LAKELAND, Fla. – The opening date for a “prototype” Publix store in Central Florida has finally been revealed, with some interesting features on the way for local customers.
Publix spokeswoman Hannah Herring told News 6 earlier this year that the store will be based on the prototype format introduced in Tampa and Wesley Chapel.
“In this particular format, customers enjoy expanded offerings in the deli, like burrito bowls and a pizza oven,” she explained. “There is also a Pours area where customers can order smoothies and acai bowls or grab a drink and sip while they shop.”
According to Herring, the majority of these store formats are being built in the chain’s new Kentucky market, though the company is slated to roll one of these stores out in Polk County.
“We do have a Lakeland, Florida store under construction that will have the expanded offerings in the deli, as well as the Pours area,” she added.
That upcoming store is situated at 4730 S. Florida Ave. in the Lake Miriam Square shopping center, and it’s scheduled to open on Thursday, Nov. 13.
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Meanwhile, there are three other Publix stores set to open in Florida later this month. They include the following:
- Nov. 13 — 1033 A1A Beach Blvd. (St. Augustine)
- Nov. 15 — 75 Irondale Road (Ponte Vedra)
- Nov. 20 — 1715 Oil Well Road (Naples)
The Naples and Ponte Vedra stores are expected to span over 48,000 square feet, though the St. Augustine location will be nearly 55,000 square feet.
In addition, all three locations will feature pharmacies and adjacent liquor stores.
[BELOW: News 6 takes a look at Florida’s first-ever Publix store]