Region's first Publix grocery store to open Aug. 10

WILMINGTON – The region’s first Publix will open its doors to the public next month.

Shoppers will get their first peek at the Publix at Pine Valley grocery store, located at 716 Bragg Dr. off South College Road, 7 a.m. August 10.

The Florida-based grocer has been aggressively firming up plans for a widespread presence in Southeastern North Carolina, with stores in Pine Valley, Ogden and rumblings of one in Surf City.

Rumors have also surfaced of locations being eyed in Brunswick County -- although nothing has been confirmed so far.

The popular grocery chain has earned a following among shoppers who have taken to its made-to-order deli and bakery options, spacious layouts, high-quality Publix-brand grocery items and even cooking classes at certain locations. 

Publix is just the latest grocer to try and stake a claim in the region, which now counts more than 60 grocery stores among its businesses. Aldi and Lidl have each also announced multiple stores set to open next year.

Elsewhere in North Carolina, Publix has stores in Cary, Asheville and the Charlotte area. The closest store to Wilmington is currently across the South Carolina border in North Myrtle Beach.

Reporter Hunter Ingram can be reached at 910-343-2327 or Hunter.Ingram@StarNewsOnline.com.