One of the fastest-growing grocery chains in the U.S. plans to open more than 225 new stores in the coming year, a move that marks the biggest surge in 50 years.

Discount chain ALDI announced new locations ,will come through “organic growth” and converting select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the new ALDI format. In total, ALDI will convert some 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to its format through 2027.

“When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting ALDI growth,” ALDI CEO Jason Hart said. “Converting the remaining locations to the ALDI format is critically important to our nationwide commitment to help shoppers fill their carts with quality groceries for less.”

As part of its plans, Aldi also sold some 170 former Southeastern Grocery stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers with locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Winn-Dixie’s liquor store business is also being sold.

Grand openings planned

Grand openings for the first several converted Southeastern Grocer stores are already underway with approximately 100 converted locations reopening as ALDI stores by the end of 2025. A portion of the stores will be located in the Southeast with other growth coming in the northeast and Midwest regions, as well as more stores in Southern California and Arizona. ALDI is also eying new cities, including Las Vegas.

ALDI opened 120 stores last year, bringing its total count to 2,400.