What do customers think of the big new Publix at a rebuilt Miami mall? See for yourself
Publix opened a long-awaited new store at the Briar Bay Shopping Center on Feb. 27 — and customers rushed over to check out the two-story building across the street from The Falls.
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Opinions of the new Briar Bay store are mixed on social media posts about opening weekend. Shopping was a pleasure for some, and not so much for others.
“What a disappointment!! Went out to see the new Publix in Briar Bay I actually thought it was going to be like the club publix in Wellington, but all we got was a bigger, second floor, Publix so heartbreaking,” posted Jose Cala on the Nextdoor app a day after its opening.
Club Publix is technically the name of the free loyalty program you can use as an app at the stores to pay and earn rewards and get notices of each week’s BOGOs. But stores that are club-like with wine pours, draft beer and burrito bars have come to be nicknamed “Clublix.” Those fancier stores are in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and Wellington.
Some others complained that the Briar Bay store lacks escalators. The main store is on the second level, accessible by a bank of elevators and a stairway.
“An escalator is definitely needed,” wrote Janeth Ku. “It would help if certain elevators were designated for arrivals and other elevators for those departing with grocery carts. As it is now, it is very hectic to wait for a full elevator to empty before those with carts can enter. Not a smooth flow at all. If not that, a second floor parking level that opened onto the shopping floor would have been extremely beneficial. Otherwise, the new store is fine.”
“I worked at a company that had escalators as a major feature. I can tell you from experience that high-volume escalators break down a lot. When they break it’s a huge inconvenience and repairs take time. Escalators are safety hazards for children. Just a couple thoughts about why Publix didn’t include them,” countered customer Ibby Vores.
“As you can imagine, there are a number of variables and evaluations utilized in making a decision on building a facility. These evaluations are complex and proprietary,” said Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis in an email response to a Miami Herald query about escalators.
“We are always evaluating our stores to provide our customers a pleasurable experience by having a store that meets their shopping needs for today and into the future,” she said.
“Great customer service,” countered Mercedes Garcia. “I am pleased and happy, too. Plus [I] can stop at Takee Outee next door for great Chinese take out at reasonable price.”
Takee Outee is one of the few holdovers from the mall near Publix before the strip’s rebuild over the last few years. Outback Steakhouse is the other.
The 53,287-square-foot store is an anchor of the rebuilt Briar Bay Shopping Center at 13005 SW 89th Pl.
Let’s take a tour:
Deli Department
Produce Department
Bakery Department
Groceries
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Seating area
Pharmacy
General store views
This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM.
