Southeastern Grocers Refocuses Growth Strategy Under Winn-Dixie Name
Southeastern Grocers (SEG) will enter a new era in early 2026 under a familiar name — The Winn-Dixie Co. — as part of a strategic effort to unite under one iconic brand and sharpen its focus on Florida, where the grocer has deep roots.
The move marks a defining chapter for the Jacksonville, Florida-based retailer, which said the rebrand honors Winn-Dixie’s century-long legacy while positioning the business for growth through investments in store modernization, new customer conveniences and expanded private-label offerings.
“As we enter our next century as The Winn-Dixie Company — a brand-new 100-year-old company — we are accelerating growth where our roots run deepest,” Anthony Hucker, chairman and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in a media release.
Expanding Florida Presence & Remodeling Stores
SEG plans to strengthen its presence across Florida through new store openings, remodels and acquisitions, including the purchase of three Hitchcock’s Markets locations in Alachua, Keystone Heights and Williston.
These stores will be converted to Winn-Dixie and reopened in phases beginning in late 2025. The company also plans to open a new Williston Winn-Dixie in December, followed by the Alachua and Keystone Heights locations by summer 2026.
The retailer said dozens of remodels and new projects are already underway, with upgrades designed to create more community-centered stores. Winn-Dixie is also:
- Growing its liquor store portfolio.
- Expanding its private-label assortment, including the return of its “Lip Lickin’ Chicken,” — the retailer’s line of fried and rotisserie chicken products, as well as its branded dipping sauces — in early 2026.
- Piloting new convenience initiatives such as third-party online grocery delivery (via its new Amazon partnership) and return kiosks.
Strategic Refocus on Core Markets
As part of its focus, SEG will transition ownership of most locations outside Florida, while maintaining a select footprint in southern Georgia. The company has reached agreements or is finalizing plans to transfer ownership of 40 stores (32 Winn-Dixie and 8 Harveys Supermarkets) in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Once these transactions are complete, The Winn-Dixie Company will operate approximately 130 conventional grocery stores and 140 liquor stores in Florida and southern Georgia.
Store closings are expected to be completed by year-end, with all banner transitions anticipated by early 2026.
Industry Context
Winn-Dixie’s renewed focus on Florida reflects a broader trend among regional grocers to concentrate resources in their strongest markets. The move mirrors strategies by other midsize chains, such as H-E-B (Texas), Hy-Vee (Midwest) and Publix (Florida/Southeast), that prioritize operational efficiency and local relevance over geographic breadth.
With national chains (Walmart, Kroger) and discount grocers (Aldi, Lidl) expanding more aggressively, midsize regional players are increasingly doubling down on local knowledge, tailored assortments and store experience rather than competing coast to coast.
Looking Ahead
Hucker said the company’s transformation aims to ensure long-term growth while staying true to its heritage and community commitment.
The company said it will continue investing in innovations that enhance the customer experience and modernize the neighborhood grocer model as it prepares for its next century of operations.
