KNOXVILLE (Jan. 17, 2013) -- Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett joined Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill helped cut the ribbon on the newest Publix supermarket in Turkey Creek Thursday morning.  They were joined by Publix staff and management, as well as dozens of shoppers eager to fill their carts.

The 49,000 square-foot store employs more than 170 associates.

"I'm happy Publix chose to open its second store in Knox County," Mayor Burchett said.  "Publix is a great community partner, and the jobs they bring are very important to this area."

"Publix opened its first store in Knoxville on Aug. 22, 2012 in the Northshore Town Center plaza," said Publix Media and Community Relations Manager Brenda Reid.  "The store has been well-received and we look forward to serving customers in the Turkey Creek area."

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 156,500 employees, with 2011 sales of $27 billion.  Currently, Publix has 1,070 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.  The company has been named one of FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" for 15 consecutive years.