Winn-Dixie’s prototype Baymeadows store is tapping into the sip-and-shop trend, although a spokesman said there are no plans for the spirited move.
The Jacksonville Planning Commission approved an application Thursday to allow Winn-Dixie customers “to enjoy beer and wine while doing their grocery shopping.”
Winn-Dixie, part of Southeastern Grocers, needed a waiver from the minimum distance requirements for a liquor license location.
The grocery store anchors the Point Meadows shopping center at 10915 Baymeadows Road, just west of Interstate 295.
There is a church and school near the Winn-Dixie, necessitating the waiver, although the application said there are multiple restaurants closer that have liquor licenses.
The application states that the proposed use will not be directly visible from, and is separated from, the church and school.
“Beer and wine will only be offered to customers within the grocery store for their consumption while shopping,” it says.
Southeastern Grocers is not confirming it will pursue the option.
Joe Caldwell, Southeastern Grocers LLC manager of corporate communications, said the company was “always looking for ways to improve the store’s features and further complement our in-store barista, stone-hearth pizza oven, salad bar, made-to-order sandwich bar and more.”
What about beer and wine?
“At this time, we have no plans for implementation of additional features, but we’ll be sure to let both you and our customers know should that change,” he said.
Winn-Dixie wouldn’t be the first local grocer to offer shoppers adult beverages to sip while they stroll the aisles.
Whole Foods in Mandarin and Lucky’s Market in Neptune Beach allow shoppers to drink beer and wine.
Southeastern Grocers renovated the former Point Meadows Winn-Dixie as a pilot store catering to a more upscale market.
It opened in February 2016 after a wall-to-wall interior demolition and redesign.
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