By Andy Kanengiser
Fans of Keith’s Superstores are all over the map in South Mississippi. Convenience store employees serve customers daily in Bay Springs, Hattiesburg, Collins, Mt. Olive, Ellisville, Moss Point, Bay St. Louis and other communities.
They are popular spots for hungry travelers filling up with gas, visiting the deli area, and shopping for gifts. Keith’s homemade biscuit eggs, cheesy mac dishes and Hunt Brothers Pizza are a hit with visitors. Mississippi-made products – from jellies, syrups,
quilts and bags - are big favorites as well for shoppers.
Long Beach residents say they are thrilled to welcome a Keith’s Superstore in the Friendly City. It’s not nearly the size of a Bucees in Texas or Alabama – but the store has much to offer. The Long Beach Keith’s Superstore is located at the corner of 28th Street and Klondyke.
Construction is under way at its new store in this Mississippi Gulf Coast community. Reached on February 7, a City official predicted the new store would be completed within ninety days.
People are familiar with what Keith’s Superstore offers. The company has been in business for thirty-five years. Other store locations include Columbia, Mount Olive, Sumrall, Petal, Kiln, Pass Christian, Waveland and Wilmer, Alabama. It’s a filling station and country store, with friendly workers providing service with a smile.
Long Beach Alderman-at-Large Donald Frazer says he often stops at the Keith’s Superstore in Hattiesburg, off U.S. 49, on road trips to metro Jackson. He’s glad to see one opening in his hometown in Harrison County.
“I want to personally thank Keith’s Superstore for choosing Long Beach and look forward to working with them in the future,’’ Frazer said.
Bringing Keith’s Superstore to Long Beach didn’t happen overnight.
“This project has been in the works for the past couple of years,’’ Frazer said. “The main hold-up was FEMA identifying the drainage canal. We need to make sure when we are developing, we are doing it with vision and not creating future flood issues for the citizens of Long Beach.’’
This property, he said, “has been friendly annexed into the City of Long Beach. This means the jobs created and the tax generated go directly to the City of Long Beach.’’
The location is at a convenient spot with plenty of traffic at a busy intersection.
The new store is being built near a large subdivision being developed across the street. The closest convenience store or gas station is more than two miles away. One of the businesses in the area is a Dollar General. There’s a beignet donut shop situated on the corner of Klondyke and Commission, three-quarters of a mile south of the future Keith’s Superstore.
Long Beach resident Jeanne Whelan has visited Keith’s Superstores in other towns. She sees the benefits of having a new one doing business in her Gulf Coast community.
“It’s not really in downtown Long Beach, and it may draw some traffic to the town.’’
