After more than a year without it, I finally walked through the doors of the new store this week, and I have to admit… they absolutely nailed it.
There are a few things you learn when you grow up on Amelia Island. You learn which back roads actually save time, which beach accesses are worth fighting for, and that locals are pretty protective of our Publix.
The new Publix at 1421 Sadler Road officially opened on July 2 after the original 1987 store was completely demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
And you can tell.
The aisles are wider, the layout feels brighter, and everything has that clean, brand new feel. It is the kind of store that makes you want to take your time instead of rushing through your shopping list.
At more than 55,000 square feet, this location is larger than the average Publix and follows one of the company’s newest store designs.
One of the coolest additions is Publix POURS, where you can grab beer, wine, coffee, tea, smoothies, or an acai bowl while you shop. It is one of those features you don’t realize you wanted until you’re walking the aisles with an iced coffee in your hand.
Beyond the classic Pub Subs and deli favorites, you’ll now find made to order pizza, pasta, burrito bowls, nachos, specialty popcorn, and more. There are enough new food options that you could honestly stop in for lunch and leave with groceries.
More than anything, this opening means our island finally has its Publix back, and I think most locals would agree it was well worth the wait.
With Publix under construction and Winn Dixie transitioning to Aldi, locals suddenly had far fewer options close to home.
The original Publix served Amelia Island for nearly forty years and became a staple in our community.
As someone who has lived here my whole life, I can honestly say I am impressed. It still feels like our Publix, just bigger, brighter, and built for the next generation of island life.
And if you see a local wandering around with a coffee, a Pub Sub, and no real plan, just let them be.
We waited 432 days for this.
