This new Publix in North Carolina represents the future of grocery stores 

May 27, 2016, 2:47pm EDT Updated May 27, 2016, 2:52pm EDT

Ashley Gurbal KritzerReporterTampa Bay Business Journal

Publix Super Markets Inc. has opened a new store in North Carolina that's a much of a foodie experience as it is a grocery store.

The store in Winston-Salem opened May 11. It is a hybrid store, blending the grocer's GreenWise concept with a traditional grocery store. North Carolina is a major focus for the Lakeland-based grocer, CEO Todd Jones previously told theTampa Bay Business Journal.

While that store represents 140 new jobs, each new store also represents job growth at the Lakeland headquarters. Publix is the largest private employer in the Bay region, with more than 35,000 local employees.

At 53,000 square feet, the new store is one of the grocer's largest and includes an expanded prepared foods selection and a deli that carries more than 200 artisan cheeses and staffs a certified cheese specialist.

In addition to a soup bar that offers four gourmet soups daily, a hot bar features Pan-Asian favorites like Mongolian beef, sweet and sour Chicken, vegetable lo-mein and more.

Sushi is also available and made fresh daily.

Even grocers aren't immune to ecommerce competition, making the grocery shopping experience more important than ever. Many in the industry are shifting to a " grocerant" model, building restaurants and even bars into their stores along with bumping up their prepared foods selection.

Publix will also face additional competition from Wegmans Foods Markets, one of the country's most beloved grocers, in the coming years in North Carolina.

"Many factors go into choosing a store's design including available space and understanding the needs of the community," Kimberly Reynolds, Charlotte-based Publix spokeswoman, wrote in an email Friday. "In this case, that was providing our customers with a large selection of prepared meals and grab and go items which, you'll find in our hybrid stores."

The prepared foods department includes "chef-inspired appetizers, entrees and side dishes" like cedar plank salmon, twice-baked potatoes and grilled asparagus with vinaigrette and blue cheese.

"The Deli is also split with subs, salads and sliced meats and cheeses on one side and Chefs Selections on the other," Reynold wrote. "The same layout is in our Asheville and Cornelius stores. At this time, I don't have information available as to if we'll see this prototype moving forward. However, you will continue to see more of the prepared foods and ready to cook items in our Charlotte Division stores."

This store also includes an event planning center, "staffed to assist customers in planning every detail for any special occasion from tailgate parties to weddings and holiday gatherings," according to a Publix news release.

"Event planners will ensure all items are pulled together for the gathering, including placing orders for cakes, platters, beverages and floral arrangements and making suggestions that will perfectly complement every themed event."