End of an Era

Marianna Fla. - Marianna is officially a one-grocery-store town. Saturday, November 8 marked the final day of business for Winn-Dixie in Marianna.

The store’s history stretches back decades. Longtime residents remember when it operated under the name Kwik Chek on what was then known as “Back Street.” According to company records, Kwik Chek was part of the Winn-Lovett Grocery Company before 1955. That year, Winn-Lovett merged with Dixie Home Stores, forming Winn-Dixie. The Kwik Chek name was gradually phased out through the 1960s.

Many locals who stopped by The Times this week said they were sad to see the store close. Most admitted they shopped at both Winn-Dixie and Grocery Outlet, noting that each offered something different.

By Monday morning, bargain hunters were already filling the aisles, not for groceries this time, but for equipment. Shelves, glass cabinets, and freezers were up for sale, and people were bidding on anything they could repurpose.

Rumors about the store’s future are already circulating. Calls to Aldi confirm that the discount grocer plans to open in the former Winn-Dixie location within about 60 days, though no firm date has been announced. The Times will continue to follow the story and update readers as new information becomes available.