No Sweetbay in our future

[Whalen]

For those of us anxiously awaiting the new supermarket on Rte 466A , it doesn't look like it is going to happen anytime soon.

The "Sweetbay in Your Future" sign has been moved to Buena Vista & Rte 44, and has been replaced
by a "Villages Commercial Property Available" sign.
The land to the east of this property is the future home of yet another assisted living facility.

But take heart fellow Southerners, we're going to get a new tire store at Colony.

[Jim 9922]

Don't forget they and all retailers are in business to make a profit. We get what we spend (or will spend) our money on. Tires, nursing centers, chain fat food (not a typo) resturants, golf carts, etc. :$:

[honeybaby]

According to a friend that works at Publix the former Sweetbays site will be another Publix. Yes, only 5 miles from the one at Colony. Publix is concerned that when the area south of 466A is built out that the Colony store cannot handle the volume.

[Whalen]

According to a friend that works at Publix the former Sweetbays site will be another Publix. Yes, only 5 miles from the one at Colony. Publix is concerned that when the area south of 466A is built out that the Colony store cannot handle the volume.

Heard the same rumor but the land that Sweetbay was supposed to be on has a "For Lease" sign on it.

The Colony store can barely handle the volume now and our winter residents haven't yet arrived.

[Carla B]

Yes, please somebody build another supermarket near 466A! Three years ago, I worried about the Colony Publix having enough customer base to support it. Now, there is barely elbow room to shop.

By the way, Publix doesn't seem to mind locating stores close to one another. When we lived in Palm Beach County, there were four Publix stores within 5 miles, all on US Highway 1 and there were no other supermarkets. Period.

[paulandjean]

Do Not think I will loose any sleep over this.

[villages07]

Does anyone know why Sweetbay will not be going in that spot?

Perhaps it was a corporate decision based on the overall economy and/or a revamped expansion plan for the company. In other words, it might be a larger Sweetbay/Hannaford decision rather than a local Villages issue.

[Bosoxfan]

Never mind supermarkets...someone please give me an Ace Hardware or Home Depot or Lowes over here..near 466a..Thank You!

[JenAjd]

According to a friend that works at Publix the former Sweetbays site will be another Publix. Yes, only 5 miles from the one at Colony. Publix is concerned that when the area south of 466A is built out that the Colony store cannot handle the volume.

I heard the same from a Publix employee a couple of weeks ago. I personally don't shop at this Publix anymore (unless it's early or later in the day...and just for a quick in and out) as it's gotten way crazy busy. Is even that way in the summer months so can't imagine now with the "seasonal" folks. Walgreens also needs help down there as it's sometimes over-flowing with customers. Nevermind that sometimes the shelves (specials) are empty as well. Cannot wait until "they" begin building some more stores of "any" kind down there!!!
:rant-rave:

[Figmo Bohica]

Never mind supermarkets...someone please give me an Ace Hardware or Home Depot or Lowes over here..near 466a..Thank You!

There is an Ace Hardware store in Wildwood, located behind Wells Fargo on 301. Way closer than going all the way across the Villages to 441/27. Use it a lot, friendly, helpful and glad for the business.

[getdul981]

Never mind supermarkets...someone please give me an Ace Hardware or Home Depot or Lowes over here..near 466a..Thank You!

I agree and a Wal Mart.

[Carla B]

A Home Depot over here would save on several 16-mile round trips per week for the project person in this house. As for Wal*Mart, the one in Leesburg is not close, but no farther than the one on 466 and the drive down the back roads is pleasant.

[graciegirl]

From Morse and 466A to the Walmart in Leesburg is pretty convenient. Just straight east on 466A and right at the light by the Fruitland Park Post office. You don't really have to go out on 441/27.

[swimdawg]

From Morse and 466A to the Walmart in Leesburg is pretty convenient. Just straight east on 466A and right at the light by the Fruitland Park Post office. You don't really have to go out on 441/27.

Well.....it depends if the driver has blond hair or not. :)

[meradair2]

Does anyone know why Sweetbay will not be going in that spot?

Perhaps it was a corporate decision based on the overall economy and/or a revamped expansion plan for the company. In other words, it might be a larger Sweetbay/Hannaford decision rather than a local Villages issue.

Hello...

