History of Winn-Dixie in Timeline
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., known as Winn✓Dixie, is a US supermarket chain based in Jacksonville, Florida. With over 546 stores across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, the company's history dates back to 1925, adopting its current name in 1955.
1914: William Davis buys general store
William Davis began his grocery career in 1914 when he purchased a general store, later renamed Davis Mercantile, in Burley, Idaho.
1927: Table Supply name adopted, expansion begins
The company was renamed Table Supply in 1927, and four more stores were opened.
1931: Lively Stores acquisition
The Davis family acquired the Lively Stores chain in 1931 for $10,000, expanding their chain to 33 Table Supply stores across Florida.
1934: William Milton Davis passes away
William Milton Davis, the founder of the company, died in 1934, leaving his four sons in charge.
1939: Davis brothers acquire stake in Winn & Lovett
In 1939, the Davis brothers bought a 51% stake in Winn & Lovett, a chain of 73 stores.
1944: Winn & Lovett name adopted, headquarters moved
The Davis brothers purchased the remaining shares of Winn & Lovett and merged their grocery chains under the Winn & Lovett name in 1944, moving the company headquarters to Jacksonville.
1945: Steiden Stores acquisition
In 1945, Winn & Lovett acquired the Steiden Stores chain of 31 stores in Kentucky.
1949: Margaret Ann Stores acquisition
Winn & Lovett expanded further in 1949 by purchasing the 46-store Margaret Ann Stores chain in Florida.
1950: Davis family's political involvement
The Davis brothers became involved in Florida politics in 1950, supporting conservative causes, including financially backing George Smathers in his successful U.S. Senate campaign against incumbent Claude Pepper.
1952: Winn-Dixie goes public
Although Winn-Dixie Stores (and its predecessor, Winn & Lovett) had been publicly traded since 1952, the Davis family always maintained control of the corporation.
1955: Winn-Dixie name adopted
In 1955, Winn & Lovett acquired the 117-store Dixie Home chain and changed its name to Winn-Dixie.
1955: Several acquisitions and name change to Winn-Dixie
Winn & Lovett acquired Penney Stores, Ballentine Stores, and Eden Stores in 1955. Additionally, they acquired the 117-store Dixie Home chain and changed its name to Winn-Dixie.
1956: Continued Expansion through Acquisitions
In 1956, Winn-Dixie continued its expansion by acquiring Ketner-Milner Stores, H.G. Hill Stores, and King Stores, further solidifying its presence in the southeastern United States.
1956: "Local Flavor Since 1956" slogan adopted
Winn-Dixie used the slogan "Local Flavor Since 1956" for its Louisiana area stores.
1967: Davis Hall dedication at Stetson University
In 1967, the Davis brothers made a significant contribution to Stetson University's School of Business Administration, resulting in the dedication of Davis Hall.
1967: Winn-Dixie expands into the Bahamas
Winn-Dixie expanded its operations into the Caribbean in 1967 by acquiring the City Markets chain in the Bahamas.
1982: "We're Right For You" slogan adopted
Starting in 1982, Winn-Dixie started using the slogan "We're Right For You" in its advertising and print media.
1985: "America's Supermarket" slogan adopted
From 1985 until 2001, Winn-Dixie used the slogan "America's Supermarket" in its advertising.
1995: Thriftway stores close
The closures in April 2004 included over 20 stores that had operated under the Thriftway name in and around Cincinnati, which Winn-Dixie had purchased in 1995.
1995: Thriftway Food Drug acquisition
Winn-Dixie expanded its presence in the Midwest in 1995 with the acquisition of the Cincinnati-based Thriftway Food Drug.
2000: Jitney Jungle acquisition
Winn-Dixie acquired Jitney Jungle in 2000, further expanding its footprint.
2001: "The Real Deal" slogan adopted
Winn-Dixie used the slogan "The Real Deal" in its advertising from 2001 to 2004.
April 2004: Store closures and brand conversions
Winn-Dixie announced the closure of 156 stores in April 2004, including all 111 Midwest locations, and converted 40 Atlanta-area stores to the Save Rite Grocery Warehouse brand.
2004: "The Real Deal" slogan retired
Winn-Dixie retired the slogan "The Real Deal" in 2004 after using it for 3 years.
February 2005: Davis family retains control amidst bankruptcy
Despite filing for bankruptcy in February 2005, the heirs of William Milton Davis still held approximately 35% of Winn-Dixie stock, highlighting the family's long-standing control over the company.
February 22, 2005: Winn-Dixie files for bankruptcy, initiates restructuring
On February 22, 2005, Winn-Dixie filed for bankruptcy. This led to the sale or closure of 326 stores and a significant reduction in the company's footprint, leaving them with fewer stores than in the 1950s.
2005: Winn-Dixie files for bankruptcy
In 2005, Winn-Dixie filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which resulted in the closure of many stores, leaving the chain with fewer locations than it had in the late 1960s.
