Know How To Go: Publix at Peace

Photographs by RDP3 Photography

Publix, what will be downtown Raleigh’s first large-scale grocery store, opens tomorrow in Smoky Hollow at 417 West Peace Street. Publix at Peace will offer all the standard departments of Publix locations around the country, including a Publix deli, scratch bakery, full-service meat and seafood department, pharmacy and grocery delivery powered by Instacart, plus additional features unique to its downtown Raleigh location. We asked Kimberly Reynolds, the community relations manager for Publix Super Markets, and Kallie Walker, a development manager at Kane Realty Corporation, about how to best navigate the grocery store and take advantage of all of the unique offerings.

Where is the main entrance?

The main entrance is located along Peace Street and pedestrians can easily access it directly from the corners of Peace and West Street.

Where do customers park?

Publix at Peace will have a designated parking deck below the store—at street level—for shoppers to access from Harrington and Peace Streets. Use the elevator or stairs to get into the store from the deck.

Regarding the store layout, is the store spread across two levels? Do shoppers use an elevator or escalator inside the store?

The store is on a single level located directly above the parking deck.

What are some special features of this downtown Raleigh location?

The Raleigh Publix will feature a deli with plenty of made-to-order options including sub sandwiches and hot foods such as chicken tenders and wings, plus grab-and-go soups, salads, snacks and drinks.

Reynolds suggests you try Publix’s famous Pub Sub, made with freshly baked bread straight from the bakery and customizable with an array of toppings, including Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. 

Additionally, the Chef Selections allow customers to choose from a variety of chef-inspired appetizers, entrees and side dishes prepared and prepackaged fresh in store, making for an easy last-minute lunch or dinner.

Seafood Cook-In-Bags are another unique feature. Choose your fish—options range from tilapia to salmon to cod—and flavor, then cook the fish in the oven for 11 to 20 minutes.

Floral arrangements and specialty meats and cheeses will also be available at this location.

Will you feature local products like NC beer, cheese and produce?  

You’ll find seasonal North Carolina fruits and vegetables from local farms in the produce section and other local items throughout the store, including craft beers. Just look for the North Carolina Local sign.

Is curbside pickup and online ordering available as well?

Publix at Peace will offer grocery delivery powered by Instacart and in-store pickup for Publix cakes, platters, subs, sliced meats and cheese and a selection of prepared meals. As of right now, curbside is not currently offered at the Raleigh location. 

Is there a dine-in area?

There is cafe seating inside the store and outdoor seating in the plaza along Peace Street, just outside the store entrance.

Is there an in-store coffee shop?

Publix offers complimentary coffee to shoppers outside of pandemic times but this location will not feature a Publix Cafe coffee shop.

What does the pharmacy offer?

Publix pharmacies cover certain antibiotics and medications for free as long as you have a prescription from your doctor—there will be no cost to you or your insurance company. The pharmacy will also offer flu shots.

How can customers save on groceries?

Look for the weekly buy one, get one free items throughout the store and at the end of the aisles. To get a jump start on savings, activate a Club Publix account to view weekly ads a day ahead.

What COVID-19 safety and health precautions is Publix at Peace taking?

Publix requires all employees and guests to wear masks in its stores. Additional coronavirus-related FAQs can be found here.