After several years of planning, folks in Bonaire can finally see the fruits of their labor. Thursday morning, the first Publix grocery store in Bonaire held their grand opening. As Yvonne Thomas found out, seeing the development project come to life is bittersweet change for a former Bonaire grocer.
It's the fourth Publix in Houston County and the first in Bonaire. “As you look around the facility, believe me, it's drawn a lot of excitement in this area,” said Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms.
And for one Bonaire man, this new development project brings back distant memories. “Right across the street here was my grandfather's place. We grew up here riding our bikes and just being young boys,” said David Davidson of Bonaire.
Later on in life, Davidson and his family owned a grocery store. It once sat across the street from the new supermarket. “'Irony' is a good word. We used to battle the chains of the world, trying to scratch out a living in the same business, and we were able to and we're proud of that,” Davidson.
After serving customers for more than 50 years, Davidson sold the business in 2000, and with changes comes growth, something Davidson knows all too well. “This is progress and it's going to be a great addition to the area.”
Houston County Commission Chairman Tommy Stalnaker says, with the addition of the new supermarket, all four stores in Houston County will generate nearly $400,000 in sales each week, and more developments are in the works. “You're going to see restaurants and other businesses open in this shopping center, and you'll see some out parcels that will open in front of the shopping center, and it will change this area forever,” said Stalnaker.