JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 6, 2026--
The Winn-Dixie Company continues to build on a year of growth and transformation, advancing its commitment to Florida through new store openings, ongoing investments and initiatives designed to strengthen its position as the state's hometown grocer. With more than a century of history in Florida, the Jacksonville-based company remains focused on expanding its presence, enhancing its neighborhood stores and delivering the fresh products, exceptional service and everyday value that generations of customers have come to trust.
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Since officially becoming The Winn-Dixie Company earlier this year, the grocer has brought its operations together under the iconic Winn-Dixie banner, creating a more consistent neighborhood grocery experience. Following the late 2025 acquisition of three former Hitchcock's Markets, Winn-Dixie has converted and opened new grocery stores in Williston, Keystone Heights and Alachua. Each opening has been met with strong enthusiasm and support from the surrounding community, reinforcing the continued demand for Winn-Dixie's hometown grocery experience in North Central Florida.
The company's momentum extends beyond new store openings. Throughout 2026, Winn-Dixie has continued investing in its existing stores, completing eight remodels across Florida with refreshed departments and expanded offerings designed to better serve customers.
The company's progress has also earned national recognition for its products, people and community initiatives. The Winn-Dixie Company has received 68 awards so far in 2026, recognizing excellence in Own Brand products, innovation, community impact, workplace culture and sustainability. These honors include Store Brands Editors' Picks, USA Wine, Beer & Spirits Ratings, the FMI Community Uplift Awards and Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces by State in Florida.
Building on this progress, The Winn-Dixie Company is advancing plans for new stores in Zephyrhills and Eustis in 2027 while further exploring opportunities to expand its footprint statewide. These investments reflect the grocer's commitment to serving the evolving needs of Florida families and supporting long-term growth across the state.
As another step in advancing its Florida-focused growth strategy, The Winn-Dixie Company has agreed to sell its five remaining Winn-Dixie grocery stores in southern Georgia to Food Lion, LLC. The stores, located in Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island and Valdosta, will close briefly and then reopen as Food Lion. The Winn-Dixie Company expects to operate more than 120 Winn-Dixie grocery stores across Florida, as well as more than 100 liquor stores, allowing the company to further concentrate its resources and investments in its historic home state.
Raymond Rhee, President and CEO of The Winn-Dixie Company, said, “For more than 100 years, Florida has been our home, and our commitment to the communities that have shaped our story remains strong. We've made tremendous progress this year, from opening new stores and investing in our neighborhoods to bringing our operations together under one iconic brand. This strategic decision allows us to build on that momentum and direct more resources toward expanding and strengthening our presence across Florida. We recognize the impact this decision has on our associates and customers in southern Georgia, and we deeply value the relationships we've built over the years. Looking ahead, we remain committed to building on our legacy, serving more Florida communities and delivering on our promise to be Florida's hometown grocer.”
The Food Partners served as financial and strategic adviser to The Winn-Dixie Company in connection with the transaction.
About The Winn-Dixie Company
The Winn-Dixie Company, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a trusted hometown grocer with deep roots across Florida. Building on more than a century of legacy, the company is shaping the future of neighborhood grocery through continued store investments, innovative formats and a seamless omnichannel experience that delivers exceptional value both in stores and online. Guided by its purpose to feed and enrich the communities it serves, The Winn-Dixie Company is known for exceptional service and locally authentic stores. The grocer is committed to offering fresh, high-quality products and meaningful value through its nationally recognized Winn-Dixie Rewards program and Own Brand products.
For more information and updates, visit WinnDixie.com and follow @WinnDixie on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Winn-Dixie
Founded in 1925, Winn-Dixie is a trusted hometown grocer serving communities across Florida. A subsidiary of The Winn-Dixie Company, Winn-Dixie operates locally authentic neighborhood grocery and liquor stores, complemented by convenient online grocery delivery. To learn more, visit WinnDixie.com.
The Winn-Dixie Company continues to build on a year of growth and transformation, advancing its commitment to Florida through new store openings, ongoing investments and initiatives designed to strengthen its position as the state's hometown grocer.