Good news... Sweetbay still plans on opening its new store in The Villages, FL. News has broke that the lease has been signed and there is an estimated Grand Opening date scheduled for October/November 2013. Hope to see everyone there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[skyguy79]

Hello...

Good news... Sweetbay still plans on opening its new store in The Villages, FL. News has broke that the lease has been signed and there is an estimated Grand Opening date scheduled for October/November 2013. Hope to see everyone there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This would be good news... if it were true. It's kind of hard to believe though since they closed or will be closing 33 stores in Florida (http://www.sweetbaysupermarket.com/content.jsp?pageName=News41&leftNavArea=AboutLeftNav). Would you please post the source of your information?

[skip0358]

This would be good news... if it were true. It's kind of hard to believe though since they closed or will be closing 33 stores in Florida (http://www.sweetbaysupermarket.com/content.jsp?pageName=News41&leftNavArea=AboutLeftNav). Would you please post the source of your information?

Agree hard to be believe. Also hard to believe a new store that is not even started opening in such a VERY short time! JMO

[janmcn]

Hello...

Good news... Sweetbay still plans on opening its new store in The Villages, FL. News has broke that the lease has been signed and there is an estimated Grand Opening date scheduled for October/November 2013. Hope to see everyone there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great news. Publix needs some competition.

[doran]

Any more people from California here?

We would love a Trader Joe's here--hope some one is working on getting them here in The Villages1

[Scoops]

A Home Depot over here would save on several 16-mile round trips per week for the project person in this house. As for Wal*Mart, the one in Leesburg is not close, but no farther than the one on 466 and the drive down the back roads is pleasant.

I have found Spar at Powell & 44 is be a good alternative to Home Depot.

[Monkei]

I would like to see an auto parts store located within a golf carts ride. The only ones I know about require me to ride in my auto to get there.

[graciegirl]

Hello...

Good news... Sweetbay still plans on opening its new store in The Villages, FL. News has broke that the lease has been signed and there is an estimated Grand Opening date scheduled for October/November 2013. Hope to see everyone there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


You from Sweetbay? First post and all.

Like Skyguy said. How do you know? We are anxious to hear.

And Welcome to the Forum.

[CFrance]

You from Sweetbay? First post and all.

Like Skyguy said. How do you know? We are anxious to hear.

And Welcome to the Forum.

Agree! Tell us what you know and when you knew it!

[skyc6]

Well,... so much for that!

[SusanOfWoodbury]

I live in Woodbury.. and I travel to the current Sweet Bay in Landing. We have enough Publix's, I would like it if a Whole Foods Store or Traders Joe's came to the Villages....

Reminder, There is also another SweetBay in Bellview.

[graciegirl]

Between the Farmers Market and Publix, I am happy.

Thought I was going to have Krogers withdrawal, but hasn't happened.

I am interested in what the poster above, Meradair2, knows about another Sweetbay opening.

Maradair2, Come back and enlighten us.

[Bogie Shooter]

I live in Woodbury.. and I travel to the current Sweet Bay in Landing. We have enough Publix's, I would like it if a Whole Foods Store or Traders Joe's came to the Villages....

Reminder, There is also another SweetBay in Bellview.

Belleview is not golf cart accessible!

[kittygilchrist]

Sweetbay is to Publix as trash is to treasure.

[Cassie325]

I live in Woodbury.. and I travel to the current Sweet Bay in Landing. We have enough Publix's, I would like it if a Whole Foods Store or Traders Joe's came to the Villages....

Reminder, There is also another SweetBay in Bellview.

We travel to Orlando for Whole Foods and now once a month to Trader Joes in Gville. We stock up, we love it!!! Do wish they would come closer!

[senior citizen]

Sweetbay is to Publix as trash is to treasure.


What ?? We loved Sweetbay which is actually Hannaford out of Maine.
It far surpassed the Publix that was closer to our rental house.

Sweetbay's produce, bakery and deli products were much better than Publix. This was the one near Lake Sumter Landing. Also, a more manageable store to shop in. The produce managers were also friendly and helpful.

We're familiar with Publix from our last trip to TV plus when we lived in Florida twice many years ago. They are all the same.....Sweetbay is a gem.

[senior citizen]

......

[senior citizen]

Sweetbay is to Publix as trash is to treasure.



