CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – A soggy Wednesday morning at the site of the old Clarksville Memorial Hospital, a page was turned on the Madison street corridor as the grocery store chain Publix celebrated its grand opening.
 
 (TO SEE THE IMAGES OF PUBLIX’S FIRST SHOPPERS, CLICK HERE.)
 
 The shoppers lined up early to get a chance at being one of the first to step through the checkout lines in the grocery store.  For Brenda Burkhardt, 5 a.m. arrival meant she won the honor of first in line.
 
 “I’ve been waiting for them to open up a Publix here in Clarksville for quite some time,” said Burkhardt.
 
 The lucky shopper along with 24 other first in line received $25 off their groceries. It did not matter where in line you were though. All through the store were free samples of sausages, ice cream, pastry, and much more.
 
 According to the store manager, Norman Rubio the branch will offer many discounts and coupon benefits. Rubio explained that opening the Clarksville branch was as exciting if not more than opening the first Publix in Tennessee.
 
 “We have here a great variety of fresh products and private label products that we wish for you to enjoy and purchase,” said Rubio.
 
 Rubio told the crowd the store had weekly sales and every Wednesday was senior citizen’s day. The manager then described each department in detail to the first customers through the doors. The full service deli, explained that was well equipped for every dietary need.
 
Both county and city mayor wore the Publix green and Kim McMillan joked they were both ready to go to work. For Carolyn Bowers, the first day of the store was not only a celebration for the sore but for the community. According to the county mayor the Publix Corporation donated two $1,000 checks. On went to the United Way and the second went to the Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Foundation.
 
 “We know the Publix Corporation is a fantastic company for its employees and our citizens and our community,” said Bowers.
 
 McMillan joked, “We thought that we were coming not to cut the ribbon but to work.”
 
The city mayor added that the company not only donated to the United Way and Education Foundation, but also $1,000 went to Big Brothers, Big Sisters. McMillan expressed her excitement and urged the ribbon cutting along so the first customers could finally go shopping.
 
 To find out more about what Publix has to offer you, or more information on the company, visit them on the web at www.publix.com .




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