Dive Brief:

• Publix is bringing its burrito bowl bars, which initially launched in 2018 at its GreenWise Markets, into traditional stores, spokespeople for the chain said.
• Three Publix stores now include the burrito bars, according to the retailer. 
• The arrival of the burrito bowls comes as Publix integrates concepts from its recently shuttered GreenWise format into its traditional locations. 

Dive Insight:

Adding to its famous Pub Subs, Publix is growing its lineup of options that compete with restaurants for customers’ meal dollars. 

Publix’s newly opened store in Wesley Chapel, Florida, — the third location based on the chain’s new store prototype — features the burrito bar as well as an olive bar, outdoor seating and on-tap drinks.

Another Tampa, Florida-area store, which opened in the Gandy Shopping Center last March, and a Louisville, Kentucky, location that opened in January also have the burrito bars, a Publix spokesperson confirmed. 

The bars feature burritos, bowls or tacos, made to order; whole or self-service by-the-slice pizza made in-house; hot pasta and appetizers; and popcorn with flavors such as cheddar, carmel, dill, Oreo, kettle and salt and pepper, according to the retailer.

“These offerings are available in this particular store prototype which will be used as space and opportunities allow,” a Publix spokesperson said. 

The other spokesperson noted that the burrito bar is part of the grocery chain’s expanded deli offerings, which also includes sushi with ramen bowls, a hot bar with a variety of chicken wings, other proteins and sides as well as a larger salad bar offering.

The expansion of Publix’s burrito bowl bars comes at a time when retailers and grocers are increasing their in-store meal offerings. Giant Food is dedicating more cold cases to meal options in its new stores as well as opening more in-store made-to-order counters with partners like Ledo Pizza Corner Shoppe. 

At its store in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Walmart recently opened its first food hall through a partnership with food tech company Wonder Group with two more Wonder locations slated to open inside Walmart stores in Ledgewood and Teterboro, New Jersey, Inc. reported