Publix opens new store in Sarasota, Florida, on Thursday

Employee-owned grocery chain Publix Super Markets on Thursday opened its newest store in Sarasota, Florida.

The 51,000-square-foot grocery store is located at The Landings at 4840 S. Tamiami Trail and features an adjacent liquor store. Publix now operates 847 stores in the state, according to the Lakeland, Florida-based grocery retailer’s website.

“We are excited to welcome our customers to the new store at The Landings and look forward to providing them with the premier service and quality Publix is known for,” said Lindsey Willis, Publix media relations manager, in a statement.

The new store offers departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and produce, as well as an updated bakery department that offers a wider selection of self-service options. The store will also include a pharmacy.

Contactless pay options, grocery delivery via Instacart and pharmacy delivery are all available, as well as centralized pick-up at the front of the store for grocery pick up via online ordering.

Later this month, Publix Charlotte Division VP Chuck Roskovich will retire after more than 47 years with the grocery retailer, Publix announced earlier this year.

Roskovich’s retirement is effective March 31, and longtime Publix employee Joey Riddle has been promoted to the position.

“Joey is a dynamic leader who motivates and inspires his associates to achieve their personal best,” Publix President Kevin Murphy said in a statement at the time. “He took the opportunity to grow with Publix as we expanded into the Charlotte market and has been integral to establishing Publix as the premier grocer across the division. I am proud of what he has been able to accomplish so far and excited to see the contributions he will continue to make as we enter the Kentucky market, as well as in our existing operating area.”   

Publix, which employs more than 240,000 associates, operates 1,333 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.