Discount grocery store chain ALDI opened its first store in Palmetto Bay on Thursday, Aug. 20, attracting public officials and shoppers who lined up to be among the first to enter the store.
Gathering at 8:30 a.m. for the ribboncutting ceremony at 15033 S. Dixie Hwy. were ALDI company representatives, members of the Palmetto Bay Village Council, including Mayor Eugene Flinn, Vice Mayor John DuBois and Councilmember Karyn Cunningham, and Miami-Dade District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. They assisted store manager Brooks Trappio with the ribbon cutting after several welcoming speeches.
Chris Hewitt, Royal Palm Beach division vice president for ALDI, served as the emcee and expressed his pleasure at opening the newest location.
“This is our first ever Palmetto Bay store,” Hewitt said. “We’re excited to partner for a longtime relationship here in the community. It’s our ninth store in Miami-Dade County and our 21st in South Florida, so we’re excited to be here. For shoppers looking for ways to save up to 50 percent on their grocery bills, ALDI is the answer. We have high quality products, many of which are ALDI exclusive brands.”
Hewitt explained that they offer a double guarantee on all of the ALDI exclusive products. If for any reason customers are not satisfied the store refunds their money and gives them a replacement product.
“At ALDI we keep things simple, helping you to stretch your grocery dollar,” Hewitt added. “It’s really a simple efficient business model and
I want to welcome you here today to our grand opening.
Hewitt then turned the microphone over to Mayor Flinn, who had brought a proclamation from the council. “We’re very pleased that ALDI is here,” Flinn said.
“We like to think we’re one of the premium places where people want to come, live, work, get educated and shop. We’re excited to have
ALDI here. We’re working together for a healthier Palmetto Bay.
“In touring the store I was thrilled to see your healthy choices, that you share that vision, that ALDI is bringing employment opportunities to the residents of our village and surrounding communities. We’re pleased that ALDI has extended its commitment to quality by providing fresh healthy food to all.”
Mayor Flinn, along with the members of the village council, officially welcomed the newest members of the business community, wishing the store great success.
Commissioner Cava was next to welcome ALDI to the area. “I am really thrilled to be here as well,” Cava said.
“I’m the commissioner for the district and I’m also a resident of Palmetto Bay. I came today not only for the ribbon cutting, but to use my coupons, which came to me in the mail. I was really excited.
“We believe in building this economy. A strong store, a strong job base, that’s what we need, and we’re working hard. Congratulations to you. We’re looking forward to having local produce here as well, Redland raised, and we’re just thrilled for this new opportunity.” ALDI currently carries nearly 70 varieties of fruits and vegetables, including several organic produce items. Their 1,300 most commonly purchased items include fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and bakery items priced from 30 to 50 percent less than larger stores. They offer a wide range of new, healthier options like organic produce, USDA Choice beef and the SimplyNature line of products, free of artificial colors, flavors or unnecessary enhancers.
ALDI also recently introduced its liveGfree gluten-free product line.
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about ALDI, visit www.aldi.us.