What ?????????? Trash. Has Sweetbay gone downhill?

We loved Sweetbay which is actually Hannaford out of Maine.
It far surpassed the Publix that was closer to our rental house (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?p=639943&posted=1#).

Sweetbay's produce, bakery and deli products were much better than Publix. This was the one near Lake Sumter Landing. Also, a more manageable store to shop in. The produce managers were also friendly and helpful.

We're familiar with Publix from our last trip to TV plus when we lived in Florida twice many years ago. They are all the same.....Sweetbay is a gem.

P.S. I think we saw a WHOLE FOODS or similar type store near Red Lobster (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?p=639943&posted=1#).
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/images/talkofthevillages/misc/progress.gif

[CFrance]

What ?????????? Trash. Has Sweetbay gone downhill?

We loved Sweetbay which is actually Hannaford out of Maine.
It far surpassed the Publix that was closer to our rental house (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?p=639943&posted=1#).

Sweetbay's produce, bakery and deli products were much better than Publix. This was the one near Lake Sumter Landing. Also, a more manageable store to shop in. The produce managers were also friendly and helpful.

We're familiar with Publix from our last trip to TV plus when we lived in Florida twice many years ago. They are all the same.....Sweetbay is a gem.

P.S. I think we saw a WHOLE FOODS or similar type store near Red Lobster (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?p=639943&posted=1#).
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/images/talkofthevillages/misc/progress.gif

Yes, that's Fresh Market, my favorite store. I try not to go in there too often because there's so much eye candy in there and I end up buying all sorts of goodies. $$$

We don't get to Sweetbay very often, but I didn't understand the earlier poster's comment either. We used to go to Sweetbay when staying in Bradenton and really liked it.

[Happinow]

We really like Sweetbay. So much easier to get around in than Publix. It may be smaller but for us they have everything we need as a lower price and less hassle.

[Mack184]

Personally as an upstate NY native I'm waiting for the arrival of Wegman's, but I don't expect that to ever happen. We were lucky to find them in both PA & MD, but I think the farthest south they intend to go is VA. :sad: I've been to the Sweetbay in Belleview and find it to be nothing special, although I've been told that the one by LSL is very good. I intend to check it out once the snowbirds have flown.

[tommy steam]

According to a friend that works at Publix the former Sweetbays site will be another Publix. Yes, only 5 miles from the one at Colony. Publix is concerned that when the area south of 466A is built out that the Colony store cannot handle the volume.

The store is packed beyond belief now. I would love to see another supermarket chain be built on 466a. Competition is a good thing. A agent told me they are going to build another 5k homes south of 466a. That s a lot of people. I would think a couple of new supermarkets would do ok in this area.

[Bogie Shooter]

Personally as an upstate NY native I'm waiting for the arrival of Wegman's, but I don't expect that to ever happen. We were lucky to find them in both PA & MD, but I think the farthest south they intend to go is VA. :sad: I've been to the Sweetbay in Belleview and find it to be nothing special, although I've been told that the one by LSL is very good. I intend to check it out once the snowbirds have flown.

Why wait?? We are here every day and the snowbirds are not causing any problems.

[MSG@TV]

What ?? We loved Sweetbay which is actually Hannaford out of Maine.
It far surpassed the Publix that was closer to our rental house.

Sweetbay's produce, bakery and deli products were much better than Publix. This was the one near Lake Sumter Landing. Also, a more manageable store to shop in. The produce managers were also friendly and helpful.

We're familiar with Publix from our last trip to TV plus when we lived in Florida twice many years ago. They are all the same.....Sweetbay is a gem.

I, too, loved Sweetbay when we rented a CYV near LSL. Normally, I hate grocery shopping, and avoid it till I'm really desperate for food. However, I found so many interesting products in that store, that I actually enjoyed shopping there.

I'm building south of 466A, so I would have welcomed a Sweetbay nearby.

[Mack184]

Why wait?? We are here every day and the snowbirds are not causing any problems.
I can't stand the crowds. Everything is jammed especially in & around SP & LSL. If you want to eat at a restaurant, unless you want to eat at 230pm or 9pm, you wait forever for a table, the stores are jammed and so you pick 7am or 9pm to shop. I know once they go, things will quiet down, and then I'll explore some more.

