Is Publix coming to the Knoxville area? (Chattanooga, Farragut: homes, buy)

[NJDevil]

it's all about personal preferences and experiences. Friendly employees are everywhere, but you have to search for them sometimes. I always shopped at Seymour Kroger, but after going to the one in South Knox a few times, I am done with Seymour. The employees at SK Kroger are SO FRIENDLY and there seems to be TONS of them. It's all about management and who they choose to hire. I like Publix's philosophy and priorities. More competition is welcome here, IMO.

[hiknapster]

It's funny, but we have been able to find specialty items at Food City that we can't find at Kroger's or Ingle's. But it really depends on which Food City. Some of them are gorgeous and others are dumps.

I really like Super Target, too, but Turkey Creek is such a long ride.

The Bearden Earth Fare has only been only been open five days and I have been there for four of them. I love that store.

[jabogitlu]

Earth Fare is my favorite store ever. I live about 2 minutes from the Johnson City one and it's A-MAAAAZING!

[dave1961]

Which chain supermarket in Knoxville is typically the best stocked and cleanest?

[Tn405]

I like Krogers

[lochmoigh]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Earth Fare is my favorite store ever. I live about 2 minutes from the Johnson City one and it's A-MAAAAZING!

Ate at the El Torrito next to the krogers, that place is awesome.

[William Sold]

For all those wanting Publix, you may not be too far off. With stores doing well in Nashville (3) and Chattanooga (2), Knoxville is a definite possibility in the future. There are currently two developers trying hard to get Publix to bite. I won't say who, due to anonymity, but exit 82 sure looks tempting....I do know their sales for this quarter were up 2.2%, while comparable stores fell 2.8%. With continued success in new markets, I think expansion is obvious. Looking at the store map below, connecting the dots makes Knoxville a viable option.

Publix Stores
Q: How does Publix determine where new stores will be built?
A: Store sites are based on several factors including population, demographics, location and competition

[jabogitlu]

Yep. If their DC is in location to Nashville and Chattanooga I'm sure they'll try to maximize that by expanding into Knox.

Lochmoigh, that El Torito is like my life. And you were about three seconds from my house!

[MrsMtnsOnTheMind]

I LOVE Publix. I hope they get there soon!

[Tennesseestorm]

I have not had time to read all of the threads here, but I emailed Publix not too long ago, because I had heard this rumor as well and the lady flat out replied, "NO, there are no plans for Publix in east central or northeast Tennessee". I have heard rumors though that they are looking into buying KVAT (Food City).

I dont see KVAT moving the main office to Knoxville, as the President of Food City lives in Abingdon Virginia (just northeast of Bristol).... unless he relocates to Knoxville, but I know they also have a HUGE distribution center in Abingdon as well just off of I-81.

Food City has recently built alot of brand new stores and I am not sure if Publix bought them, how that would relate to the stores style, such as having to remodel again, etc to suit Publix needs/tastes.

I like Publix... I shopped there when visiting relatives in South Carolina last year. My aunt lives a mile from Ingalls, but she will drive 5 miles and shop Publix she loves it so much.