After a century in business, one of America’s most legendary grocery stores is undergoing a major transformation. However, with any rebrand comes significant changes, including permanently closing all its stores across several states.
Southeastern Grocers revealed it will rebrand into The Winn-Dixie Company in early 2026. This strategic move will refocus operations on its home state of Florida and some Georgia markets, where the company plans to invest heavily in modernization and growth to reorganize and expand its business.
“Building on a proud legacy, The Winn-Dixie Company is moving confidently into its second century with bold investments, fresh innovations and a clear vision for the future of neighborhood grocery – all while staying true to what matters most: caring for its people, serving customers with excellence and supporting communities with heart and purpose,” said Southeastern Grocers CEO Anthony Hucker.
Southeastern Grocers is closing dozens of stores amid The Winn-Dixie Company rebrand.
The Winn-Dixie Company renews focus on Florida
As part of its new strategy, Winn-Dixie has acquired Hitchcock’s Markets in Alachua, Keystone Heights, and Williston. These stores will be converted into Winn-Dixie locations, opening in phases beginning in late 2025.
The new Williston Winn-Dixie, located at 434 E. Noble Ave., is expected to open in early December 2025, ahead of the closure of the nearby Winn-Dixie at 727 W. Noble Ave.
Related: 43-year-old grocery chain to close stores less than a year after opening
Employees from the old location will transfer to the new store. The Alachua and Keystone Heights Winn-Dixie stores are expected to open by summer 2026.
When the transition is complete, The Winn-Dixie Company will operate around 130 grocery stores and 140 liquor stores across Florida and Georgia.
Store sales and closures
To move forward with this transition, Southeastern Grocers plans to sell 32 Winn-Dixie stores and eight Harveys Supermarket locations in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Some of these have already been sold to Food City and Piggly Wiggly.
The company will continue operations in several south Georgia communities, including Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island, and Valdosta. All store closures and transitions are expected to be finalized by early 2026.
Winn-Dixie’s history and legacy
Winn-Dixie’s story dates back to 1925, when it opened its first store in Miami under the name Winn & Lovett Grocery Co. For nearly 100 years of serving many customers, it has become a staple grocer for Southern families.
This new chapter follows the 2025 buyback of Southeastern Grocers by CEO Anthony Hucker and a group of investors from Aldi. This deal included approximately 170 grocery stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, as well as the Winn-Dixie liquor store business.
The sale of Southeastern Grocers occurred less than a year prior, when Aldi acquired 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets locations to convert them into Aldi-format stores.
Winn-Dixie Company rebrand comes with major changes
While the closures will mark the end of Southeastern Grocer’s presence across several states, leaving thousands of people without a nearby location, Hucker expressed gratitude to employees and customers who helped build the brand’s legacy.
“As we write our next chapter as The Winn-Dixie Company, we also want to acknowledge the people and communities beyond Florida who have been an integral part of our story. We are profoundly thankful to our associates and customers in these markets for their loyalty — for making Winn-Dixie and Harveys a meaningful part of their lives and trusting us to help nourish their families,” said Hucker in a press release.
Though Southeastern Grocers didn’t specify if any layoffs would result from the closures, it noted that some employees may be transferred to transitioning grocery stores.
“Southeastern Grocers extends its deepest gratitude to its associates for their unwavering dedication and to the communities that embraced Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket as part of their daily lives. The grocer remains committed to ensuring every transition is handled with care, support and respect for its team members,” said Southeastern Grocers in a press release.
Related: 50-year-old seafood chain retires its brand for a surprising reason