LEE COUNTY, GA (WALB) -
Growing demand for propane and natural gas products leads to the expansion of a half- century old family-owned business in Albany.
Modern gas has moved into a larger and more visible location, taking over the old American Outdoor building on Highway 520.
For 35 years, Modern Gas has focused on propane gas but due to the increased interest in the natural gas industry the company decided to expand their offerings and to do that they had to find a bigger store.
On Friday, William and Cynthia Bradshaw stopped into Modern Gas to take care of routine business.
"I came down to pay my gas bill," William and Cynthia Bradshaw, Customers.
But they ended up staying longer than normal because so many new items caught their eye.
"I wasn't aware you all did hot tubs and spas the way the store is set up is great," said Bradshaw.
After 35 years downtown, Modern Gas made a big move into the old American Outdoor Building in Lee County.
"With the expansion of natural gas and the popularity of natural gas for the future we felt it would be a great location," said Mark Holloway, President of Modern Gas.
The new location is 3 times larger which allows them to show off propane and natural gas products they weren't able to downtown.
"We've got like 51 burning gas appliances in here we are able to display fire pits we were not able to display before downtown," said Holloway.
Basically, they have just about everything you need to take care of your entire backyard. From grills, to patio furniture, fire pits, hot tubs and more.
"Where they were the first time, the space was kind of cramped," said Bradshaw.
They've already had an increase in walk in traffic and they hope the location and visibility of the huge building brings in more customers and helps their business grow.
"It's closer to home for us, its right down the street," said Bradshaw.
Which means for the Bradshaws and others it will be a little more difficult to leave empty handed.
The Bradshaws say next time they come back, they won't leave empty handed.
The president says they are hoping as the economy turns around more folks will remodel their homes and need updated items like fire pits or fire places.
The president says they hope to attract folks from the entire region.
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