TIFTON — Two Tifton businesses hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies March 25. First to be feted was Ace Hardware, then the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce moved its scissors a few feet over for Stripling’s General Store.

Ace had already opened its doors to customers but Friday was the first look inside Stripling’s for nearly everyone in attendance.

At the Stripling’s ribbon cutting, franchisee Tom Coogle issued thanks to those who had made both businesses possible.

“I really think we’ve got something special,” he said. “This is a lot of folks working really hard at what they know how to do. We couldn’t be more proud.”

Coogle gave special thanks to his franchisee partner, Leland Roberts, as well as his financial partners and the City of Tifton. He credited the Stripling and Hardin families.

“They’ve built such an awesome brand,” he said.

The Tifton location is the sixth flagship store for Stripling’s, according to its website. Others are located in Perry, Brunswick, Bogart, Lake Blackshear and near Warwick.

Stripling’s and Ace Hardware join Chicken Salad Chick in the retail center on U.S. 41 North at Interstate 75 Exit 64. Chicken Salad Chick opened earlier this year.