Winn-Dixie unveils upgraded Florida Keys stores

Winn-Dixie said it has updated all of its stores in the Florida Keys with the reopening of its supermarket in Marathon Key (pictured above), which was battered by Hurricane Irma.

The Southeastern Grocers chain last week held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand reopening at the rebuilt Marathon store and local celebrations at its other four Florida Keys locations in Tavernier Key, Big Pine Key, Key Largo and Key West. The events included live entertainment, DJs, giveaways, food samplings and community donations.

Winn-Dixie’s Marathon store had served the community for 37 years, but when Irma hit the area in September 2017, its 130 mph winds damaged the supermarket structurally beyond operation, requiring reconstruction, the retailer said. During the storm, the Winn-Dixie team had opened the store to people in need of shelter and safety.

“Winn-Dixie is at the heart of the Keys and has been for nearly 50 years. We are committed to providing our customers and community with the absolute best shopping experience,” Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement. “After the incredible damage caused by Hurricane Irma devastated our store and community, we took the opportunity to rebuild our Marathon Winn-Dixie with brand new concepts and local products.”

Related:Winn-Dixie debuts latest store remodels

The Marathon Winn-Dixie features a new Naturally Better section offering an assortment of healthy, everyday products that are organic, gluten-free or dairy-free, each clearly marked and easy for customers with food sensitivities or dietary preferences to find, the retailer said. Other new offerings include a pizza station serving pies or by the slice, a fresh sushi bar and a walk-in cold “beer cave.”

“Additionally, we refreshed all of our Florida Keys Winn-Dixie stores to provide for the unique needs of the communities we proudly serve,” Hucker added. “Our customers and associates have been through a long journey of rebuilding together, and we are honored to celebrate and support this vibrant community.”

Winn-Dixie said it will continue to highlight the refreshed Florida Keys locations throughout April with a special in-store event each Saturday. The retailer also said a remodel of the Key Largo store is coming soon.

Besides in Florida, Winn-Dixie operates supermarkets stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Parent Southeastern Grocers has more than 500 stores overall in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and the Carolinas.

Related:Southeastern Grocers to shut 22 stores