Well hello, North Carolina!

Feb. 26, 2014, was an historic day for Publix, as we opened our much-anticipated first store in North Carolina. Store #1442, Charlotte, has it all — from a bakery café, deli hot bar and a huge selection of local products, to friendly, knowledgeable associates ready to spread the Publix spirit. Look out North Carolina — Publix is on the map!

You are the foundation

Associates took home a piece of history — part of the silt foundation upon which #1442 was built. Company leaders broke ground on the site just one year ago. Today, the store boasts more than 56,000 square feet of traditional as well as fresh, new products and services.

A family affair

Open house — also known as family night — brought associates and their families together for a sneak peek at the beautiful new store. President of Publix Super Markets Charities Carol Jenkins Barnett told the crowd Mr. George would have been proud — and maybe a bit surprised — to achieve this milestone.

The key to success

From left, Regional Director Mark Pittman, Charlotte Division Vice President Chuck Roskovich, Store Manager Howard Walker, CEO Ed Crenshaw, President Todd Jones and District Manager Rich DiRocco passed along the Publix spirit to associates as they displayed the key to North Carolina’s first Publix.

A caring community partner

Publix presented 12 $500 checks to local schools to use toward the purchase of school supplies.

This store makes the cut

With his associates crowded around, Store Manager Howard Walker celebrated this historic event by cutting the ribbon the night before grand opening. Afterward, he shared the emotional story of how he sat, a few nights earlier, at the far side of the empty Publix parking lot, looking at his new store in awe — just as Mr. George did the night before the first Publix Super Market opened.

The morning of the grand opening, the first customer in line had her turn at making history.

Publix News Live: Open in North Carolina

The first North Carolina Publix has been up and running for more than a month now, and you can get the inside scoop! Check out Publix News Live to see the ribbon cutting and hear the excitement of our associates and first customers at the Charlotte grand opening.