By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

NORTH SHELBY — Customers browsed inside Winn-Dixie’s new store at Inverness Corners shopping center Nov. 20 while sipping free coffee and sampling fresh carved meats, chicken wings and baked goods.

“This is fabulous!” one customer exclaimed while surveying the store’s varied wine selection.

“You’ll get your exercise in here, that’s for sure!” said another customer of the 54,000-square-foot space at the corner of U.S. 280 and Valleydale Road in Hoover.

Housed in the former Bruno’s location at Inverness Corners shopping center, the new Winn-Dixie features a Wi-Fi café, a custom-made sandwich shop, a cheese shop and a full-service pharmacy. The store also offers an extensive selection of organic fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of gluten-free, organic and natural products.

“At Winn-Dixie, we put the customer first and foremost more than anything,” Tim Flavin, Montgomery region vice president for Winn-Dixie, said during a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony held outside the store. “We’re proud to be here, and we’re going to be a great member of your community.”

Store manager Eugene Okorley, who had the honor of cutting the red ribbon to open the store, said the store employs 165 people who serve to help customers with their shopping needs.

“If there’s anything we can do to make your shopping experience more enjoyable, let us know,” Okorley said. That’s our commitment to you. We are here for our customers.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony also served as the kick-off of Winn-Dixie’s Holiday Hunger Relief Campaign. Through Dec. 24, all Winn-Dixie stores in metro Birmingham will collect monetary donations to benefit the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Last year, Winn-Dixie stores collected more than 334,000 pounds of food, said Mary Michael Kelly, director of the food bank.

“Winn-Dixie has grown to be an invaluable partner to the food bank,” Kelly said. “The fact that Winn-Dixie is able to give back … I can’t even begin to explain to you how important that is.”

The grand opening festivities continue Nov. 21 with an open house at the store from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The community is invited to experience the store’s new services and offerings while enjoying product tastings, live entertainment and giveaways.

The store is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.