Publix has announced it will open its first Knoxville store on August 2.
The 56,000 square-foot store will be located at Northshore Drive at Pellissippi Parkway. A new Target store in the same location will open July 25.
On August 2, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:45 am at the Publix, then the store will open at 7:00 am. The first 1,000 customers will receive a free Publix re-usable grand opening grocery bag. Flowers will be given to customers as they enter the store while supplies last. The first 25 customers who purchase $50 or more in groceries will receive a free bag of groceries valued at $25. Fun activities for children will take place from 3 -7 p.m. including a magician, balloon artist and caricature artist. Customers will be encouraged to register to win prizes throughout the store including a $100 gift card from Publix as well as cakes, deli platter and fresh products from the meat and seafood departments.
The store employs approximately 200 employees.
In a press release, Publix says they will offer conventional items combined with an abundant selection of earth-friendly, all-natural and organic products for customer convenience.
"Customers continue to look for a variety of all natural and organic products and services while seeking traditional items on their shopping list," said Brenda Reid, media and community relations manager for Publix. "We're confident this store will exceed customer expectations with an elegant environment, expanded product mix and premium service."
Here's what Publix is offering in their new Knoxville store:
THE PRODUCE DEPARTMENT will carry both organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, including a selection of exotic choices from around the world and the season's best from just down the street. The full-service floral department will offer everything from the classic elegance of a dozen roses to bouquets bursting with fresh blooms to pots of lushly colored flowers. Floral specialists will be available to create memorable arrangements for that special occasion.
THE BAKERY DEPARTMENT will offer a mouth-watering array of cakes, cookies and pies as well as an assortment of chocolate-dipped items. In addition to traditional breads and rolls, an expanded selection of shicaccia and flatbreads will be offered. Customers will find a selection of bakery items made with all-natural ingredients, including mini desserts, muffin tops and cookies.
THE DELI DEPARTMENT will include a full-service deli counter highlighting Boar's Head meats and cheeses, as well as handcrafted old world delicacies, cured sausages, sopresatta and aged prosciutto. The deli will also offer an international selection of olives, antipastos and hummus and include more than 200 varieties of artisan cheeses from the United States and around the world. A certified cheese specialist will staff this full-service area to assist with selecting and pairing cheeses with other foods and beverages.
The store will have a large selection of freshly prepared foods created in-house daily. Customers will be able to choose from a wide variety of chef-inspired appetizers, entrees and side dishes. Specialties include Cedar Plank Salmon, Twice Baked Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus with Vinaigrette and Bleu Cheese.
The salad bar will highlight more than 20 fresh salad selections. A soup bar will offer four gourmet soups daily and a Pacific wok will feature Pan Asian favorites like Mongolian Beef, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Vegetable Lo-Mein and more.
Customers can visit the Café at the front of the store, which will feature coffees, espressos, lattes, teas, gelato, gelato smoothies and assorted pastries. There will be a seating area inviting customers to sit, relax and enjoy one of the many selections featured. This area will be equipped with free Wi-Fi service.
THE EVENT PLANNING CENTER, staffed by an event planning specialist, will assist customers in planning every detail for any special occasion. 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.
APRON'S SIMPLE MEALS will offer customers two recipes each week. Meals clerks will conduct live cooking presentations in the built-in kitchen area where recipes are demonstrated on a daily basis. All of the ingredients for these recipes will be found in the Apron's Simple Meals case located directly next to the kitchen. Also available will be high-quality cookware to help customers have fun and save time in the kitchen.
A FULL-SERVICE MEAT DEPARTMENT will allow customers to have their order cut any way they like and trimmed to perfection. The case will feature a variety of fresh meats, including a selection of those that are antibiotic free or hormone free.
A FULL SERVICE SEAFOOD DEPARTMENT will offer fresh seafood delivered throughout the week. It will include wild- and farm-raised varieties of fresh fish as well as an extensive variety of shellfish options, including lobster. An expanded sushi counter will include sushi made with brown rice.
In addition to a FULL-SERVICE PHARMACY WITH DRIVE-THRU WINDOW, a dedicated body care section will offer customers a wide selection of natural and conventional vitamins, minerals and supplements. A body care specialist will assist customers with their selections. A HealthNotes kiosk will provide customers with information on health solutions, vitamins and supplements.
Publix has 1,053 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.