New Publix opens with confidence

Even cold winds and the early morning temperatures couldn't keep a crowd  from gathering outside the doors of the Tuscaloosa area's newest Publix as employees and citizens celebrated the store's grand opening January 7. 

Store manager Kent Hunt welcomed the crowd into the store, inviting them in to see the progress.

"Me and my management staff and all of our associates here are here to take care of all of you," Hunt said. "Instead of welcoming us, we want to welcome you."

The new store, located on Highway 69 South and Southview, near Shelton State Community College, could face stiff competition. The nearby Winn Dixie store, also located on Highway 69, proved its staying power by surviving both a tornado years ago and the recent financial troubles of the well-known supermarket chain. A Food World on the same highway will also provide competition.

Hunt didn't seem concerned with anything but his own store.

"We want to be the best store in town," Hunt said. 

While the supermarket is not located within the city limits, it is within the Tuscaloosa Police Department's jurisdiction. With an approved annexation, the city would gain much-needed tax revenue from the store. 

Tuscaloosa mayor Walter Maddox, who did not attend the ceremony recommended improvements to the strip of property, which will also be home to a Hungry Howie's Pizza and Subs. 

"Grocery stores are the most stable producers of sales tax,” Maddox told The Tuscaloosa News in an earlier interview. “People don’t quit buying groceries.”