[jflynn1]

Does anyone know why Sweetbay will not be going in that spot?

Perhaps it was a corporate decision based on the overall economy and/or a revamped expansion plan for the company. In other words, it might be a larger Sweetbay/Hannaford decision rather than a local Villages issue. It is obvious you do not follow news outside of the bubble. This food chain is CLOSING STORES all over the state of Florida, and NO NEW EXPANSION is planned.
Publix can afford to build because thier products are way
overpriced.

[Villages Kahuna]

According to a friend that works at Publix the former Sweetbays site will be another Publix. Yes, only 5 miles from the one at Colony. Publix is concerned that when the area south of 466A is built out that the Colony store cannot handle the volume.Be concerned NOW. I live in Mallory and several of my neighbors have take to driving to the store on 466 or even down on 441 to avoid the Colony Publix. My wife went there the other day and could not find a parking space within six aisles of the Colony Publix. She left and drove down to the store on 466. They'd better do something soon.

[Villages Kahuna]

It is obvious you do not follow news outside of the bubble. This food chain is CLOSING STORES all over the state of Florida, and NO NEW EXPANSION is planned.
Publix can afford to build because thier products are way
overpriced.I disagree with those fervent fans of Sweetbay who post here. It's a nice little store, but what drives me nuts is that if I go in for five items, I can almost be guaranteed that they'll be out of stock on one or two of them. My wife has noticed that they frequently sell outdated items. And then there's the incident when we bought some individual-sized box wine and found that two of the three we bought had the wine replaced with water. Even more maddening was that Sweetbay told us they don't give refunds on alcoholic beverages.

Forgive me, but the reason that Sweetbay is closing more than half their stores in Florida is that it simply isn't a very well-run grocery. That's my opinion anyway. Take it or leave it.

[jbdlfan]

Be concerned NOW. I live in Mallory and several of my neighbors have take to driving to the store on 466 or even down on 441 to avoid the Colony Publix. My wife went there the other day and could not find a parking space within six aisles of the Colony Publix. She left and drove down to the store on 466. They'd better do something soon.

It's only 2.5 miles farther to 466 than Colony! Geesh, you folks make it sound like it's like driving to Miami. That's a 5 to 10 minute difference, not to mention, you can eat a candy bar on the way and not ever have to admit to it!

[villages07]

Back to Sweetbay....

I was in the LSL store today and asked one of the staff about future building....he said the new Sweetbay will be on 466A near the library, in a strip shopping center. I believe that will be called Pinellas Plaza. He said they have already started the parking lot.

FWIW... That's what I heard.

[graciegirl]

Back to Sweetbay....

I was in the LSL store today and asked one of the staff about future building....he said the new Sweetbay will be on 466A near the library, in a strip shopping center. I believe that will be called Pinellas Plaza. He said they have already started the parking lot.

FWIW... That's what I heard.

In six years of reading this forum Villages07 has never steered anyone wrong.

but she will never admit to working for the CIA. ;)

[simpkinp]

It's only 2.5 miles farther to 466 than Colony! Geesh, you folks make it sound like it's like driving to Miami. That's a 5 to 10 minute difference, not to mention, you can eat a candy bar on the way and not ever have to admit to it!

How right you are. We have become so spoiled that a couple of miles feels like a commute to Orlando for us. When you think about the distances we all drove before we came here, it is truly laughable.

[Shimpy]

The land to the east of this property is the future home of yet another assisted living facility.

But take heart fellow Southerners, we're going to get a new tire store at Colony.

I'm all excited about another tire store, almost as much as two jewelry stores opening in Brownwood. Brownwood won't bring in morning customers unless there are several breakfast restaurant places to give them a reason to go there.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I'm all excited about another tire store, almost as much as two jewelry stores opening in Brownwood. Brownwood won't bring in morning customers unless there are several breakfast restaurant places to give them a reason to go there.

Whalen's quoted post was from 11-21-2011...............so not to worry about a second tire store.

Bill :)

[marianne237]

Oh thank goodness there won't be another tire store

[skyc6]

Back to Sweetbay....

I was in the LSL store today and asked one of the staff about future building....he said the new Sweetbay will be on 466A near the library, in a strip shopping center. I believe that will be called Pinellas Plaza. He said they have already started the parking lot.

