Ranger – A small country store opened in 1949 in Franklin and grew into 41 locations in North and South Carolina.
Founder R.L. Jordan served in the U.S. Army in World War ll. After the war, he was put in charge of accounting for a number of large hotels in Tokyo.
While he was away, Jordan would send money back home to his mother each month. Unknown to him, she saved the money he sent, and when he returned home from his service in the military, she gave it all back to him. Jordan was able to purchase a small community store, where he sold unbranded fuel.
The store was originally named Gas 4 Less, but later became the Hot Spot. Jordan was a pioneer in self-service gas, bringing the concept to Georgia and parts of North and South Carolina.
When Jordan passed away in 2006, he left a legacy of integrity, hard work and customer service. The business stayed in the family, and Jordan’s children and grandchildren still work within its stores.
On April 12, the Hot Spot at the busy intersection of U.S. 19/64/74/129 held a grand reopening after completing major renovations that began in December. As a result, customers can enjoy new as well as more fuel pumps, wider aisles and a brighter and cleaner store, with brand new restrooms. They’ve also increased the lighting outside for customers, and there’s even a new Hottie’s Kitchen on site, serving up pizza and hand-dipped ice cream.
Rob Jordan is the marketing specialist, but he does everything. One of the late Jordan’s grandchildren was found working in the store, carrying boxes.
“My grandfather lead a life that said if it weren’t for our customers we’d have no business,” he said. “That’s something I really took to heart.”
Robert Roland is the advertising specialist. He said of Hot Spot’s founder, “He was a fascinating engineer and a visionary, but he was also a family man. That’s why his children and grandchildren still own and work in the company today.”
During COVID-19, the company did not limit their opening hours; in fact, they took their only non-24-hour store and went to around-the-clock service. They added extra precautions, and their employees remained with the company during those difficult times.
Murphy store manager Luke Halleman said, “I’m 59 years old. This is the best company I’ve ever worked for, and I’ve worked for some major international companies. They take good care of their people all the way down the chain.”
What a testament to R.L. Jordan’s legacy.
Hot Spot’s grand reopening drew a lot of folks to the store April 12, with in-store specials, giveaways, 2-for-1 deals, and cash drawings. Hottie the mascot was on hand to add to the fun.
“The breakfast pizza is extraordinary,” Halleman said. Roland added. “I eat the cauliflower crust pizza. It’s awesome for people who want gluten-free.”
Sandra and Wayne Sawyer came out for the reopening.
“The store looks a lot better, and the bathrooms are really nice,” she said.
The local Hot Spot has been in its location since the 1980s and is ready to be around for many more years.