history in 2018 when they donated a staggering $5 million to Georgia Southern University, creating the Parker College of Business—an initiative that now caters to more than 4,000 students.
Fighting Hunger
In a mission to address food insecurity, Parker’s recently collaborated with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. The company generously contributed $1 million towards developing a new food bank and feeding our hungry neighbors. “Last year, we had a goal of feeding 2 million meals to hungry children, and that’s something I’m really, really proud of,” Parker mentions, beaming with pride.
Building Safe Spaces
After witnessing the need for improvement at the emergency department while serving on a hospital foundation, he decided to take action! Just a year later, Parker contributed a big $1 million to create the Parker’s Emergency and Trauma Center—one of only six Level I trauma centers in Georgia.
Another feather in his cap is the creation of Parker’s House: A Home for Women in collaboration with Savannah’s Union Mission, aimed at providing safety and support for homeless women. Hearing their thankful stories has touched him deeply. One woman said, “Thank you, Mr. Parker, thank you so much. I was on the street… I was scared to death.”
The Future Looks Bright!
Looking down the road, Parker’s Kitchen has grand plans to open an astonishing 100 new stores within the next four years. And as they grow, so will their giving! With over $20 million currently in the Parker’s Community Fund, their ambitious goal is to reach $100 million for charitable donations. And even as Parker plans to step down as CEO early next year, he’s not leaving the stage just yet! As executive chairman, he’ll still be closely involved.
“Being in business for 50 years, I have sowed my crops, and now I am harvesting my crops,” Parker reflects. “Now I’m in a position to be able to give back in profound ways.” Here’s to more success, generosity, and growth for Parker’s Kitchen!
