On Wednesday, June 9, 2010...Winn Dixie opened it's 'new prototype' store in Margate, FL.  They remodeled an old Publix grocery store and hope this new 'concept' Winn Dixie will get them moving in the right direction.  Winn Dixie has been going through some financial difficulty recently and about a year ago...closed many stores in the Southeast US.  Well, they are now moving forward and are hoping that their jingle "Getting better all the time" really means something.

While the new store isn't right around the corner from where I live...I had to take a ride this weekend to check it out.  I've been hearing all kinds of things like "It's like a lower cost Whole Foods".  I read that they not only upgraded the fixtures and the look of the store...but they are getting higher quality inventory and an expanded deli and pre-prepared foods section.


(Huge 'hot food' section of Winn Dixie, Margate, FL)

This is not a gigantic store...but they do a nice job on the layout.  As soon as you walk in...you see the HUGE 'hot food' section.  You have a Chicken Wing bar with 5 kinds of wings on the left of the counter.  Next to that...everything from Fried Catfish to rice to potatoes.  Next to the array of 'hot foods' are the real stars of the pre-made foods.  Hot brisket, beef, rotisserie chicken...and I even hear Prime Rib some days.  There is a guy waiting to carve you a fresh piece. 


(The carving station)


(Fresh meat!)

There is also a BBQ station...where you can help yourself to what you want and you pay by the pound.


(BBQ station...mmmm)

Next to the carving station...you have pre-made foods that are chilled.  The presentation does remind me of Whole Foods.  These are items you take with...to warm up at a later time.


(Pre-made foods...chilled to enjoy later...or even the next day.)

On the other side of the huge space in the front...you will find produce.  Everything was super fresh and they even had all kinds of free samples.  The displays were also very nice.


(Winn Dixie Margate, FL - Produce)


(More Winn Dixie Margate, FL - Produce)

Their wine selection seemed to offer a nice variety along with all kinds of beer.  Their bakery was quite large and seemed to call out as you walked by too.


(Winn Dixie Margate, FL - Bakery)

They also have a pretty nice 'bulk candy' section.  One wall had M&M's...all separated by color.

(Winn Dixie Margate, FL - M&M Bulk by color!)

The rest of the store was set up in typical grocery fashion, but I didn't feel like I was in a Winn Dixie.  And that is a GOOD thing.  The meats looked fresh and all of the employees were very helpful and excited to be showing off the store.

I really hope this store does well...and they keep up the standards.  We need some competition in the Southeast besides Publix and Whole Foods.  So congratulations Winn Dixie...you did get better with this new store.

This new Winn Dixie concept store is located at 5600 W. Sample Rd. in Margate, FL.  (Just Northwest of Ft. Lauderdale)