Uses for Asheboro sites remain unclear

Here’s the former B.B. Walker Company building during its recent demolition. (Randolph Record)

ASHEBORO — Plans for the former home of B.B. Walker Company – known to locals as Walker Shoe Company – in Asheboro have been kept mostly close to the vest despite widespread speculation.

There could be something forthcoming after the demolition of the building at the 414 East Dixie Dr. site.

One local real estate agent said the prospects for the location have generated considerable chatter. “There’s all sort of rumors all over town, and they’re all unfounded,” he said. “It’s going to be a project.”

Either way, just the anticipation for what might be next for the location is fostering speculation.

Meanwhile, the downtown building that’s often known as the PNC Bank building continues to be for sale, according to officials with the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber.

That building on Fayetteville Street remained vacant at the beginning of the new year.

“It’s up for grabs,” a Chamber official said.

The Asheboro/Randolph Chamber was able to confirm a couple of businesses that are in the works.

Black Powder Smokehouse will open at 516 South Fayetteville St. That restaurant, which is promoted as specializing in artisan barbecue, could be open within a month once it passes certain code requirements.

There’s also a Black Powder Smokehouse in Jamestown. That location is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and it’s closed Sundays and Mondays. Black Powder Smokehouse was established in 2016.

Also, a Tropical Smoothie Café is planned for Asheboro on N.C. 64. It will be in a new building that is expected to be constructed adjacent to Golden Waffle.

By Bob Sutton