Tapoco – A country store that has been a fixture in western Graham County since 1947 has closed and been put up for sale.
Outland Gas & Groceries, at 8185 Tapoco Road, has roots dating to 1947. It has been owned by Lamar Davis for 15 years, but skyrocketing inflation and wholesale gas prices have made business difficult.
When the store’s manager announced he was leaving the area, Davis decided to shutter the business.
“Thanks, Joe Biden for the high inflation rate,” Davis wrote in a notice posted in the store’s front door. “We are closed indefinitely.
“To all our valued customers, we wish to thank you for your support over the years.”
The store sold two grades of gasoline (labeled as “jet” and “rocket”), basic groceries and convenience items, bait, tackle, hunting and fishing licenses, and even vehicle registrations. It also had a small section of clothing.
Out back, it provided river views and river access to the Cheoah River.
Customers ranged from tourists needing a snack or drink, to local residents needing a quick stop for groceries. About seven miles from the edge of Robbinsville, Outland Gas & Groceries was the only filling station between Robbinsville and Tennessee on the west end of Tail of the Dragon.
Davis said the decision to close was not taken lightly. The store provided basic necessities for area residents, but he found more and more that locals were going into Robbinsville and bypassing his little store.
If Davis is unable to sell the store, he plans to keep it in the family and use it for personal recreation. The building includes an apartment, along with river access.
The half-acre riverfront property with 1,900-square-foot building is represented by Murphy-based Appalachian Land Company with a listed price of $320,000.
The real estate company describes Outland Gas & Grocery as “as mountain dream location. This stunning riverfront property is surrounded by the absolute best this area has to offer. Currently used as a commercial store and rafting operations, this property also offers instant trout fishing on the Cheoah river. … The Property also features a renovated apartment full of windows to enjoy the river views up close and personal. This property offers incredible potential in both residential and commercial aspects.”