Warner Robins Council gives greenlight to Sprouts Farmers Market, natural grocery chain

WARNER ROBINS —A grocery chain plans to expand into Middle Georgia, and the Warner Robins City Council approved the move at its meeting on Monday.

The council voted unanimously to annex and rezone 12 acres at S. Houston Lake Road and Russell Parkway. This site is planned for a Sprouts Farmers Market, a grocery chain with over 400 locations in 25 states.

Sprouts focuses on organic and natural foods, and Councilman Derek Mack said the store could help address a food desert in Warner Robins. He supported the project.

“I think this is a void in our community to have this type of parcel for natural foods and a better quality of food, that a lot of people that have lived abroad and other places said that’s what we’re lacking in our city,” Mack said.

Mack said the store could have an impact beyond just Warner Robins.

“The community is going to be super excited about this business coming here and I think they’re going to be coming from places far and wide, outside of our city limits. So, traffic is going to be very important for us,” Mack said.

Councilman Charlie Bibb agreed and said he liked the project, but he emphasized that safety is the city’s top priority.

“Our traffic during certain times is a nightmare and putting something like this in that would create even more traffic. We have to do our due diligence for that road. That road is a very highly traveled road. … We’ve got to do what’s right for the city of Warner Robins and what’s safest for our people,” Bibb said.

Planning and Zoning Manager Darin Curtis responded to the council’s traffic concerns. He said the city prefers an RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn) model for exits.

The traffic management approach would require drivers leaving the property to turn right onto Houston Lake Road, which can help reduce congestion by limiting left-turn and direct crossing movements that often cause delays and accidents. The council also discussed adding a traffic light at an entrance to further assist in managing traffic flow.

Curtis said the city has already met with Sprouts representatives, and the company is committed to working with the city when it submits a formal site plan.

In response to concerns from Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, Curtis said the company has already done a traffic study, and the Planning and Zoning office is reviewing the results. Since the project is still in the early stages, staff is most encouraged by Sprouts’ willingness to work with the city, according to Curtis.

“It’s most important to us that the developer has stated that they’re willing to work with us, Curtis said, “Should we determine that any specific restriction related to access should be implemented, we’d be able to facilitate that.”

Scott Cole, who represents GBT Realty and Sprouts, said the company has already done its due diligence to make sure traffic flow will be safe, and they are excited about the project.

“We have put in a lot of legwork on the upfront of studying this, making sure it’s the right fit, ensuring that we’re adhering to the traffic policies, and making sure that this is a shopping center that works for the public, is safe for the public and can be enjoyed by all.“ Cole said.

Cole said Sprouts has tasked GBT Realty to deliver the grocery store “as soon as humanly possible.”