WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Florida-based grocery store Publix opened its first store in the Triad on Wednesday.
"I am very excited that we are finally getting one in my hometown,” said customer Kenya Smith. “When I lived in Atlanta, we'd go and eat at Publix for lunch. Also, there's these chips that I have to have and I've never found them any where else.”
Company leaders said shoppers can expect Publix to become their home away from home.
"Our associates really strive to go above and beyond for our customers," said Media and Community Relations Manager Kim Reynolds.
The supermarket offers a full service deli, a scratch bakery, a fresh seafood department and some other unique features.
The company said it is also dedicated to the communities it serves.
"We have a focus on youth, education, and helping the hungry and homeless and so to commemorate our grand opening Publix made a donation of $5,000 to local schools,” said Reynolds.
Second Harvest Food Bank Executive Director Clyde Fitzgerald said, “Publix as a corporation is a great partner with Feeding America Food Banks in all of the cities where they operate stores. We've long been waiting for Publix to come to Winston-Salem and we are overjoyed that day is now here."
Publix plans to open 20 more stores throughout North Carolina.
The next opening will be a second location in Cary on May 25.