Store manager Josh Williamson cuts the ribbon for the opening of the rebuilt Publix on Thursday.
Sentiments of excitement and relief were shared by the those waiting in line for the opening of the rebuilt Publix in Fernandina Beach.
“The universe is back in order,” Fernandina Beach City Commissioner Genece Minshew said ahead of the ribbon cutting.
Publix closed in April of 2025 and Winn-Dixie closed in July to be transformed into an ALDI grocery store, leaving Amelia Island without a major grocery store on the north end for months.
“Not having Publix was very disruptive to the community, but we did our best in the city to put the grocery getter in place to help as much as we could. People got used to the change and made adjustments, and then ALDI opened, and that was a little breath, and people said, ‘OK, we know we’re gonna get to an end here.’
And now this is the last piece, and it’s like, order has been restored.”
The first 1,000 customers received a special gift. The line for the 7 a.m. opening started at midnight with Corbin Childers and Rylan Jones.
The teens made a bet with Childers’ dad that they wouldn’t be able to be the first in line and stay until the store opened.
“We said, ‘OK, well, we have nothing to do,’” Childers said. “And we came and got a chair and sat outside for seven hours.”
Childers and Jones said they are most excited for the fan-favorite “Pub Subs” — sandwiches from the Publix Deli, cookies, and popcorn chicken.
“The upstairs dining area looks really cool too; it’s really exciting,” Jones said.
Before opening, the line waiting to get into Publix stretched through the Island Walk Plaza to Don Patron Mexican Grill.
Hannah Herring, Publix Media Relations Manager, said the Publix employees are always proud to see residents line up for the new stores. She said the store will have between 150 and 200 employees.
“This is always exciting, especially in a place like this where folks have been waiting for their Publix to return,” Herring said. “It pumps up the store associates, too, you know? They’ve gotten up early to get here, and so did everybody else.”
Publix manager Josh Williamson also emphasized the excitement of both patrons and associates.
“I know you guys have waited a long time,” he said, preparing to welcome people inside. “We have waited a long time to get back to you as well. We served this community for 38 years prior to closing. We’re excited to do this. Hopefully for another 38 and beyond, delivering the legendary customer service that we’re known for.”
Ahead of the ribbon-cutting, Williamson presented a donation to Barnabas Center.
“Our community is very blessed to have partnerships like this,” said Jamie Reynolds, Barnabas Center CEO. “This really helps support our food program, whether it’s in our pantry, whether it’s mobile and out in the community. It is so exciting to see so many people here, supporting Publix, and then for Publix to support us.”
Reynolds said working with Publix is about more than just a donation from the company, it’s a true partnership that betters the community.
Minshew echoed that sentiment.
“We’re just happy to have them back, and [Publix is] an important part of the community,” she said. “They’re a big community partner.”
Reynolds said Barnabas Center has seen people struggle with food security after Publix closed.
“We identified an increase in people coming to our pantry,” said Michael Granucci, who volunteers with the food pantry at Barnabas. “There’s definitely been that void, so we’re happy to be able to partner again with Publix.”
On Wednesday, local media and Publix employees took a tour of the new store. The 58,834-square-foot grocery store will feature Publix’s new “Pours” concept, where customers can order smoothies, acai bowls or grab a drink while they shop. Herring likened it to a cafe or sports bar due to multiple TVs.
The store will serve popcorn, have a pizza oven and burrito bowl bar in the enhanced deli, and it includes a significantly expanded bakery.
Bakery Manager Karen Bianchini, who oversees stores from Jacksonville to South Carolina, said customers can peek into the bakery and see two decorators making cakes. Customers can get a free cookie at a “customer interaction station” and sample products. Customers can also look at a digital cake book on a kiosk, she said.
“What was here, you walked through the front doors, and it was tucked in a little corner out of sight,” Bianchini said. “Now you walk in and you’ve got this huge open atmosphere and lights on the bakery. It’s much larger.”
Publix has renovated or rebuilt dozens of stores across the state over the past few years. Herring said a full rebuild vs. a remodel largely depends on the space and the store. The old store on Sadler Road was built in the 1980s.
“It was a pretty old store. The Band-Aids weren’t going to continue to work, so in those instances, we’ll make the decision to rebuild the whole store,” she said.
Publix will begin an opening hiring period on Monday and applicants are welcome to apply online or walk in, Herring said. Publix is seeking deli clerks, produce clerks and customer service employees.
Applications are available at storejobapplication.publix.com.