New grocery store options for residents of Millbrook and Wetumpka are scheduled to open soon.
Both stores started construction about the same time. Charlie Trotman with The Trotman Company announced Publix coming to U.S. 231 South in Wetumpka around Christmas in 2022. Millbrook officials joined Publix officials for a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2023 in western Elmore County.
Trotman said the Wetumpka location is set to open mid-July. City of Millbrook economic development director Ann Harper said a similar time frame is expected for the opening of Publix on Highway 14.
At the moment, information about other retailers is limited. Moore Company’s Gene Cody is handling leasing for retailers beyond Publix in the Wetumpka development.
“We can currently announce Tropical Smoothie will be opening up,” Cody said. “We have some other leads, possible leases out for negotiation. There is nothing we can make public yet.”
Cody said Tropical Smoothie should open about the same time as Publix. Buildout for other buildings should be completed by mid-summer as well.
“Hopefully by then we can make some announcements about others coming,” Cody said.
In Millbrook, there are currently no announcements about retailers in the 6,000 square feet of space adjoining Publix or the two approximately 1-acre outparcels. The grocery store is about 47,000 square feet. The entire development is just under 15 acres.
In Wetumpka, the Tropical Smoothie will be located in part of the 7,000 square feet of space outside of the 48,000 square feet grocery store.
The Wetumpka City Council just approved the off premises retail beer and wine licenses for Publix.
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