BIZ BRIEF: Buddies in Kingsland changes ownership

Buddies, a popular convenience store in Kingsland, has changed ownership after 12 years, according to a recent announcement from its former owners. The store is located at 1621 RR 1431. The 6,600-square-foot business includes 10 fuel pumps, a franchise chicken restaurant, local merchandise, and more. 

The ownership change was announced in a social media post on Jan. 9 by owner Derek Timmons, who described the decision as a difficult but necessary step.

“After several challenging years with my partner, I made the difficult decision to sell the business,” Timmons wrote. “It wasn’t easy, but it was the right choice for my family.”

In the same post, Timmons reflected on Buddies’ role in the community and thanked residents for their support over the years.

“My family and I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us over the past 12 years,” he wrote, adding that Buddies was always about the people. “Giving back was always a priority.”

That commitment was reflected in the store’s long-standing support of local organizations and fundraisers. Timmons highlighted Buddies’ partnership with the Kingsland Boys & Girls Club, noting that more than $50,000 was donated through fuel sales to support the organization.

Details on the new ownership were not available by the time of this article’s publication.

Buddies opened Nov. 2, 2013, after Timmons and his wife, Alva, along with their original business partners, Brian and Nancy Maples, purchased and redeveloped the property, which had previously been an abandoned bank and church.

“When we found this corner in 2012–an old, abandoned bank/church– we saw potential and a new beginning for Kingsland,” Timmons wrote.

The store is located at 1621 RR 1431 in Kingsland. The 6,600-square-foot business includes 10 fuel pumps, a franchise chicken restaurant and additional amenities. 

maci@thepicayune.com