Publix plans for eventful new store

Craving a hormone-free steak and fine wine made with organic grapes paired with an artisan cheese? It won’t be a problem at the new Longboat Key Publix.

Just need regular groceries? It will have those, too.

But at the new Publix, customers will be able to do something near and dear to many Longboaters’ hearts: plan events.

The new Publix will have an event-planning center, staffed by an event specialist. According to a list of store attributes prepared by Publix:

“Event planners will ensure all items are pulled together for the gathering, including placing orders for cakes, platters, beverages and floral arrangements and making suggestions that will perfectly complement every themed event.”

The Lakeland-based chain demonstrated its event-planning skills with a “topping off” event held Thursday, July 12, near the new Publix store.

The morning event featured breakfast items such as fresh fruit and Publix bakery selections.

But, if anyone in the crowd of about three-dozen wasn’t hungry, Publix Vice President of Lakeland operations Tom McLaughlin likely whetted their appetite by describing what’s in store for the new Publix.

McLaughlin guided the crowd through plans for the store aisle-by-aisle, describing its Pacific Wok salad bar with more than 20 items, enhanced produce, deli, bakery and seafood departments, coffee and additional gluten-free, organic products.

“When you walk in the entrance, you will know right away that it’s a different kind of store,” McLaughlin said.

The store will also have a seating area with free Wi-Fi and daily cooking presentations.

One thing Longboaters won’t be able to do in the short term at the new Publix: pick up prescriptions.

According to McLaughlin, the new store will open with a pharmacy area that will, at first, be empty. The store has an agreement with CVS, which is also building a new store at the shopping center, to hold off on opening a pharmacy for 16 months.

McLaughlin didn’t answer the question that’s echoed through the Key since Publix first announced its plans a year ago: Will it have a liquor store?

According to Publix spokeswoman Shannon Patten, the answer to that question has yet to be determined.