Publix opens at corner of S.R. 64 and Uihlein Road in Lakewood Ranch

Have you ever seen a nearly 12-foot tall grocery cart?

If you do, follow it. That big, beautiful cart will lead to a feast of samples and a gift bag of snacks at the nearest, newly opened Publix.

Residents near the corner of State Road 64 and Uihlein Road might have seen the giant cart rolling through the aisles of their neighborhoods June 11 because Publix at Northchase Center opened at 16642 State Road 64 E.

The doors promptly slid open at 7 a.m. Residents were lined up early to be among the first shoppers to see the new 15,701-square-foot grocery store. 

Saddlehorn Estates resident Valerie Moore is happy to now have a Publix just five minutes away from home.

"No traffic," she said. 

Outside, Store Manager Josh Jordan greeted nearly every guest with a handshake. Once inside, customers walked through a manmade aisle of clapping and cheering Publix employees. 

The samples started with a palate cleanser of watermelon to prepare for the impending smorgasbord of breakfast sandwiches, blueberry maple sausages, dried peaches, two types of popcorn, chocolate donuts, and limited edition Chocolate Cookie Quarry ice cream. 

The carts were filling up quickly. 

Publix at Northchase is the 19th Publix to open in Manatee County and the chain has 894 stores in Florida and an overall 1,437 stores across eight Southeastern states. 

The Northchase store features the usual deli, produce, bakery, meat and seafood departments, but adds to its prepared selections with made-to-order burritos, nachos, bowls, pizzas and pastas.

The store also offers a pharmacy, a liquor store, and a bar. Pours serves beer, wine, coffee, tea, smoothies and acai bowls.  

Media Relations Manager Lindsey Willis said every new Publix opens with its own celebration, but the big shopping cart is always the big draw. 

It adds some “fanfare,” especially when the lights are on and the music is playing.