February 28, 2006: Winn-Dixie Announces Store Closures
On February 28, 2006, Winn-Dixie announced the closure or sale of 35 stores, primarily in Central and South Florida.
March 31, 2006: Winn-Dixie Sells Bahamian Locations
Winn-Dixie sold its 12 Bahamian stores, operating as City Market and Winn-Dixie, on March 31, 2006.
June 29, 2006: Winn-Dixie Files for Bankruptcy
On June 29, 2006, Winn-Dixie filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Florida.
November 21, 2006: Winn-Dixie Emerges from Bankruptcy
Winn-Dixie successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 21, 2006, with improved financial stability.
2006: Winn-Dixie exits the Bahamas
In 2006, Winn-Dixie sold its Bahamian subsidiary, W-D (Bahamas) Limited, which operated 12 stores, to Bahamian investors.
December 19, 2011: Winn-Dixie Acquired by BI-LO
BI-LO acquired Winn-Dixie for $530 million on December 19, 2011, with Winn-Dixie becoming a subsidiary.
2011: SaveRite name discontinued
Winn-Dixie discontinued using the SaveRite name in 2011.
March 9, 2012: Winn-Dixie acquired by Southeastern Grocers
On March 9, 2012, Winn-Dixie became a wholly owned subsidiary of Southeastern Grocers. The merged company was headquartered in Jacksonville.
October 8, 2013: Sweetbay Supermarkets Rebranded as Winn-Dixie
All remaining Sweetbay Supermarket locations were rebranded as Winn-Dixie on October 8, 2013.
May 2017: Southeastern Grocers Announces Store Closures
Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie's parent company, announced the closure of eight Winn-Dixie stores in May 2017.
July 2017: Harveys Brand Debuts in Florida
Southeastern Grocers launched the Harveys brand in Central and West Florida, converting seven Winn-Dixie stores, in July 2017.
October 2017: More Winn-Dixie Stores Converted to Harveys
Three more West Florida Winn-Dixie stores were converted to the Harveys brand in October 2017.
November 2017: South Florida Stores Converted to Fresco y Más
Southeastern Grocers converted five South Florida Winn-Dixie stores to the Fresco y Más brand in November 2017.
February 2018: Southeastern Grocers Sells Winn-Dixie Locations
In February 2018, Southeastern Grocers sold eight Winn-Dixie stores in Louisiana to Brookshire Grocery Company and thirteen stores in Mississippi and New Orleans to Shoppers Value Foods.
March 15, 2018: Southeastern Grocers Announces Chapter 11 Filing
Southeastern Grocers announced its plan to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy by the end of March 2018 to reduce debt. As part of the plan, 35 Winn-Dixie stores would close.
March 22, 2018: Winn-Dixie Store in Alabama Sold
The Winn-Dixie location in Orange Beach, Alabama, was sold to Rouses Markets on March 22, 2018.
March 28, 2018: Southeastern Grocers Sells More Stores
Southeastern Grocers sold three Winn-Dixie stores in Alabama to Mitchell Grocery Corp and the Atmore, Alabama, location to Ramey's on March 28, 2018.
March 31, 2018: Andalusia, Alabama Winn-Dixie Sold
A Piggly Wiggly franchisee purchased the lease and equipment of the Andalusia, Alabama Winn-Dixie store on March 31, 2018.
May 1, 2018: Montgomery, Alabama Winn-Dixie Reopens
An independent Piggly Wiggly operator reopened the Montgomery, Alabama Winn-Dixie store on May 1, 2018.
May 2018: Southeastern Grocers Emerges from Bankruptcy
Southeastern Grocers completed its financial restructuring and emerged from bankruptcy in May 2018, with a reduced store count and plans for store renovations.
2018: "It's a Winn Win!" slogan adopted
Since 2018, Winn-Dixie has used the slogan "It's a Winn Win!".
February 2019: Southeastern Grocers Announces Store Closures
Southeastern Grocers announced the closure of 22 stores, including seven Winn-Dixie locations, in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in February 2019.
2020: Southeastern Grocers Closes Montgomery Store
Southeastern Grocers closed its Montgomery, Alabama store on Eastern Boulevard in 2020, citing theft and a nearby store remodel as factors.
November 28, 2022: Winn-Dixie's Store Count
As of November 28, 2022, Winn-Dixie operates over 546 grocery stores across Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi.
August 16, 2023: Southeastern Grocers Sells Stores to Aldi Süd
Southeastern Grocers agreed to sell 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets stores to Aldi Süd on August 16, 2023. Some stores will retain their original branding, while others will transition to the ALDI Süd format.
2023: Aldi Süd announces acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores
In August 2023, Aldi Süd announced it would acquire 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores.
March 2024: Aldi completes purchase of Winn-Dixie's parent company
In March 2024, Aldi completed its purchase of Winn-Dixie's parent company.
2024: Aldi to begin converting acquired stores
Aldi Süd planned to begin converting some of the acquired Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the Aldi banner by the beginning of 2024.
