Winn-Dixie celebrated its Grand reopening on Thursday.

The event began with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Inside the remodeled store was free samples of variety of foods, including sausage, hot dogs, ice cream with apple pie and variations of tea and fruit.

The new changes include an expanded selection of fruits and vegetables, bakery, grab-and-go meal options that featured a hot bar, ready-made salads and seafood department, and a full-service meat department with a butcher on-site.

Lisa Perkins and the E-Lusion Band, a band based out of Montgomery, provided entertainment by signing classic hip-hop and blues songs. Several customers took selfies and some employer were dancing with the group.

Winn-Dixie manager Donny Johnson said the newly-look store is what Selma and Dallas County residents demanded. The Selma store has 75 employees.

“We have a first-class operation for this city,” Johnson said. “Our employees worked hard to get this store ready for the community.”

Southeastern Grocers President and CEO Anthony Hucker understands how much Winn-Dixie means to the Queen City. Southeastern Grocers owns the Winn-Dixie chain.

“Winn-Dixie is deeply rooted in the Selma community and has established a history of commitment and service going back more than 20 years,” Hucker said. “We continue to make a significant investment in the communities we serve.

“This newly remodeled store in Selma is designed with the needs of this unique area in mind. We’re excited to give our loyal customers a store they can count on while continuing to offer a great shopping experience, exceptional service and the freshest products at the right price.”

Southeastern Director of Pharmacy Joyce Yates said she noticed the customers’ enthusiasm throughout the store.

“This grand reopening means everything to the community,” Yates said. “The community has been looking forward to this for a long time. They are grateful and excited. We made an investment in the community.”