FWIW... That's what I heard.
Actually, as I drove past yesterday, there is a parking lt being poured right next to the service center/library building, and I wondered what it was. I hope it is a grocery of any kind!:pepper2::pepper2:

[GaryW]

The Sweetbay is going in on 466a behind the Sumter Service Center on Brunsed. New road from SSC to Pinellas. That is what the big paved parking lot is for.

[Rickg]

The Sweetbay is going in on 466a behind the Sumter Service Center on Brunsed. New road from SSC to Pinellas. That is what the big paved parking lot is for.

For those of us that don't know where that is. Is it near Morse or further west?

[spk7951]

The Sumter County bldg is at the intersection of Powell Road and 466A, which is west of Buena Vista and 466A.

[BogeyBoy]

Strange that they are building there. That is where they originally had a sign, then it was moved just off of 44 near Brownwood, then the sign was removed.

[memason]

After this thread, I contacted Sweetbay corporate to inquire about additional stores in our area.

Here's a snippet of the response I received:

"I am happy to confirm that a new store is coming to your area. Normally, it takes at least a year from the time the paperwork is processed for the store to open. I appreciate your interest in Sweetbay and I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to shop with us."

The was no mention of the actual location, however.

[Yankee Quilter]

What is the Winn Dixie in Wildwood like? Doesn't look too far away....

[CatskillBill]

What is the Winn Dixie in Wildwood like? Doesn't look too far away....

The Wildwood Winn Dixie is new, clean, good sale prices, helpful & friendly staff, and usually not that crowded. But for those that are scared of their own shadows, venturing to "Wildwood" may be too intimidating. So if you're scared to mingle with people who live outside the bubble, beware, you will see people that aren't villagers. I like shopping there when I have a long grocery list.

BTW, if you get the Winn Dixie Rewards card you earn a nickle off a gallon of gas for every $50 you spend there.

[graciegirl]

There is a Walmart, very near the intersection of 466A and 441/27 too. Now too far from all the new builds, Down the road a piece and NOT inside The Villages. Not available by golf cart. Who can say how many miles from Colony Publix?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

There is a Walmart, very near the intersection of 466A and 441/27 too. Now too far from all the new builds, Down the road a piece and NOT inside The Villages. Not available by golf cart. Who can say how many miles from Colony Publix?

That one's in Leesburg - less than 5 miles from Colony.

Bill :)

[Jasper1963]

What is the Winn Dixie in Wildwood like? Doesn't look too far away....
Have you been there? Reminds me of a 1959 A&P store. Very dated

[senior citizen]

Have you been there? Reminds me of a 1959 A&P store. Very dated


I realize you are replying to someone elses post, however, I actually miss the old fashioned A&P.............we grew up as kids with the A&P and the Acme supermarkets. That's all there was.

You could zip in and zip out by first going to the produce section......then around the perimeter of the small store.......not like todays mega giant super store supermarkets...........which if one is not familiar with the layout, can be difficult to find some "staple" item in the middle aisles.........

When we moved to Vermont in 1970 , all this little town of 16,000 people had was an A&P and a Grand Union (smaller version of Grand Union).
The A&P was the same as it had been in the 1940's and '50s.....

We later got a big Grand Union (now closed) plus a Price Chopper (HUGE), a Hannaford (Sweetbay in Florida), again a huge store, and an Aldi's.......this is a very self contained little town.........but with a population of still 16,000, all it can support is the Price Chopper , the Hannaford /Sweetbay and the Aldi's which is a "bag your own groceries" limited supply of stuff kind of store. No fresh meats.

Even many of the little mom and pop grocery stores on the corners "down in town" have closed down........going the way of the old fashioned A&P and old Grand Union.......even had an I.G.A. (Independent Grocers) once.
That was excellent for freshness of meat.

Everyone knew all of the butchers in the old A&P and they took pride in their craft..........or trade. Nowadays, we have found greenmolded meat in the cases..........black sausage (which they can't explain).......in my humble opinion, some stores can get TOO BIG, such as Price Chopper.

Many of us, maybe it's showing our age.......really miss the smaller stores.

We also have farmer's markets all over the place and many farmstands on the roads leading in and out of town............but only in the "growing season".......not winter.