News
TJ’s Diner offers homemade fare
By: Joe Marusak
Published: Sunday, May 01, 2011
Charlotte Observer
CONCORD TJ’s Diner opened in January in The Depot at Gibson Mill, featuring tuna, veggie and chicken wraps, homemade chili, slaw, potato salad and desserts, and hot dogs and hand-patted burgers with toppings.
Business partners Jim Metcalf and Traci Gibson opened the 52-seat, counter service eatery in The Depot’s Design Center, 325 McGill Ave. N.W.
Signature items include the Fork-N-Burger ($5), which has two hand-patted beef patties, cheddar cheese, mustard, chili, slaw and onion, and the tuna melt ($5.50), which comes with Swiss cheese and tomato on Nova French bread.
TJ’s uses locally sourced produce and has no fried foods. It sells Mooresville-based DeLuxe Ice Cream, and its coffee is from S&D Coffee Inc., the Concord-based gourmet coffee roaster and supplier. TJ’s also serves beer and wine.
The restaurant’s recycling containers for drink cans raise money for the Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus County.
It offers full-service catering, reflecting Gibson’s 17 years in the catering business. Gibson lives in Mooresville and owns the catering service A Gourmet’s Delight, covering the Lake Norman area.
Metcalf and his wife, Lynne, met Gibson through various catering events. Metcalf formerly worked in the wholesale car business.
“TJ” stands for the first initials of the two owners’ first names.
The diner is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. Sundays. 980-355-5900 and on Facebook.
Concord’s Gibson Mill antique mall marks one year in business – March 27, 2011
Published: March 27, 2011
CONCORD, N.C. — A little more than a year after The Depot at Gibson Mills opened its doors, Janna Baker, general manager, is thrilled with its success.The more than 85,000-square-foot warehouse houses 470 vendor booths and is at full capacity.
“With the economy as bad as it is, we have lots of businesses going out of business, but opening up shop here,” Baker said. “We handle everything. We pay the sales tax. We just collect 10 percent of sales.”
A four man partnership — George Liles Jr., Trey Burnette, Joe Liles and Tom Cotter — invested in the 58-acre property and warehouse space a few years ago, and thought this may be a great use of the space.
“It would be the best thing or the worst thing,” Cotter said. “It has worked out really well. We are very pleasantly surprised.”
The Depot not only boasts to be the largest antique mall in the south, but also the cheapest for vendors at $137.50 per 100 square feet of space. Vendors at other antique malls can pay almost $800 a month, according to Baker. T.J’s Diner offers homemade sandwiches and burgers along with beer and wine. The Cabarrus Art Guild calls The Depot home, and holds gallery crawls and various art shows in their space. The last show, called the “Fabulous Fakes,” included an exhibit where artists replicated famous paintings.
The Design Center within The Depot allows shoppers “a one-stop experience for all your building, remodeling and decorating needs indoors and out.” The Design Center houses vendors in contracting, cabinetry, flooring, landscaping, fine art and photography.
“We have lots of folks in here who just advertise their trade, they don’t necessarily sell anything,” Baker said.
DP Contracting and Consulting, Inc., the largest of the vendors in The Design Center invested about $150,000 in their display model showroom, but it brought close to $750,000 in business. An example from 3D Landscapes is showcased in the center of the room by the tables from the diner.
The Design Center still has a few vacant spaces available for future vendors, and the rent is $2.50 per square foot. Vendors mostly use the space to promote different services.
“We are still exceeding our goals, and are packed with people,” Baker said.
Most weekends, the parking lot is full of people from all over the region, Baker explained.
There is even a media room for the weary spouses who need a break from all the shopping. A big screen television and chairs fill the space, and snacks and beverages from T.J’s Diner are available.
Future plans for The Depot include finding some complimentary businesses.
“We have a parking lot full of cars and we still have space downstairs. How can we take advantage of those people and put some other business down there? Now we have an audience,” Cotter said.
The Depot at Gibson Mill is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Depot is located at 325 McGill Ave., Suite 250 Concord. For more information call 704-787-9351 or email at info@depotgibsonmill.com. The Depot Web site is http://depotgibsonmill.com.
Contact reporter Robin L. Gardner: 704-789-9140.
The Depot at Gibson Mill – November 2010
The Cabarrus Art Guild has chosen The Depot at Gibson Mill’s Design Center, as its new home. This will bring workshops and exhibits to Concord as well as local art for sale on site all the time.
