FLEMINGTON – Even the sun peeked above the trees, shoppers were lined up at the doors, eager to be among the first in the newest Publix.

Publix opened its store at Highway 84 and Flemington Village Boulevard on Wednesday morning, with a ribbon cutting for store No. 2016 and a flood of shoppers in its aisles soon after.

“It’s always great seeing the excitement in our customers when they see our new stores open,” said Chris Norberg, community relations manager for Publix’s Jacksonville division. “We couldn’t be more proud to bring a Publix to the community and our neighbors. We’re very happy to be finally be here.”

The store, 46,791 square feet in size, will be open at 7 a.m. seven days a week, and welcomed its first customers at 7 in the morning Wednesday. Ground was broken for the store in October 2024.

“I’ve been telling people they’re going to be thrilled when they go inside and see what we have to offer here,” Norberg said, “not only quality products but a beautiful store with great associates.”

The store employs around 150 people and most of the staff didn’t come from other Publix stores. It’s also a new layout for a Publix, Norberg said.

“No Publix is created the same,” he added. “But this one is one of our newer models.”

It also has a drive-thru for pharmacy pickup and has delivery through Instacart. One of the new store’s unique features is a café seating area, just to the right as customers walk through its doors.

“After customers get a Publix sub or get a treat in our bakery, they can sit in our café, use our wi fi, plug in, get some work done. It’s a got real nice vibe over there,” Norberg said. “Everything you would expect from a Publix and more is in there.”