OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – During the Special Economic Development meeting on Oct. 10, city leaders discussed potential business growth in Oak Grove following the announcement of the mega travel center, Buc-ee’s. 

“I think with Buc-ee’s coming, we could make Oak Grove a destination place,” said committee member Janet Edwards.

Right outside the future Buc-ee’s sits Walter Garrett Lane, a perfect spot in the city to become a main strip filled with shops, restaurants and businesses. “We could turn an unremarkable town, into an event,” said Edwards. “People could go to Buc-ee’s, a concert at Valor Hall, the casino, and out to lunch.”

Public Works Director Brian Ahart shared that he is continually sending out letters to prospective businesses, but has still not heard anything. With over 2,000 acres available at Walter Garrett, city leaders are hopeful that growth is inevitable. “When people start pushing dirt out there on the Buc-ee’s property, we’re gonna get a lot of hits,” added member Isaiah Spencer.

When talking with community members, Edwards shared that the top three items people would like to see in Oak Grove are a shooting range, a brewery and a mega playground.

Recent growth

Ahart also shared updates on new additions to the city including a Starbucks location on Claire Avenue, which will be next to the Taco Bell. “They have been approved for everything and they could start construction as early as the next week or two,” said Ahart.

Committee members also addressed recent rumors of a new hotel being built, something more upscale and larger compared to other hotels in the areas. “There is talk of one, but I still haven’t seen building plans yet, which is usually what I wait for,” said Ahart. “We do get a lot of calls about developments, but that’s all been talk.”

Ahart said that in the past year alone, 26 housing units have been added to the city. “Some of those were replacement housing units, but it goes to show you we have a lot of activity. We also have a company out of Nashville looking at Berne Drive to add new homes there.”

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Trade shows

Lastly, the group discussed the possibility of joining the International Council of Shopping Centers, or the ICSC. Traci Cunningham with Visit Oak Grove said she was approached to join the group alongside Hopkinsville and Madisonville.

“It’s a huge trade show in Vegas,” said Cunningham. “It would be a good opportunity to get our name and Oak Grove out there.”

With an expected attendance of 25,000, committee members decided to look more into it, specifically how much it would cost to send the mayor, public works director and tourism director. The trade show is scheduled for May 18-20, 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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