Parker’s Kitchen is one of the fastest-growing convenience store brands in the Southeast. Known for its fresh food, high-end finishes, and fuel-forward approach, the company has over 100 stores in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. Yet, scaling a brand at this level isn’t just about building more locations, but designing with intention. That means balancing speed with consistency, food with function, and fuel with the future.
Since 2022, HFA has partnered with Parker’s Kitchen to meet those needs head-on. What began as a fuel-only collaboration has evolved into a fully integrated design relationship spanning architecture, engineering, fueling systems, prototyping, and long-term planning.
In the world of convenience retail, everything is connected, and when every site counts, a multidisciplinary approach makes all the difference.
A Fast-Growing Brand with Complex Needs
When Parker’s Kitchen first reached out to HFA, the goal was simple: get support designing the fuel systems powering each location. It’s a critical (but invisible) piece of the operation. Customers don’t see the underground portion that must be precise, code-compliant, and future-ready.
“Fuel systems are highly regulated.” said Branson Hall, Senior Lead for Travel Plazas and Fueling at HFA. “From piping to tank placement to permitting, it all affects site flow and timelines. Getting it wrong slows everything down.”
Hall has worked with HFA for over 23 years and said factors such as site slope, plot size and street access all impact the design. He said there are many considerations the public doesn’t see but experience the benefit of.
These include designated truck or auto entrances and more space and routing for fuel supply trucks. This final factor is incredibly important, Hall said, as many of these trucks unload on the passenger side, which could impede traffic flow if designed incorrectly.
During the initial engagement, Parker’s Kitchen had locations across Georgia, and South Carolina, with plans to grow faster. They needed a team that could match their pace and deliver consistently without sacrificing quality. After proving value on the fuel side, HFA was asked to take on more.
Today, HFA provides full architectural and MEP services for this growing brand. This multidisciplined team works alongside Parker’s Kitchen to streamline everything from prototype development to site adaptation. Hall said they did not originally handle civil engineering operations but have added those services as Parker’s Kitchen has expanded.
One Team, Multiple Disciplines
Speed matters, but so does alignment. That’s why HFA built a dedicated, multidisciplinary team for the Parker’s Kitchen program. This team of 14-18 includes everyone from fueling designers and architects to MEP and structural engineers, as well as client leads and interior designers who understand the brand’s goals inside and out.
“We approach each site as a single, coordinated effort,” says Zack Meyers, Architect and Team Lead at HFA. “Every discipline is in conversation. When architecture, engineering, and fueling design work together from the start, we catch issues early, reduce rework, and move faster without compromising quality.”
This level of integration minimizes delays and reduces change orders between consultants, helping Parker’s Kitchen open stores faster without running into costly surprises. It also allows HFA to contribute strategic ideas, not just production support.
“We’re not just drafting plans,” Meyers said. “We’re asking questions that help them make better decisions at scale.”
Designing for Growth and Guests
Beyond function, HFA helps Parker’s Kitchen design spaces that feel elevated. Stores are known for their bright interiors, fresh food displays, and smart site layouts that support both passenger and commercial vehicles.
One standout example: a large-format truck stop in Kingsland, Georgia, which introduced new features tailored to long-haul travelers. Think expanded restrooms, commercial parking and a custom-designed game room unlike anything in the Parker’s Kitchen system.
“The game room was a fun challenge,” says Valerie VanHoesen, Interior Designer and Client Lead at HFA. “We went for a Vegas-inspired look. It’s entertainment but done with the same attention to detail we use in every project.”
These new formats are helping Parker’s Kitchen test, learn and evolve as they grow. Also, HFA manages the prototype library, so those learnings are rolled back into future sites and remodels for efficiency and consistency.
Built for What’s Next
As the relationship has deepened, HFA has become a true strategic partner, not just a vendor. The team is involved in early-stage planning, and long-term rollout strategies, helping Parker’s Kitchen think ahead about remodel cycles, regional requirements, and customer expectations.
HFA is now supporting remodels for existing stores as they approach the typical 5- to 7-year refresh cycle, ensuring that the brand experience for Parker’s Kitchen stays current while minimizing disruption.
Today, Parker’s Kitchen is a brand in motion. It’s scaling fast, expanding markets, and refining its offerings along the way. HFA’s role is to make sure the design process keeps up, without losing sight of the details that set Parker’s Kitchen apart.
“We’re here to keep things moving,” says Hall. “But we’re also here to protect the quality and safety behind the scenes. That’s what the fuel system is, and that’s what keeps customers coming back for more.”
As Parker’s Kitchen continues to grow, HFA’s integrated, multidisciplinary team is ready to support whatever comes next: a new prototype, a new market, or a new opportunity to bring convenience to life.
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