GALLERY: Piggly Wiggly Andalusia debuts new self-serve buffet with daily specials
Published 2:45 pm Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Deli team members at Piggly Wiggly of Andalusia launched a new self-serve buffet in the store’s newly renovated deli in March. Pictured from left are Kat Leach, Maxine Mills, Ella Paige, Mr. Pig, Tonya Sanders, and Teresa Reagan. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
Piggly Wiggly in Andalusia launched a new self-serve buffet on March 20. Pictured are, from left, Kat Leach, Cindy Pebbles, Mr. Pig, and Piggly Wiggly Store Manager Chantz Robertson. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
Mr. Pig is all excited about the new self-serve buffet at Piggly Wiggly. The buffet is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
The buffet offers a fresh selection of home-style country cooking with daily specials and plates priced at $6.99 per pound. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
The buffet also features a salad bar in addition to the country cooking. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
The buffet is also complete with a dessert bar for customers to enjoy. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)
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Shoppers at Piggly Wiggly in Andalusia can now enjoy both the aroma and taste of freshly cooked meals, thanks to the launch of Mr. Pig’s Buffet, a new self-serve dining option inside the store’s renovated deli.
The buffet officially opened on March 20 and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located in the updated deli section, the layout is designed for speed and convenience, allowing customers to quickly serve themselves from a rotating selection of freshly prepared items. Plates are priced at $6.99 per pound.
“We needed to update our deli. It had the same equipment since 1995,” Store Manager Chantz Robertson said. “We’re an independent grocery store that pays a franchise fee to be part of Piggly Wiggly, so we make our own decisions. It was time for a change.”
Robertson said the previous setup made it difficult to keep up with customer demand, and the buffet model allows for faster service and greater flexibility.
“With this new setup, customers don’t have to wait in line. They can take as much or as little as they like and get in and out quickly, even on a 30-minute lunch break,” he said.
The buffet features a set weekly menu of home-style meals, many inspired by Southern favorites. Each day features different entrées, with sides, a salad bar, a dessert bar, and additional options like pasta.
Entree selections are meatloaf on Monday, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine, and chicken Parmesan on Tuesday, chicken and dumplings on Wednesday, Mississippi pot roast and Alabama white sauce chicken on Thursday, catfish, seafood fettuccine, and seafood gumbo on Friday, spare ribs and pulled pork on Saturday, and ham and dressing on Sunday.
“We decided on a menu full of good old country cooking. One of our sister stores has a similar setup, and we leaned on them a lot for guidance,” Robertson said.
The response from the community has been enthusiastic, with Meatloaf Monday and Fish Fry Friday proving especially popular.
“It’s giving folks another dining option that’s fast and affordable,” he said. “They can build their plate just the way they like it: mix a salad with some meats or just load up on their favorites.”
The store employs 10 to 15 people with six employees working per shift. According to Robertson, most of the staff were already trained in deli operations and received additional instruction to implement buffet recipes and procedures.
“There was a big learning curve. We went from deli plates to full-on home cooking, but the team has handled it well. I’m proud of how quickly they adapted,” he said.
He noted the buffet has significantly increased foot traffic and created a new sense of excitement inside the store.
“Our staff didn’t skip a beat. It was stressful to change directions, but they’ve done a fantastic job. With our new Rise and Shine Coffee Shop and now the buffet, we’re offering our community something other grocery stores just don’t have.”
Piggly Wiggly of Andalusia is located at 1130 MLK Jr. Expressway. Store hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
For more information visit the store’s Facebook page or call 334-222-9121.
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