Examiner.com – October 28, 2010
Looking for a change of pace this weekend? Visit a local antique mall and find a special treat
By Forrest Mason
Charlotte Antiques Examiner
Photo: thedepotgibsonmill.com
Looking for a great way to spend an autumn weekend around Charlotte this fall? Consider a drive to a local Antique Mall. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, strolling through a comfortable building while browsing old memories from the past.
Who knows, you may even find a special treasure for you or a loved one. With Christmas right around the corner many shoppers choose the local antique malls in place of the box stores or retail chains to find that perfect item that will mean so much to their loved one.
There are a plethora of wonderful antique malls throughout the Carolina’s but here are two of our favorites to get you started:
The Depot at Gibson Mill
This Concord, NC treasure is fairly new (opened in February 2010) and is the largest antique mall in the southeast. They specialize in wonderful antiques and design pieces. The ancient building is amazing. It’s worth a visit just for the architecture.
http://depotgibsonmill.com/
325 McGill Avenue, Suite 250
Concord, NC 28027
704-787-9351
info@depotgibsonmill.com
Hours: Monday thru Saturday: 10-7pm Sunday 1-6pm
Sleepy Poet Antique Mall
This Charlotte staple is consistently voted the best around and for good reason. They are conveniently located, have an eclectic mix of old and new, and have something for everyone. Be sure to check out their website (below), the music alone will take you back to by-gone days.
http://sleepypoetstuff.com/
4450 South Blvd, Charlotte NC
704-529-6369
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Open Late Fri. – Sat. 10 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Sun. 12 Noon – 6 P.M.
Enjoy a great day of “antiquing around Charlotte.
As always we will end with a thought:
“Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends.”
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Cabarrus This Week – June 9, 2010
The Depot Featured on Cabarrus This Week
Click Image to view video.
Charlotte Observer – Sunday March 7, 2010
Vendors fill The Depot at Gibson Mill
Old mill once was part of Cannon Mills; now antiques, imports, collectibles, new furniture, more sold there.
By Susan Shinn
Special Correspondent
CONCORD Gary Pigg stood in the middle of The Depot at Gibson Mill.
Opening day at the antique and designer mall was as it should have been: customers roaming the wide aisles, vendors putting last-minute touches on their booths.
“When everything gets up and running, it’ll be one of a kind,” said Pigg, one of the project’s five owner/partners. “Everything is beautifully displayed in such a unique setting.”
The old mill was once a part of Cannon Mills Co. Now the wide wooden floors and exposed brick provide a backdrop for a variety of furniture and accessories. There are antiques, imports, collectibles and new furniture and well as reproductions.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” Pigg said. “We’re doing vintage. We’re gonna keep it high-end, yet at reasonable prices.”
In the current economy, Pigg continues, “Everybody’s looking for a deal. As far as a venue, you couldn’t ask for a better place to do it.”
During the past several years, the old mill has been reclaimed for use and is home to offices, a construction company, the Auto Barn and the Vintage Motor Club. Plans include the addition of a restaurant.
“We want to make this a destination point, to bring people in from all over,” Pigg said.
The Depot at Gibson Mill had its grand opening March 1 after opening for business Feb. 1. There’s room for more than 400 vendors, although a vendor may take more than one spot.
All booths were leased out within three days of opening, according to George “Jock” Liles Jr., one of the four partners who owns Gibson Mill in its entirety. Liles also has an interest in the Depot. Some 130 vendors are in place.
Altogether, three buildings are on the premises, Liles says.
Two of them, with 500,000 square feet, are being used for warehouse and manufacturing space. The third, with 180,000 square feet, is devoted mainly to office and retail space. That’s where the Depot has opened.
With partners Tom Cotter, Joe Liles and Trey Barnette, Liles acquired the property in 2004.
“When it came on the market, I saw it to be a lot of potential opportunity,” said Liles, a Concord native who often drove past the old mill. “Each of the partners has a venture here. From there, we have gradually evolved.”
With 20-foot ceilings, the Depot has a spacious, open feel. Tall windows line one wall, allowing sunlight to pour in.
The Cabarrus Creamery and the S&D Coffee Shop plan booths in the rear seating area, where shoppers can take a break and watch television if they choose.
The second part of the mall will be a design center, with vendors exclusive to the Depot.
So far, about a dozen vendors have committed to that space. Their offerings will include outdoor landscaping, outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, decorative concrete, custom kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors, Oriental and Persian rugs, closet organizers, glass showers, drywall and paint.
Pigg notes that the building is in excellent shape. Workers are making a few cosmetic changes out front, installing wrought-iron railing and new doors and windows.
