Publix threw open the doors on Thursday morning at the long-awaited new store at the site of the old Mt. Vernon Restaurant at the foot of Lookout Mountain.
The 32,500-square-foot Publix will employ approximately 135 associates.
The project was long delayed due to the permitting process, but finally got the go-ahead.
The property also includes the site where Pizza Hut once stood.
“We are excited to expand across Chattanooga with the opening of our Publix at Mount Vernon Point,” said Kim Reynolds, Publix community relations manager.
“We look forward to bringing Publix’s legendary service and quality to the surrounding community.”
Keith Schultz serves as store manager and has 26 years of service with Publix. He most recently served as a Publix store manager in Chattanooga.
Officials said, "The Publix deli has associates available to assist customers during store hours and features a full-service deli counter highlighting Boar’s Head meats and cheeses as well as traditional deli items. Custom Publix subs, fried chicken and rotisserie chicken are prepared fresh in-store. The deli also offers an international selection of olives, antipastos and hummus and more than 200 varieties of artisan cheeses from the United States and around the world.
"Customers may choose from a wide variety of chef-inspired appetizers, entrees and side dishes prepared and prepackaged fresh in-store at our Chef’s Selections To Go counter. Specialties include Cedar Plank Salmon, Green Bean Almondine and a selection of pasta salads.
"Other highlights of the Publix deli: gourmet soups from a daily soup bar and fresh hand-rolled sushi. Customers can use a seating area and free Wi-Fi service.
"The produce department carries both organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, with a selection of exotic choices from around the world and the locally grown season’s best. The full-service floral department offers everything from the classic elegance of a dozen roses to bouquets bursting with fresh blooms to pots of lushly colored flowers. A floral specialist is available to create memorable arrangements for that special occasion.
"The Publix bakery specializes in foods created from scratch. It offers an array of cakes, cookies, pies, breads and rolls made fresh daily. Skilled decorators craft a wide variety of wedding cakes. Mini desserts, cupcakes and jumbo muffins are among the tempting bakery treats.
"The wine department offers an expansive variety of premium and specialty wines from the United States and around the world, along with a large selection of champagnes and sparkling wines, and fine wines made with organic grapes.
"A full-service meat department allows customers to have their order cut any way they like and trimmed to perfection. The case features a variety of fresh meats as well as ready-to-cook items prepared fresh in-store daily.
"A full-service seafood department carries fresh seafood delivered throughout the week. It includes wild and farm-raised fresh fish as well as an extensive variety of shellfish. Publix’s whole fish and fillets are fresh; never frozen.
"In addition to a full-service pharmacy, a dedicated body care section stocks a wide selection of natural and conventional vitamins, minerals and supplements.
"Be sure to look for the weekly buy-one get-one free (BOGO) items throughout the store and at the end of the aisles. To get a jump-start on savings, activate a Club Publix account to view Publix’s weekly ads one day early.
"Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 225,000 associates, currently operates 1,288 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia."