**INITIAL REVIEW**…read more
Over the last couple of years, there has been an expansion of Palm Bay, as more homes and businesses are being built heading south on Babcock St. Before, Grant-Valkeria was the "southern border" for Palm Bay pertaining to residential and commercial, but thanks to the Heritage Pkwy. exit on I-95, there is more of an initiative to build in the area.
As for the first official commercial business, we live in Florida so it had to be a classic Florida business, and what better business than a Publix. Now that the newest Publix is now open, and though it is a bit advantaged for them, they just happen to be "better" than other Publix Super Markets as they are 1.) new and 2.) implementing all the new features and attributes of Publix Super Markets built today.
Though an address is given, Publix Super Market (which I will shorthand simply to Publix for the remainder of the review) is located in the outdoor shopping strip known as Shoppes at Cypress Bay. It is currently the only business in the shopping strip if you do not include the Publix Liquors store next door.
I was able to check out Publix just days after it opened so everything, as mentioned earlier, is brand, spankin' new. If you know anything about grocery stores, then you know that Publix follows the basic setup most have with some customizations given preference and space. Upon entering through the entrance doors on the right side of the storefront, you'll notice the customer service desk is "in-wall" and not the circular island which was used from their previous batch of stores. Going counter-clockwise, the deli is an island kitchen utilizing all four sides for certain services including their iconic subs, sushi, hot food, soup, and deli cuts. Continuing counter-clockwise, the produce section is followed by the meat market. Along the back wall are basic fridge needs like milk, eggs, and such. Bakery is in the back-left corner of the store. Alcohol is on the left side of the store, then the pharmacy is in the front-left of the store. Of course checkout, including more self checkout registers are up front.
Basic grocery goods are, of course, along the aisles. The frozen food section is on the left side of the store, too.
Just like other Publix stores, the prices are a bit higher compared to other groceries and businesses of a like nature. But the quality you have for all of the "groceries bought on the outer ring/sides" of the store are tantamount compared to others. That is why Pub Subs are highly sought out compared to your typical sub at any sub sandwich shop.
Okay, I admit that the aisle groceries are expensive compared to other places, too, and I will say that if it is not necessary to get it at Publix, it is better to go elsewhere, unless it is a BOGO sale item.
The one added features that I had never got to experience until now are the Publix Liquors which is technically a separate business from the super market itself, and the upstairs dining area that provides a seating area for patrons to enjoy meals purchased in the grocery. They provide microwaves, disposable silverware, and condiments to make your meal more enjoyable.
And on a sidenote, the restroom was clean. Not Buc-ee's standards, but still good.
Ultimately, the fact this Publix is new and has the benefits of being new grant favor for the business. Ergo, four out of five stars. The business they provide is following a pattern and formula set from previous Publix Super Markets, and this new one is following it quite well, too.
