Shelves are stocked as Food City prepares for the much‑anticipated July 22 opening of its new 57,000‑sq‑ft store on Lucas Ferry Rd. in Athens, AL. This will be the company’s fifth of six planned locations in the Huntsville market.

“Our first four Huntsville locations have been very well received, and we want to thank our valued customers for the warm welcome they’ve shown our company. We’re excited to open a fifth location in Athens to better serve the residents of Huntsville and Limestone County,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.

The new store features an in‑store bakery and deli with a hot food bar, large café seating area, fireplace, fresh food bar with soups, salads, and fruit, a hickory wood smoker, fresh sushi, and full catering services. Customers will also find full‑service meat and seafood departments offering top‑quality meats, Certified Angus Beef, and in‑house butchers to hand cut steaks and fresh meat to order. Expanded grocery, frozen, and produce departments offer a wide selection of specialty, gourmet, and vegan items.

The Food City Floral Boutique—staffed by a designer seven days a week—offers fresh‑cut arrangements, bouquets, gift items, and more. Curbside pickup and home delivery are available for online shoppers. Additional amenities include a Food City Pharmacy, a Food City Gas N’ Go with top‑quality fuel and diesel, and a Starbucks café serving a full line of hot and cold coffees and beverages.

The store also incorporates several award‑winning energy‑saving features, including energy‑efficient glass cooler doors, 100% LED lighting, motion sensors, upgraded refrigeration systems, and efficient parking lot lighting.

“Our customers can expect exceptional service, top‑quality products at the lowest possible prices, and outstanding variety and section,” Smith added.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 162 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.