New Publix holds grand opening on Hughes Road
MADISON — The new Publix supermarket on Hughes Road held a ribbon cutting bright and early this morning, just minutes before its grand opening at 7 a.m.
The brand-new store, which stands on the site of a former Kroger, is the fourth Publix in the Madison area. Other locations include Madison Boulevard, County Line Road and Highway 72.
Chris Sheffield, the new store manager, has worked with Publix for 33 years and managed other Publix supermarkets in North Alabama. A Madison resident for the past 22 years, Sheffield said he and his management team are excited to be serving the community through the new location on Hughes Road.
“The floor is polished, we’ve got the pantry stocked, and you guys are guests that we’re going to invite into our home,” Sheffield told customers at the ribbon cutting. “ … I’m very excited to be here, and I can’t wait to let you guys in.”
Sheffield’s family also has strong ties to Publix. His wife, Lisa, is the customer service manager at the County Line Road Publix, and their daughter and two sons have also worked for Publix.
Madison Mayor Paul Finley was also present at the ribbon cutting and praised Publix for their contributions to the community through United Way.
“Publix is such a strong community advocate,” Finley said. “As a mayor and a city council, you can’t take care of everything. … United Way, with the agencies they support, pick up some of the pieces that a community needs, and Publix is the largest supporter of that in our area. It’s one of the neatest things for us.”
Claudia Bucher, director of resource development for United Way of Madison County, said contributions have totaled about $575,000.
Alabama State House Rep. Mike Ball, a longtime shopper at the Publix on Madison Boulevard, also attended the ribbon cutting and shared some of his thoughts and feelings on the supermarket chain. He praised Publix employees in particular.
“They have this positive attitude, and when you look at life with a positive attitude, then it’s contagious,” Ball said. “ … Yes, there’s going to be lots of good things to buy here, it’s a beautiful facility, but that’s not what makes this store, and I think the manager knows that. It’s the people that make the store, and their attitude. When we walk in the store, hopefully we’ll bring a good attitude, but if we don’t, we’ll walk out with one.”
The Publix on Hughes Road has a few new features that set it apart from most other Publix stores. Brenda Reid, media and community relations manager for Publix, said uncommon features include the salad bar, which sits across from the deli, and the fresh food case.
Sheffield said the new Publix is also one of the first stores to feature doors that keep the fresh produce at the optimal temperature. The produce section also contains a new misting system designed to keep produce fresh for a longer period of time.
The pharmacy, however, is one of Sheffield’s favorite things about Publix. He said the pharmacy is offering flu shots and has low-cost prescription refills, which he said he believes is unique to Publix.
“I love to brag about our pharmacy department,” Sheffield said.
About 150 Publix associates were present to assist customers during the grand opening, many of which came from other Publix supermarkets in North Alabama, according to Sheffield. Though the new location had just opened, customers flocked to the store to check out the new facility and shop for groceries. Madison residents Kim and Lanny Thornsberry were two customers who said they were excited about the grand opening.
“They’ve got some really good deals today,” Kim said. “ … We’re really excited about it—a new setup for everything, new and fresh.”
Other features of the new store include a bakery, a seafood department and Aprons Simple Meals, which is a cooking demonstration station that offers two recipes each week.
Reid said she is looking forward to seeing Publix become even more entrenched in the community through its new store on Hughes Road.
“It seems like everywhere we go (in Madison), there’s new growth,” Reid said. “ … We’re delighted to be growing with the city. That’s what’s exciting for us.”
Publix was founded 88 years ago by George Jenkins Jr. Today, there are about 1,200 Publix stores across the Southeast. According to a press release, Publix has been named one of Fortune 100’s best companies to work for in America for the past 21 years.
The new Publix is located at 350 Hughes Road. Their regular store hours are from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
