P
ublix has been expanding its presence in South Florida through strategic acquisitions. The Lakeland-based grocery chain has recently purchased two shopping centers in Davie for a total of $83 million. The deals were made for Davie Shopping Center at 4601-4777 South University Drive for $50.7 million and Regency Square Shopping Plaza at 4801-4995 and 4997 Southwest 148th Avenue for $32 million. The acquisitions translate to $444 per square foot for the former and $304 per square foot for the latter.

    The purchases were made from Boca Raton-based Southeast Centers and Newark, New Jersey-based PGIM, the real estate arm of Prudential. The joint venture had previously acquired the Davie Shopping Center for $11.1 million in 2003, comprising a 12-acre retail site with four single-story buildings built in 1979, 1984, and 2018. The tenants at this location include Baptist Health Urgent Care, Starbucks, Amerant Bank, and Verizon.

    The Regency Square site, spanning 14.5 acres, was acquired by Southeast Centers and PGIM in 1989. The previous sale price is not listed on the deed. The joint venture completed four single-story buildings on this site in 1991 and 1997. The tenant roster at Regency Square includes Shimuja Ramen, TT Nails, Cubico Coffee, and Primo Liquors.

    Publix has been on an acquisition spree for shopping centers anchored by their stores, spending a combined $220 million on South Florida retail properties since 2021. In May, they purchased Ramblewood Square Shopping Center, a 157,914-square-foot retail plaza in Coral Springs for $58.5 million. Apollo Global Management sold the 15-acre property to Publix. In 2022, Apollo also sold Rover Bridge Centre, a Publix-anchored shopping center with nine outparcels, to the grocer for $56.5 million. Additionally, Publix bought a waterfront development site in Hollywood for a new store for $12.8 million in 2022.