The Big News
Publix Super Markets has officially staked its claim in Northern Virginia.
The beloved Florida-based grocer just signed a deal to anchor Ashland Square, a 124,000-square-foot retail development rising at Dumfries and Spriggs Roads in Manassas.
At over 50,000 square feet, this will be one of the largest grocery builds in the area — and marks Publix’s northernmost store in Virginia.
Why It Matters
For years, Northern Virginia residents have watched Publix creep north from Stafford and Fredericksburg. Now, the grocery giant is crossing the invisible line into the D.C. commuter belt — one of the most competitive grocery markets in the country.
This isn’t just another grocery store. It’s a signal:
Publix is ready to take on Harris Teeter, Wegmans, and Giant head-to-head — in the heart of NoVA suburbia.
What’s Coming
The store will bring:
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150 new jobs to the local community
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A fresh mix of retail and dining tenants around the anchor
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Completion projected for Spring/Summer 2027, according to developer Saul Centers (NYSE: BFS)
Publix hasn’t confirmed an exact opening date, but site plans show a modern layout with ample parking, pedestrian paths, and visibility from Dumfries Road — a major commuter artery connecting Manassas and Woodbridge.
The Bigger Picture
Publix’s expansion north mirrors the explosive residential growth across Prince William County. Thousands of new homes, schools, and infrastructure upgrades have transformed this once-quiet corridor into one of Virginia’s most in-demand suburbs.
And with this deal, Manassas officially joins the “Publix club.”
“It’s a huge sign of confidence in the Manassas market,” said Chris Colgan of Real Nova Network. “Publix doesn’t just pick random sites — they follow population growth, income trends, and lifestyle demand. This move cements Prince William as a key player in Northern Virginia’s next retail wave.”
Fast Facts
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Store size: 50,325 sq. ft.
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Development: Ashland Square (124,769 sq. ft. total)
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Developer: Saul Centers (NYSE: BFS)
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Jobs created: ~150
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Opening: Targeted for 2027
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Publix Virginia footprint: 24 stores statewide
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Nearest current store: Embrey Mill Town Center, Stafford, VA
About Publix
Publix is the largest employee-owned company in America, operating over 1,400 stores with more than 260,000 employees nationwide. In 2024 alone, it reported nearly $60 billion in sales — a testament to its fiercely loyal customer base and high-end grocery experience.
See the Newest Manassas, VA Real Estate Listings
What This Means for Real Estate
New commercial anchors like Publix often boost surrounding home values and accelerate mixed-use development nearby. Expect ripple effects in Ashland, Independent Hill, Montclair, and Manassas Park, especially as more families and investors eye this growing corridor.
If you’ve been considering a move or an investment near Manassas, this is the kind of development that reshapes an entire neighborhood’s trajectory.
Follow the Story:
As construction ramps up at Ashland Square, I’ll be covering every milestone — from site prep to grand opening — right here at RealNovaRealEstate.com and on Instagram @ChrisColganTeam
Credit: Washington Business Journal– Reporting by Daniel J. Sernovitz
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We’ll guide you every step of the way in finding your perfect home near the future Publix at Ashland Square — and help you take advantage of Prince William County’s fast-growing market before prices rise.