Winn-Dixie’s
Hispanic supermarket comes as parent firm moves into bankruptcy
parent company plans to convert an Orlando store to its Fresco y Mas Hispanic supermarket.
The parent company of Winn Dixie is bringing its Hispanic grocery concept Fresco y Mas to Orlando, replacing a Winn-Dixie supermarket southeast of downtown.
Bankruptcy-bound Southeastern Grocers, Inc. announced Tuesday that the Winn-Dixie store at 7382 E. Curry Ford Road would become Fresco y Mas, a brand that carries more labels, produce, meats and prepared food geared towards Latin consumers.
The conversion should be completed by April, the company said.
It’s also opening two new Fresco y Mas — which means fresh and more — stores in Tampa, about two years after launching the concept in South Florida.
Southeastern Grocers announced plans to close 94 stores last week, including three in the Orlando area.
One of those closing stores is at 4686 Michigan St., two miles from the Winn-Dixie that will convert to Fresco y Mas.
“We are confident that now is the time to introduce Fresco y Más into Central and West Florida neighborhoods and offer those customers an authentic Hispanic grocery store experience,” said a statement from Anthony Hucker, Southeastern Grocers president and CEO.
“We are excited to give our loyal customers a store they can count on while providing exceptional service and quality products.”
It’s part of a host of changes Southeastern Grocers has been experimenting with in recent years, including converting some stores in urban and lowincome neighborhoods into the Harvey’s brand.
The Curry Ford neighborhood already has one full-service Hispanic supermarket, Sedano’s, which opened in 2015 at at State Road 436 and Curry Ford Road.
It’s part of a Hialeah-based chain, the largest Hispanicowned chain in the U.S.
Even after the bankruptcy, Southeastern Grocers is still expected to have 582 stores under the Winn-Dixie, BI-LO, Fresco y Mas and Harvey’s banners.