Winn-Dixie Supermarket – Courtesy: Shutterstock — Jillian Cain Photography
Jacksonville, FL. — Southeastern Grocers (SEG) declared on Tuesday that it is centering its operations on Florida and changing its name to The Winn-Dixie Company.
The parent company of Harveys Supermarkets and the more well-known Winn-Dixie is Southeastern Grocers, which is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. The new name comes after the grocery store brand celebrated its 100th anniversary.
“For a century, Winn-Dixie has proudly called Florida home. Southeastern Grocers Chairman and CEO Anthony Hucker stated, “Our story is based on the tenacity and spirit of its people, and that foundation will guide our future.” “As The Winn-Dixie Company, a brand-new, century-old business, enters its next century, we are staying true to our mission of feeding and enriching the communities, families, and neighbors who have supported us for generations while accelerating growth where our roots run deepest.”
The business says it intends to concentrate on growing in North Florida, beginning with the purchase of Hitchcock’s Markets, located in Alachua. By the summer of 2026, the Keystone Heights and Alachua sites will reopen under the new Winn-Dixie name thanks to the acquisition.
SEG will cede control of dozens of its non-Florida outlets while increasing its Florida share; closures are anticipated to be finished by the end of 2025. There are already new operators lined up for several of those stores. Shops in southern Georgia will remain, such as those in Brunswick, Folkston, and St. Simons Island.
“While this change enables the grocer to reinvest in the communities where its roots run deepest, it also marks the end of an important chapter in regions that have supported Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets for generations,” the business stated in a press release.
The Winn-Dixie Company anticipates having about 130 traditional grocery stores after the planned agreements are completed. Additionally, the company will only have about 140 liquor stores left, but it stated that it intends to increase the number of its “liquor store portfolio with innovative formats.”
It is anticipated that many employees outside of Florida and Georgia may be impacted by the closures. “The grocer remains committed to ensuring every transition is handled with care, support and respect for its team members,” said SEG.
Several local Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets locations were acquired by another supermarket, Aldi, in 2024 in its quest to grow. There are still some conversions going on.
SEG stated in its press statement that dozens of retail renovations and new projects are either planned or currently under process. Additionally, the business hinted at collaborations and trial projects to provide online grocery delivery and return kiosks for third parties.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.