Mills River Welcomes Publix Super Market, Anticipates Store Opening
New Grocery Store to Join Mills River Community
A new grocery store is set to make its mark in Mills River, North Carolina, as Publix Super Market confirms its upcoming presence in the town. While an official opening date has not been announced, the anticipation is high as a sign for the supermarket was recently erected on N.C. 280, adjacent to a Bojangles restaurant.
Transition in the Grocery Retail Landscape
The proposed site for the Publix store is located in close proximity to an Ingles supermarket, which has been the primary grocery retailer in Mills River since the closure of a Food Lion in 2017. The new Publix location is expected to provide residents with an additional shopping option, bringing diversity and competition to the local grocery market.
Details of the Publix Store
Jared Glover, a spokesperson for Publix, has confirmed the arrival of the supermarket in Mills River. The store is projected to span 50,325 square feet and will employ around 140 associates once operational. The development signals a significant investment in the community and is poised to offer a wide range of products and services to customers.
Development and Approvals
The Publix store will be part of the Marketplace at Mills River complex, overseen by Asa Harris of Harris Development Partners. The town of Mills River issued a zoning permit for the project, paving the way for its construction. With a track record of collaborating with major grocery chains, Harris Development Partners is well-positioned to bring the Publix store to fruition.
Local Support and Economic Impact
Local authorities, including the Mills River Board of Adjustment, have shown support for the new Publix location, highlighting the positive economic impact it is expected to have on the area. The addition of the supermarket is likely to create job opportunities, stimulate local commerce, and enhance the overall shopping experience for residents.
About Publix Super Market
Founded in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida, Publix has grown to become a prominent grocery chain with over 1,300 stores across the Southeastern United States. With 54 locations in North Carolina alone, Publix is known for its commitment to quality products, customer service, and community engagement.
Looking Ahead
While the exact timeline for the opening of the Publix store in Mills River remains uncertain, the community is eagerly anticipating the arrival of this new shopping destination. As preparations continue and construction progresses, residents and stakeholders alike are poised to welcome the addition of Publix to the town’s retail landscape.

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.


