KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The signs on the four doors at Hitchcock’s Markets at 7380 State Road 100 offer no details about its current status or its future other than a single word: “CLOSED.” 

The parking lot is a vast wasteland of painted lines and empty parking spaces. Birds search for crumbs in the empty lots, while residents still wonder why their neighborhood grocery store turned out the lights after selling fresh meat and produce, canned goods and bakery items for more than 80 years. 

Owners sold four of its 10 Northeast Florida stores to Winn-Dixie's parent company, Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, last month. Those owners have not given a reason for their decision to sell. 

In return, SEG said it would revive three of them – at Keystone Heights, Alachua and Williston – into modern Winn-Dixie stores by next summer. 

The buyouts are part of Winn-Dixie's plan to refocus its Florida brand, according to Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO of SEG. 

SEG will also sell 40 of its stores outside Florida and South Georgia, including its Harvey’s Supermarkets, to focus on its emphasis on Florida, which will include growing its Own Brand liquor, bringing back its Lip Lickin’ Chicken products, and launching new customer services and partnerships such as third-party online grocery delivery and in-store return kiosks.  

“As we write our next chapter as The Winn-Dixie Company, we also want to acknowledge the people and communities beyond Florida who have been an integral part of our story,” Hucker said in a company release. “We will do everything we can to support those who supported us, ensuring this transition reflects the gratitude and respect they deserve.” 

Why is SEG focusing on Florida? 

“For a century, Winn-Dixie has proudly called Florida home,” Hucker said. “As we enter our next century as The Winn-Dixie Company — a brand-new 100-year-old company – we are accelerating growth where our roots run deepest while staying true to our purpose of feeding and enriching the communities, families and neighbors who have supported us for generations.” 

Aldi purchased Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores in August 2023. Aldi decided to convert some of its stores, including Fleming Island, Middleburg, Melrose and Green Cove Springs, to Aldi. The Fleming Island store was reopened on June 26. 

Less than a year later, Aldi sold back approximately 220 of the stores it bought from SEG, including all of those in Clay County. Winn-Dixie stores in Orange Park, located on Blanding Boulevard and Park Avenue, and Lake Asbury, will not be affected. 

When the store in Melrose is shuttered for six months for the Aldi conversion, shoppers will have to travel 17 miles north to Middleburg or 12 miles west to Starke to buy groceries while Hitchcock’s is under construction.