Salisbury-based grocer Food Lion ranks among the largest regional supermarket chains in the U.S. The store recently shared plans to span its footprint across the state with four new store openings, all scheduled to open in early 2026. The Pontiac, South Carolina, location is set to open its doors on Wednesday, January 21.
Food Lion to Open 4 New Stores in North and South Carolina
Four new Food Lion grocery stores are making their way into North Carolina and South Carolina in early 2026. Founded in 1957, the grocery chain has long been a staple in Carolina communities. It currently operates over 1,000 stores across 10 states in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
The first new Food Lion store will open in Pontiac, South Carolina, on January 21, followed by Statesville, North Carolina, on January 28.
Additional locations are planned for Greensboro, North Carolina, in February and Simpsonville, South Carolina, in March.
Greg Finchum, president of Food Lion, said the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to serving communities as a trusted neighborhood grocer across its footprint.
He added, “Each new store strengthens our ability to deliver an easy, fresh, and affordable omnichannel grocery shopping experience while supporting the communities where our neighbors live, work, and raise their families.”
In line with its community outreach efforts, the new stores will partner with local food banks and hunger-relief organizations. Through its Food Lion Feeds program, the retailer has donated more than 1.5 billion meals since 2014 and aims to reach 3 billion meals by 2032.
What Can Customers Expect
Each new store location is designed to give customers a great in-store shopping experience. It will offer fresh produce, quality meats, ready-to-eat meals, and other everyday essentials at very affordable prices. Stores will also feature modern décor and expanded assortments based on shopper feedback.
Customers will have access to Food Lion To Go pickup and home delivery through the company’s website or mobile app. In addition, the store will feature both self-checkout lanes and traditional cashier-assisted checkout.
Many locations will include in-store prepared foods such as fresh-cut fruit, sushi, and hot meal options, as well as a walk-in produce cooler to maintain freshness.
Food Lion’s Nature’s Promise private-label brand, which includes organic and other products made without artificial flavors or preservatives, will be available at all new stores. Select locations will also carry locally sourced items through the company’s Local Goodness program, highlighting products from North and South Carolina growers and manufacturers.
These latest expansion plans for Food Lion highlight the retailer’s continued investment, bringing convenient, affordable grocery options.
