By Brendon Farmer – Stanton, KY – 1-29-26
Two long-standing and highly patronized small businesses in Stanton face an uncertain future after learning the lot that they lease has been earmarked for the construction of a new corporate auto parts store.
Screamin’ Beans and Sue’s Hot Dogs have been a proud community staple for years, with hordes of loyal customers that frequent the pair of popular small, family-owned businesses. Posted up along Main Street, in the center of town and near the Mountain Parkway, the two beloved hometown businesses boast a bountiful number of guests that pour in from out-of-town and have become a regular stop for many of our return visitors to the Red River Gorge. A significant amount of business at these establishments comes from the tourists who visit our area and seek out charming, local attractions. With the proposed development of a new AutoZone Auto Parts store, tourists and locals alike stand to lose the cherished and renowned eats, drinks, and treats offered at the pair of shops.
Christina Smith – owner of Screamin’ Beans Coffee Shop, expert barista, and champion of mental health awareness – was asked about the situation. According to Christina, crews have been on the lot conducting surveys and tests to determine the viability of a corporate development on that location. Per Christina, these surveyors have caused hardship for the businesses, blocking the drive-thru access and impeding the flow of customer traffic onto their leased space. Tearfully, Christina reported to the Patriot that all of this had come as a complete shock to both she and the owners of Sue’s Hot Dogs, who were not informed of the proposed construction. They were told by the owners of the lot that they wished not to disclose their intentions until they knew more about the possibility of constructing an AutoZone and moving forward with the project.
“It was all week long,” Christina recalled emotionally, “they parked their trucks in the drive-thru, they drilled holes, and they were needing access to the building that I owned so they could take pictures of the inside of the building…it was very intrusive.”
“We were both really upset that we found out that way,” Christina explained, mentioning her neighbors’ at Sue’s Hot Dogs and their matching sentiments, “We didn’t find out through the landowners. We should have been given a heads up.”
Christina is an admired, respected, and greatly valued member of our community. Aside from running our popular hometown coffee shop, she is a highly active advocate for mental health and suicide awareness. Christina is the founder and leader of an organization that aims to eliminate the stigmas surrounding mental health and helps those in need find resources to aid in their own grief, wellness, and recovery. After losing her son Gage to suicide, she spends much of her time and energy helping others who struggle with their own battles. Now the kind-hearted barista faces a new challenge with the encroaching threat of a corporate business pushing her off her lot.
For Christina, finding a new space to set up and move her business isn’t quite so simple. With the new Stanton city ordinances that restrict new businesses from installing drive-thru access and operating out of small buildings – such as those that house Screamin’ Beans and Sue’s Hot Dogs – these two establishments could end up pushed out of Stanton completely if the city does not grant them an exemption and allow them to relocate their buildings to a new lot.
This story is ongoing and the Patriot will update as new information, statements, and details become available. The owners of the lot that is leased to Screamin’ Beans and Sue’s Hot Dogs have not yet been contacted for comment, nor has the mayor or any member of the Stanton City Council.
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