As a college student in Tallahassee; access to fresh, healthy groceries is limited. Students who live on campus with no vehicles are forced to travel several miles to the nearest Publix or shop somewhere close where basic groceries cost more and fresh vegetables are often unavailable.
However, this may no longer be the case. A memorandum of lease was signed back in February 2016 by Summit Holdings XV, LLC and Publix Supermarkets Inc. to open a GreenWise Publix on the corner of Gaines Street near Railroad Avenue. The store will be located directly next to GrassLands Brewing Co.
“The grand opening date has not yet been determined,” said Publix spokesman Dwaine Stevens. He has been working for Publix for 37 years and plays a significant role in community awareness and engagement. When asked why the company chose this specific location to open a GreenWise Publix, he said, “A great location for this new prototype specifics are propriety.”
GreenWise, which is a line created by Publix in 2003, includes USDA-certified organic products, foods and cleaning items. Publix has only opened three other GreenWise locations in Florida including: Tampa, Palm Beach Gardens and Boca Raton. The store is receiving a $2.8 million loan from Farmers & Merchants Bank for this project.
“It usually takes me 10 minutes to get to the nearest grocery store but with Publix opening up right around the corner, it will save me a lot of time and gas,” said Julissa Laguardia, a 20-year-old student at Florida State University. “I currently shop at the Publix on Ocala Road or the Walmart on West Tennessee Street which are both more than eight miles from my home.”
Some students are still unaware that there is a GreenWise Publix set to open soon. When interviewing Kerry Souveraine, a third-year student at Florida A&M University, she said, “I wasn’t aware that there was a new Publix being opened but now I’m very excited.
“I live near campus and I’m basically forced to shop at Piggly Wiggly or Save-A-Lot due to lack of transportation.”
According to Publix.com, the store is expected to debut in late 2018. Publix plans to share information regarding the new GreenWise store closer to the grand opening. However, the company is still looking to expand their GreenWise locations.