Publix Makes A Grand Opening At Glen Lakes

Roseann Phaneuf pushed her cart slowly along the north end of the store - weaving in and out of displays packed with melons, tomatoes and peaches.

She and her daughter, Elicia, 4, constantly turned their heads back and forth, gawking at all the stacks of fruit and vegetables within arm's reach.

"It's always good here," she said of the produce section. "We used to go all the way down (to Lakewood Plaza) to shop, so it's really nice having this."

Phaneuf and her daughter were visiting the area's newest Publix grocery store, which opened its doors to the public Thursday morning. The store is located at 9595 Commercial Way in The Shoppes at Glen Lakes.

The first 500 shoppers who strolled through the front entrance were given a free tote bag. They also were treated with free food samples, an elaborate pineapple display complete with a gurgling fountain and several buy-one-get-one free offers. The latter will be available to shoppers through the end of the week.

By 1 p.m., more than 1,000 residents had funneled through the front doors.

"There are a lot of factors that go into deciding where to put a new store," said Publix spokeswoman Shannon Patten. "Serving customers with a convenient (store) is at the top of that list ... We're definitely excited about opening our first Weeki Wachee location."

The store was packed with shoppers throughout the morning and afternoon. Managers from other Publix locations arrived to help with the influx of customers and to train new employees.

"I am happy that it's here," said Weeki Wachee resident Bonnie Trivelli, who prefers Publix over other grocery chains. "I live only two blocks from here. I was waiting for it to open. I was checking on it every day."

Construction on the 45,000-square-foot store began last year. The area's water was interrupted for a few hours in March because of the necessary improvements to the existing water lines. Several Glen Lakes residents originally objected to the new store. They feared it would add traffic congestion to a place strategically located a few miles north of the more-crowded Spring Hill communities.

Earlier feuds and inconveniences seemed forgotten Thursday as Glen Lakes shoppers sampled the foods and walked along the rows of beef, pork, chicken, seafood, produce and dairy.

Tony the Tiger made an appearance Thursday afternoon and waved to shoppers as they passed him by in the frozen foods aisle.

Free pineapple slices, shrimp stir fry, ice cream and deli meat were given away at every corner of the store.

Store models rarely differ from each other. Those who regularly shop at other Publix locations know exactly where to find their groceries.

"It's close and convenient and we like Publix," said Bill Mohn, who was accompanied by his wife, Debbie. "We love the bakery and produce."