“It seems to be very well received,” Liles said. “I am very pleased with the level of enthusiasm we’ve received so far.”
Freelance writer Susan Shinn lives in Salisbury.
Independent Tribune – Feb. 9, 2010
The Depot offers affordability for shoppers, sellers
By Robin L. Gardner
Plans for The Depot are ambitious, managing partner Gary Pigg admits. He hopes to open a restaurant in the building, which already includes individual stalls that retailers can rent to sell their wares. The concept is a cheaper alternative for businesses that can’t afford to open a storefront of their own.
Union 21, which closed in downtown Concord, has set up a stall.
“Our rent is one dollar per square foot,” Pigg said.
Businesses that are downsizing or going out of business can find this an affordable alternative, he explained.
One vendor, Debby Clark Designs, was putting finishing touches on the two stalls she is renting. Clark is a residential designer who specializes in faux painting and accent finishing.
“Last year, my father was dying of cancer, and he wanted me to have my own business,” Clark said.
Her father helped enhance her residential design skills at a faux painting school.
The Depot gives her an opportunity to have a business, while working her day job.
Clark hopes the exposure will help build up her clientele.
“We want to turn this mill into a destination point. We have plenty of room to do it,” Pigg said. “We are going to have everything — collectibles, antiques and some new furniture. We want to keep it upscale. It’s not going to be something that you could just get at a yard sale.”
The Depot, located at 325 McGill Ave NW, Suite 510, opened its doors on Feb. 1 and is filled to capacity for Phase I, according to Pigg. Pigg and the Southpaw Partners who own Gibson Mills — Tom Cotter, George Liles Jr., Trey Barnette and Joe Liles — all have a 20 percent share in the antique and home furnishing venture.
“My partners came to me and my dad and said, ‘Hey, we got this spot, and we really want to do something with it,’” Pigg said.
The Depot is comprised of 88,000 square feet. Phase I makes use of approximately 44,000 square feet, which includes 296 stalls for vendors.
Phase II already has 25 stalls occupied, about 25 percent of what will be available.
Pigg also plans a separate design center, an additional 30,000 square feet space where a customer will be able to fully design a room. One vendor will be represented from each specialty service like cabinet making, rugs, landscaping and flooring, and will help design the customer’s vision.
This will make The Depot one of the largest antiques malls in the area, according to Pigg.
During this slow economy, it’s a perfect time to open this type of business, he explained. His parents have been in the antique and furniture business for years, and own Décor and More in Concord.
Growing up around the business, coupled with the different business ventures he’s been involved in, Pigg feels his experience gives him what he needs to make this work.
“People aren’t looking to pay retail right now,” Pigg said. “They can’t afford it. Everyone is looking for a deal. There is always haggling.”
Some of the vendors carry new furniture and home furnishings but offer them below retail price.
“You may want to look at a farm table for $1,000, but you can come in here and buy a reproduction for $200,” Pigg said.
The Depot also has vendors who specialize in old antiques.
There are six employees to help customers navigate around the space. They will contact vendors if there are any questions about the merchandise.
For more information about The Depot, call 704-280- 4278
• Contact reporter Robin L. Gardner: 704-789-9140
360Charlotte.com
The Depot At Gibson Mill opened in Feb.
The Depot at Gibson Mill is now open to the public. This is very exciting news for both consumers shopping for antiques and accessories as well as antique dealers looking to showcase their products. We have plenty of designers to help make it both enjoyable as well as exciting!
We are an 88,000 square foot indoor antique mall that is located in Concord, NC. With convenient access to I-85, I-485, Hwy 29/49 and between downtown Concord and Concord Mills we are easy to find. Phase one will cover over 44,000 square feet and offers over 290 booths. Vendors are welcome.
Our vast variety of vendors and booths will allow you to shop for things like: antiques, used furniture from the 1850’s to new furniture from names like “Lane Venture”. Not sure what to choose, let our designers help make it easy for you. We offer outdoor furniture as well as quality items and accessories that will make a statement in any home. From accents and accessories to full granite ideas and installation and everything in between. We offer designs centers and designers to assist with decorating and provide design ideas. It’s a shopper’s paradise to find those hard to find decorative items and one of kind ensembles. Whether you shop on your own or with the help of our designers, we will do what we can to help you find what you are looking for. Come relax at our coffee shop and have a bite to eat at our deli while browsing the endless selections of merchandise.
If you are a dealer that is looking for a new space, we offer custom size booths to accommodate your needs. Our facility is equipped with security cameras throughout to ensure product safety. Contact us to learn more.
