VALDOSTA — The Publix Super Market on Gornto Road is in its third week of an extensive $1.3 million renovation, with the project not expected to be complete until mid-December.

“Usually, about every seven years or so, Publix does major renovations of all their stores. This is the first time this store has been remodeled, other than just normal maintenance, since it opened nine years ago,” said Johnnie Carter, store manager.

The deli area is being completely remodeled, with a new ceiling, flooring, and refrigeration cases. The area where the cafe was located will become a wine cellar featuring an expanded selection in addition to imported cheeses and crackers.

“We already have most of these products in the store. We’re just trying to get them all into one area,” said Carter.

Plans are for the cafe to move to the front of the store into the area where the shopping carts are now.

Throughout the entire store, the refrigeration cases will be replaced, which represents a substantial portion of the overall budget, according to Carter.

Although much of the store is affected by the construction, Carter said they will not be moving any items on the aisles, and the majority of the work is being done at night after the store is closed to minimize the disruption.

Carter, who has worked for Publix since 1966 and has served as manager of the Valdosta location for six years, said, “This will ultimately benefit the community and our customers. It’s going to be really nice in here.”



To contact reporter Kay Harris, please call 244-3400, ext. 280.