Winn-Dixie Undergoes Major Overhaul After Bankruptcy

Chef Robert Connor has some impressive credentials.

"I used to be an 80-hour chef on South Beach," he says.

Connor is now the in-house chef for Winn-Dixie located at 3275 Southwest 22nd Street. The Florida grocery chain is attempting to reinvent itself after recently emerging from bankruptcy. Connor is part of a team hoping to revitalize the Winn-Dixie shopping experience.

"We have roasted brisket, we have pork loin roasted. We have fresh potatoes, fresh vegetables," Connor says with excitement. "This is a new Winn-Dixie. It's chef-on-hand prepared foods."

The "new" Winn-Dixie not only has freshly prepared foods at the pasta and pizza, and carving stations. It also has a gourmet cheese section with an expert standing by.

"With over 300 cheese items from around the world. A hundred of them are cut and wrapped in the store," says Winn Dixie district manager Jorge Cabo.

And customers are impressed by the makeover. Ivan Lopez admits he only shopped at Publix, but he believes this new look can make him a permanent customer.

"It didn't look like this. It wasn't as inviting as it is now. You know, the fresh produce, the look," Lopez said. "The first impression is from your eye."

Sales have been picking up since the company began major overhauls at some locations.

The 22nd Street location is Winn-Dixie's second transformational concept store in Florida. The first opened in Margate last year.

There are a few things that make the Miami location unique. The decor is bilingual. Just look up and you'll see the signs in English and Spanish. And if you want a cafecito, while you shop, Winn-Dixie has a Cuban Cafe inside with free WiFi.

Cabo is looking to the future now. "We went through some rough patches as a company and I think we have a solution right now," he said. With this $5 million facelift, Cabo hopes Winn-Dixie will rebound and even compete with gourmet stores.

"We have a lot of guests who tell us we are more like a Whole Foods or Fresh Market than a Winn-Dixie," Cabo said.

He expects this new brand will be a game changer for Winn-Dixie.

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