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NATCHEZ — Natchez Chevrolet GMC is moving from its existing home on Devereux Drive to a new one on John R. Junkin Drive by Dairy Queen.

This seven-acre site provides room for a new “state-of-the-art facility” that will better serve customers on both sides of the Mississippi River, said owner Brett Oubre.

And if permitting goes as planned, groundbreaking should be happening soon.

“We’re hoping to break ground in the first quarter (of next year) or the second quarter at the latest,” he said. “Right now, we’re in the permitting process. … Our goal is to have it open toward the end of the third quarter but with all construction, it depends on the number of rain days. I don’t believe the supply chain of building materials should have much effect on it.”

Because the new site is in a straight line from the Mississippi River bridge, General Manager Mark Robinette said it would improve service to a wider GMC and Chevrolet customer base.

“I’m excited about it because it’s going to be the newest, state-of-the-art facility in Natchez and we’re the only Chevy dealer within 60 miles. With this kind of commitment from Brett, Chevy and GMC are going to allow us to load the wagon with supplies from parts to new vehicles to take better care of our customers. It will allow us to bring in new qualified employees, at least an extra 10 people, to provide better service to everybody. And being close to the bridge and right on the highway, it’s a lot easier for everyone to get to us.”

Oubre said there’s no comparison to the kind of experience that the new facility will offer customers and what is being provided currently on Devereux Drive.

“It’s hard to compare a building made in 1930 and bolted onto to a brand new facility circa 2024,” he said. “Customers will have a totally different experience than what we’ve got right now from what they will see on the lot to the moment they walk into our open showroom.”

Robinette said Oubre’s investment in the new facility demonstrates his commitment to the Miss-Lou.

“This shows the people of the Miss-Lou how committed Brett is to taking care of our people locally and to his employees and staff by providing a great place to work and hang our hat while we take care of our customers,” he said.

Oubre agreed, “We’re a team and building it together to create career opportunities and a better customer experience. It’s one big giveback to this community being centrally located for all of our customers.”