‘World famous chicken’ stop to open new Brunswick location soon

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — Royal Farms is continuing its expansion in Brunswick County, with a second location set to open in Shallotte this summer.

The Maryland-based convenience store and gas station chain, known for its “World Famous Chicken,” confirmed plans to open the new site on June 22, according to Public Relations Manager Aliyah Atayee.

The Shallotte location is currently under construction at 2811 Ocean Highway West, just off U.S. 17. The site will include a convenience store and car wash and is located next to a Hardee’s along Main Street.

The project had initially been expected to be completed by summer 2025 but was delayed.

Royal Farms first entered the Brunswick County market in October 2025, opening a location at 8980 Old Georgetown Road near the Calabash and Sunset Beach area. That store includes 12 fuel dispensers, a car wash and a 24/7 convenience store offering made-to-order food, according to a company news release.

Expansion plans in the county may not stop there. The town of Leland has reviewed a sketch plan for a potential third Royal Farms location. Preliminary plans filed March 13 show a proposed 5,154-square-foot convenience store with 62 parking spaces at the intersection of Mt. Misery Road NE and Lincoln Road NE. The proposal also includes eight gasoline pumps and three diesel pumps with separate canopies.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any information available to report on Leland and Brunswick yet,” Atayee said.

The continued growth comes as Brunswick County remains one of the fastest-growing areas in North Carolina, drawing new retail and service developments along major corridors like U.S. 17.