A new Food City grocery store is moving forward in western Athens with a $7.6 million building permit recently issued.
Construction Underway
The store will span 57,000 square feet and is already under construction. City records show that the Athens City Council approved an economic development agreement in late 2024. The project is part of a planned $19.6 million investment that is expected to create about 200 jobs.
Street improvements around Elm Street and Lucas Ferry Road are also included, expanding retail access in western Athens and supporting local growth.
Features of the New Store
The Athens Food City will offer a full-service grocery experience. Shoppers can expect an in-house pharmacy, fuel station, bakery, deli, prepared foods, and café-style seating. Company officials said the store will bring a convenient grocery option to an area that has seen less retail development than the eastern side of the city.
Economic Impact and Expansion
City leaders highlighted the broader benefits of the development, including infrastructure upgrades and increased sales tax revenue. The council also approved an incentive agreement allowing partial reimbursement of sales tax generated by the store over a defined period.
The Athens location is part of Food City’s broader expansion across North Alabama and the Huntsville metro area. The store is expected to open later this spring and is among the largest local building permits issued so far this year.
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