Bradenton, Palmetto Sweetbay stores to close in March

MANATEE -- Three Sweetbay stores in Bradenton, three in Sarasota and one in Palmetto will transition in March to Winn-Dixie stores.

Last May, Bi-Lo Holdings LLC, parent company of the Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie grocery store chains, acquired 70 Sweetbay stores in Florida.

Bradenton Sweetbay stores at 5802 14th St. W. and 2501 Cortez Road W. will close March 22 along with Sarasota stores at 2881 Clark Road, 4230 Bee Ridge Road and 1325 Tamiami Trail.

On March 29, the Bradenton Sweetbay at 5805 Manatee Ave. will close as will the Palmetto Sweetbay at 515 Seventh St. W.

The stores are expected to reopen after a short period of renovation and conversion to the new brand. All employees will be eligible to reapply for their jobs.

The Sweetbay corporate headquarters in Tampa will close. Winn-Dixie is headquartered in Jacksonville.

This story was originally published February 25, 2014 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Bradenton, Palmetto Sweetbay stores to close in March."