Winn Dixie plans to open store at former Earth Fare location in Lakewood Ranch
A Winn Dixie supemarket is coming to Lakewood Ranch, taking over the former Earth Fare grocery space at the corner of State Road 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
Earth Fare announced in February that it was closing all of its supermarkets, including the one that anchors The Green at Lakewood Ranch shopping center. The still-almost-new store opened in January 2018.
Southeastern Grocers, Inc., parent company of Winn Dixie, BI-LO, Fresco y Más, and Harveys Supermarket, announced its plans to expand in Florida with the addition of eight new Winn-Dixie stores before the end of the year.
Southeastern Grocers finalized agreements to purchase multiple Lucky’s Market locations and Earth Fare grocery stores throughout the Florida. The grocer also acquired Lucky’s Market stores in Fort Myers, Gainesville, Lake Mary and Melbourne.
The four Earth Fare stores obtained are located in Boynton Beach, Jacksonville, Lakewood Ranch and Viera, the company said in a press release.
“At Southeastern Grocers, we are committed to supporting, enriching and growing the communities we serve. Winn-Dixie is deeply rooted in Florida, and we are proud to expand our footprint and enhance our presence throughout the state. In addition to our new store that we opened earlier this year, we look forward to introducing eight more new appealing stores with fresh, quality products at the right price to deliver a shopping experience our associates, customers and communities can always count on,” Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in the press release.
Each converted store will be remodeled with a specialized approach to provide a wide product selection and additional jobs and opportunities for local community members. All eight locations are projected to have grand opening dates this year and will be introduced to the community with an opening celebration.
The other Winn-Dixie locations announced Wednesday include stores in Boynton Beach, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake Mary, Melbourne, and Viera.
Winn Dixie has stores in Manatee County at 1010 53rd Ave. E., Oneco, 5802 14th St. W., Bradenton, 515 7th St. W., Palmetto, 5805 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, and 7400 44th Ave. W., Bradenton.
The grocer is offering positions to Lucky’s Market and Earth Fare associates impacted by the acquisition as well as others. Those interested in applying are invited to visit a local Winn-Dixie grocery store for more information or apply online at www.segrocers.com/careers.
For more information, visit www.winndixie.com.
This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 3:31 PM.
