The wait is over.

The new Publix grocery store at Cullman Shopping Center is now open for business.

Area residents lined up this morning, some as early as 3 a.m., for their chance to be among the first inside.

“I guess we’re not the only ones that are crazy,” joked Susan Montgomery of Holly Pond. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”

Her and her husband, Bud, made the drive in to Cullman early Wednesday to get in line.

“I wrote Publix twice begging them to open a store in Cullman,” she said.

Added Bud Montgomery: “I was shocked they responded. We’re just thrilled to death they’re here now.”

Glenn Hanes of Cullman arrived at Publix around 3 a.m. and waited in his car until others, like Barbara Ferguson, began to show up at 5 a.m.

“We’re going to go shopping,” she said.

Cullman Mayor Max Townson and Sen. Paul Bussman, R- Cullman, cut the ribbon to open the store, and shoppers grabbed carts and flooded inside.

They were met with flowers from Manager Brad Hupp and a variety of samples around the store.

The first 1,000 customers will receive a free Publix re-usable grand opening grocery bag while the first 25 customers who purchase $50 or more in groceries will receive a free bag of groceries valued at $25.

Customers can register to win prizes throughout the store including a $100 gift card from Publix as well as cakes, deli platters, digital blood pressure kits and fresh products from the meat and seafood departments. Children’s activities will also be among the festivities, including a magician and balloon artist.

Prizes will also be given away daily throughout grand opening week.

* Tiffeny Owens can be reached by email at towens@cullmantimes.com or by phone at 256-734-2131.