‘It benefits us all:’ New Publix location opens in Carytown

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Carytown shoppers now have another grocery store option to shop at.

The new Publix, which is on Ellwood Avenue, hosted a grand opening at 7 a.m. on Dec. 9.

The 45,600 square-foot Publix will employ approximately 145 associates.

“We are excited to continue our growth across Richmond and bring Publix’s legendary service and quality to Carytown,” Kim Reynolds, Publix Community Relations Manager said. “We look forward to being active partners in this vibrant community.”

Some of the highlights of the store include:

• The Publix Deli
• Produce department
• Publix Bakery
• Wine department
• Aprons Simple Meals
• Full-service meat department
• Full-service seafood department

The grocery store chain chose the Carytown location back in 2018, which was home to Martin’s.

Local businesses near the Publix are waiting to see the impact the grocery store will have on the Carytown community.

“I always had faith that this would be a big positive,” said Michael Barber, owner of Carytown Burgers and Frie Inc. “With this new addition, we expect more traffic, more excitement and more people coming in.”

In 2018, Carytown Burgers and Fries moved from the Richmond Shopping Center after plans for the Carytown Exchange development, where the Publix is now located, began.

Barber says the last three years for the business have brought learning and success as they remain on Cary Street, not far from the new grocery store.

“We are going to have more exposure, we are going to be able to say to people this is our brand. People know who we are but we want to show them who we are. I think this is going to be a great thing for Carytown and Carytown Burgers and Fries,” he said.

Publix is a part of Carytown Exchange, the developer, Regency Centers, describes it as “a curated mix of local and national, service and retail, the Center will exemplify Regency’s Fresh Look® philosophy by combining unique placemaking designs with the right merchandising mix and connecting with the community.”

While there are still storefronts to be filled within the development, it does have a parking deck, which Carytown business owners anticipate will bring more customers to their stores and restaurants.

“The parking deck is fantastic. There has been a need for that in Carytown. It deters people when it is difficult to park, so I think it is wonderful,” explained Didi Tremblay, manager of Dogma Grooming and Pet Needs. “There is no doubt it is going to bring more exposure to the businesses that are on the other end of Carytown like us.”

As the pandemic continues to impact businesses, Tremblay is hoping the development will increase community and start a new chapter for Carytown.

“I think we need to make sure that people know to shop local - it doesn’t have to be me - make sure you’re shopping local so when this is over, we are still here,” said Barber. “Your experience is going to get better and better with the parking, with the other shops going in, with the Publix, I think this is a benefit to everyone on Cary Street.”

Copyright 2020 WWBT. All rights reserved.

Submit a news tip.