Publix to build new prototype grocery store in Indialantic on State Road A1A

The mystery Indialantic grocery store has been identified: Publix will build a concept store on State Road A1A alongside the Indialantic Center shopping plaza, across the highway from Sunrise Park.

“No it’s not a Greenwise, it is a Publix but nothing like anywhere around here (literally). They call it a Prototype or Concept Store, the design and products are designed around the special communities they support,” Indialantic Mayor Dave Berkman posted Tuesday night on Facebook.

“Someone mentioned they had recently been to one in Gainesville, ours will be similar but not exactly like it. I expect it will have fresh prepared foods, specialty meats/cheeses, organic, cafe seating inside and outside, etc.,” he wrote.

The prototype Publix may open by the end of 2019 or early 2020, said Matt Williams, partner with Matthew Development.

“We’re very excited to bring this level of tenant to a smaller town who we think could really use another grocery use. We’re excited — and we hope the residents are as well,” Williams said.

Berkman made the Publix announcement after the Indialantic Zoning and Planning Board approved the site plan Tuesday night.

Additional permits and approvals are required to make the store a reality. For example, Town Council must approve a stormwater maintenance agreement, Town Manager Chris Chinault wrote in a memo to Zoning and Planning Board members.

The 2.9-acre site is located at the northwest corner of SR A1A and Watson Drive. The proposal surfaced at Town Hall back in August — but the grocery store company remained unidentified, sparking social media speculation.

Hairteck and Sun Clean Dry Cleaners will be razed to clear room for the 27,251-square-foot grocery store with 110 parking spaces. Both businesses will move elsewhere, Berkman announced in August.

Messages seeking comment were left for a Publix media spokesman Wednesday morning.