In the first quarter of 2026, Food Lion is rolling out an expanded store presence across both North Carolina and South Carolina with four new supermarket openings. The move builds on the grocer’s established network in the region and brings fresh retail capacity to several Carolina communities.
The sequence of openings begins in South Carolina’s Pontiac, where a new grocery location welcomed customers on January 21st. Shortly thereafter, in Statesville, North Carolina, another store began operations on January 28th, adding to the five existing Food Lion locations in that market area. In mid-February, a store at 3501 North Elm Street in Greensboro opened as the company’s 14th site in that city. A fourth store is slated to begin serving customers in Simpsonville, South Carolina, in March.
Each new store reflects a format that mixes traditional retail with modern conveniences. Interiors are arranged around an easy-to-navigate layout with a broad assortment of products ranging from fresh produce and quality meats to prepared meals and everyday staples. Features at these locations also include pickup and delivery options through the grocer’s online platform, aiming to blend in-store shopping with digital convenience.
The Greensboro opening is one of the more detailed rollouts so far. The Elm Street location incorporates energy-efficient systems such as CO₂ refrigeration and chilled-water air cooling, alongside an expanded selection of organic and plant-based items. In its opening week, the store supported local nonprofits through donations and offered promotional welcome activities for early shoppers.
These additions underscore an ongoing pattern of growth across the Carolinas. Beyond new supermarket openings, Food Lion’s parent company has also announced plans for a major distribution center in Burlington, North Carolina. This facility, backed by a substantial investment, is intended to expand supply capacity for Food Lion and Ahold Delhaize USA’s omnichannel grocery brands along the East Coast.
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