Publix talks about supermarket that’s coming to Fort Oglethorpe

It’s been long-rumored that the popular Publix supermarket chain has been planning to open a store in Fort Oglethorpe, and representatives from the chain confirmed that plan this week.

Official signage was recently erected at the lot near the corner of Dietz Road and Battlefield Parkway, revealing the planned development for Boynton Ridge Plaza, which includes the Publix logo.

On Friday, Publix Media & Community Relations Manager Brenda Reid spoke about the new location, a possible timetable, and the creation of jobs in the area.

“We do have a site confirmed there in Fort Oglethorpe. It’s a 45,000-square-foot site,” Reid said. “From what I’m looking at, it has a target opening date of late August or early September.”

In addition to creating job opportunities within the city, Reid says the company will also put a strong emphasis on becoming a big part of the community.

“Traditionally we’re talking about 125 jobs with our stores,” Reid said. “When we open a store, we look for it to become a great community partner through youth programs, hunger programs, and education. We look forward to being a new partner in the market and hopefully supporting those types of programs in the community.”

While Reid couldn’t give an exact date for a possible groundbreaking, Fort Oglethorpe city officials say they’re preparing for the chains arrival in town.

“We expect a building permit to be pulled by the developer for Publix within the next week or so,” said Fort Oglethorpe City Manager Jennifer Payne-Simpkins.

Publix, a Florida-based supermarket chain, already has stores in neighboring Tennessee in East Brainerd, North Chattanooga, Hixson, Ooltewah, and Cleveland.