The former Winn-Dixie building at 17649 Gunn Highway is finally getting a second life. ALDI is officially opening its doors on Thursday, July 17, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for 8:45 a.m. A “sneak peek” shopping day will be held the day before, on Wednesday the 16th.
The Odessa store is part of ALDI’s wider Florida expansion strategy, which includes converting several old Winn-Dixie and Sweetbay locations. This one in particular was previously known as store #2507 and closed permanently on November 24, 2024.
A Big Change for a Quiet Corner
The intersection of Gunn Highway and Van Dyke Road didn’t always look like this. If you go back to 1957, it was nothing but tree cover and a few farm plots. Even into the 1980s and 1990s, the area remained mostly undeveloped woodland. By 2007, a large building appeared—most likely when the Winn-Dixie was built.
That supermarket served locals for years, but in recent times the property sat quiet. Now ALDI is taking over about half of the space, giving the plaza a needed refresh. It’s a strategic location too—close to Citrus Park, Keystone, and fast-growing parts of northwest Hillsborough County.
What to Expect on Opening Day
The new store will bring ALDI’s typical offerings: low prices, private-label staples, and a no-frills layout. The company is also expected to hand out gift bags to early shoppers during the grand opening event.
This isn’t just a new place to shop—it’s part of a subtle shift in the area’s retail landscape. ALDI is betting on infill opportunities like this one instead of building entirely from scratch. And if the Odessa launch goes smoothly, it could signal more conversions coming soon across Tampa Bay.
Last Updated on July 5, 2025 by F.E.M