Charlotte Observer – Saturday Jan. 30, 2010
Antiques bazaar turns mill to mall
jaronoff@charlotteobserver.com
CONCORD A new Concord antiques mall is set to bring about 130 vendors to a renovated textile mill – and, the owners hope, create a destination that will lure visitors from nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway and Interstate 85.
The Depot at Gibson Mill is slated to open Monday on McGill Avenue N.W., about half a mile east of U.S. 29/601, near downtown. It will sell a range of antique furniture and collectibles, with booths filling an expansive room, along the lines of Charlotte’s Sleepy Poet Antique Mall.
With its sturdy brick walls, well-worn wooden floors and light flooding through large windows, the Depot building itself is a certifiable antique. Formerly Cannon Mills Plant 6, its oldest parts date to 1913, said George Liles Jr., one of the owners of the Gibson Mill complex and a partner in the antique mall.
He and three partners bought the site out of the Pillowtex bankruptcy in 2004, and its three buildings now house offices, a banquet room and other businesses. The original structures on the site were constructed as Gibson Mill in the late 1800s, and made gingham fabric.
The mall may benefit from renewed interest in recycled and used products sparked in part by the recession. Though the broad cutback in consumer spending has affected antiques dealers, especially on the lower end, many shops are seeing an uptick in business now, said Suzy Fincannon of the Davidson-based Antiques & Collectibles National Association.
The Sleepy Poet, located in a 50,000-square-foot former auto parts building on South Boulevard, has seen positive foot traffic lately and experienced sales increases in the last quarter of 2009, owner Dickson Shreffler said.
“What we’ve seen over the last year is people buying ‘green’ and recycling furniture, and finding out they can buy good, usable merchandise cheaper than they can new,” he said.
The Depot is the brainchild of Gary Pigg, whose parents own Décor & More, a furniture business in an adjacent building, Liles said. The family had a network of vendors to draw from, he said, and saw potential in the vacant Gibson Mill space.
Pigg, a partner in the business, will manage the mall. It will start with 35,000 square feet and aims to expand into 44,000 next door, Liles said.
This week, vendors were hard at work setting up their spaces, filling the Depot with the sounds of hammering, drilling and sawing. And in keeping with its name, yes, it’s next to working railroad tracks, with trains rumbling by to provide a reminder.
Business Today
The Depot at Gibson Mill on track to open in 44,000 sq.ft.
Multi-merchant concept helping small contractors, decorators, dealers
 |
| Home improvement, galore: Gary Pigg at Gibson Mil |
By: Dave Yochum
A new design and antique center, inspired by the Blacklion multi-merchant home décor chain, is opening in the renovated Gibson Mill in Concord.
Managing partner Gary Pigg said he has taken the concept a step further by adding concrete stain, flooring and granite purveyors to the mix of decorators, antique dealers and furniture shops.
The 44,000 square foot Depot at Gibson Mill is an entrepreneur’s delight. Pigg is renting booth space for $1 a square foot per month, with a 30-day cancellation. It means that a tile contractor, for example, can establish a retail presence for about $100 a month.
The new enterprise is launching with plenty of marketing support. Pigg, 36, said he is spending in the mid five figures for billboards to bring traffic to the Depot, which already has 75 merchants under its wing.
There is room for another 210 spaces for designers, decorators and contractors, he said, as well as plentiful warehouse space available nearby. The Depot at Gibson Mill is a partnership that includes the owners of Gibson Mill, a 700,000 square foot textile mill that has been turned into a mixed-use office, retail, entertainment, manufacturing and warehouse complex. Some 400,000 square feet are occupied, according to Jock Liles, a partner in the project.
“We’re keeping it high end. It will not be a flea market,” said Pigg, the former personal assistant for NASCAR driver Tony Stewart. “When we get it all up and running, we hope to have anything you want or need for your house, from decorative concrete to granite for your bathroom.”
Pigg, who also owns a furniture store at the mill called Décor and More, comes by entrepreneurialism naturally. His family owns a construction business among other enterprises, where he started working as a teen.
The Depot at Gibson Mill will open to vendors this month with an official opening in February. The business will launch with three or four full-time employees and a handful of part-timers. Pigg has devised another twist on what Blacklion offers: The Depot will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
“As ideas came to me, I wrote them down on things like napkins, pieces of paper,” Pigg admits. It’s all come together, though, one booth at a time.
Start-up costs: Hard costs in the range of $60,000 to $70,000.
Biggest Challenge: Five partners in the business means five different opinions, so getting everyone on the same page was critical. “We seem to work very well together,” Pigg said.
