Publix
| File:Publix logo.svg Logo used since 2009 | |
| Company type | Private employee-owned company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (supermarket) |
| Founded | September 6, 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida, United States |
| Founder | George W. Jenkins |
| Headquarters | Lakeland , United States |
Area served | Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky) |
Key people | Todd Jones (CEO), Ed Crenshaw (Chairman of the Board) |
| Products | Groceries, deli, bakery, produce, floral, meat, seafood, pharmacy, liquor (in some locations), prepared foods ("Pub subs") |
Number of employees | 260,000 (2025) |
| Website | publix |
Publix Super Markets, Inc., commonly known as Publix, is a supermarket chain in the United States that is employee-owned and headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. Established in 1930 by George W. Jenkins, Publix operates as a privately held company owned by its current and former employees along with the Jenkins family. The chain serves the Southeastern region of the U.S., managing 1,413 stores distributed across Florida (882), Georgia (220), Alabama (96), South Carolina (70), Tennessee (59), North Carolina (58), Virginia (24), and Kentucky (4). Kentucky represents its latest market, with the inaugural store opening in Louisville in January 2024.
As of June 2025, Publix employs around 260,000 individuals working in various capacities including retail outlets, culinary schools, corporate offices, nine distribution centers, and eleven production facilities that manufacture dairy, deli, bakery items, and other food products. It stands as the largest employee-owned firm in the United States, showcasing a distinctive business approach that fosters high employee involvement and operational excellence.
Early history
Before founding Publix, George W. Jenkins was employed as a stock clerk and manager at Piggly Wiggly from 1926 until 1930. When his store was purchased by a larger corporation and his innovative suggestions were ignored by the CEO, Jenkins decided to start his own grocery enterprise emphasizing associate-led innovation. He chose the name "Publix" after acquiring it from a struggling New York-based movie theater company that operated locations in Florida.
The first Publix Food Store opened on September 6, 1930, in Winter Haven, Florida, occupying a 3,000-square-foot space. By 1934, this store had achieved sales of $120,000. A year later, Jenkins launched a second outlet named Economy Food Store also in Winter Haven. Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, these businesses proved to be financially viable.
In 1940, Jenkins secured a mortgage on an orange grove to finance Florida's first supermarket, which debuted on November 8 at 199 West Central Avenue. This "food palace" introduced several innovations including piped-in music, air conditioning, refrigerated and frozen display cases, in-store doughnut and flower shops, along with automatic doors. Due to material shortages during World War II, expansion was postponed until 1945 when Jenkins purchased the All American chain consisting of 19 stores and converted them into Publix Super Markets.
In 1951, Publix moved its headquarters to Lakeland, Florida and constructed its initial distribution warehouse spanning 70,000 square feet to support the transition of All American stores into Publix markets. By 1956, annual sales reached $50 million with profits hitting $1 million. The following year marked the growth of bakery operations from simple doughnut shops to comprehensive bakery departments within stores.
Florida expansion
By 1959, Publix had established dominance in Central Florida’s supermarket industry and expanded into South Florida by opening a location in Miami and acquiring six Grand Union stores. In 1963, it opened a distribution center in Miami and introduced deli offerings. Sales climbed beyond $500 million by 1970 and surpassed $1 billion by 1974 as the company extended its presence to Jacksonville, Florida.
In 1982, Publix introduced the Presto! ATM network by installing machines throughout all its stores. By 1989, sales had grown past $5 billion.
In 1983, Carol Jenkins Barnett, daughter of George Jenkins and an influential executive figure, joined the Board of Directors where she served until 2016. Her strategic guidance helped Publix become Florida’s largest supermarket chain while expanding into five additional states.
On October 5, 1995, Publix celebrated opening its 500th store located in Miami. In 2008, it acquired 49 stores from Albertsons across Florida through a deal that broadened its reach throughout North, Central, and South Florida including entry into Escambia County near Pensacola.
A significant milestone was reached on February 5, 2009 when Publix unveiled its 1,000th store in St. Augustine, Florida, placing it among a select group of U.S. grocery chains with such scale. This store incorporated energy-saving features such as motion-activated lighting and department-specific overhead lights.
Southern growth
Publix ventured beyond Florida for the first time in 1991 by launching a store in Savannah, Georgia, soon followed by establishing distribution and production centers in Dacula, Georgia. This marked the company's entry into the Atlanta metropolitan area by 1993. Subsequently, Publix extended its footprint into South Carolina (1993), Alabama (1996), Tennessee (2002), North Carolina (2014), Virginia (2017), and Kentucky (2024).
The company revealed plans in 2011 to expand into North Carolina, initiating operations in the Charlotte metropolitan area with its inaugural store opening in 2012 just across the border in South Carolina. The first store within North Carolina proper debuted in Ballantyne, North Carolina in 2014. Additionally, Publix acquired seven stores from competitor BI-LO within the Charlotte region. In 2015, property was secured in Boone, North Carolina, with an opening targeted for 2017.
In early 2016, Publix entered Virginia’s retail market by leasing locations in Bristol, Virginia (scheduled to open in 2017) and the greater Richmond, Virginia area (planned for 2018). By mid-2016, the company agreed to purchase ten Martin's Food Markets stores in Richmond from Ahold Delhaize as part of divestiture requirements stemming from the Ahold/Delhaize merger.
In April 2016, Ed Crenshaw, grandson of founder George Jenkins, stepped down as CEO. Todd Jones, who began his career at Publix as a service clerk and had accumulated 36 years with the company, took over as CEO—the first individual outside the Jenkins family to assume this role. Crenshaw continued to serve as chairman of the board.
Kentucky market entry
On September 7, 2021, Publix announced its inaugural Kentucky store located in northeast Louisville near the intersection of the Gene Snyder Freeway and Old Henry Road. Originally slated for a late 2023 opening, this location was postponed until January 10, 2024. This site also marks Publix’s first introduction of Publix Liquors outside Florida. Three months following this announcement, a second northeast Louisville store was revealed near Ballardsville and Brownsboro Roads within the Worthington community, expected to open early in 2024 along with an adjacent liquor outlet.
On June 23, 2022, coinciding with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Old Henry Road store, Publix signed a lease for a Lexington location at Harrodsburg Road and Man o' War Boulevard. This store is planned for a late 2024 launch and will feature an adjoining liquor shop. In December 2022, a third Louisville store on Shelbyville Road in Eastwood was unveiled with an anticipated opening during the first half of 2024; it will also include a Publix Liquors.
Further Kentucky expansions involve new stores planned for Owensboro and Elizabethtown, underscoring Publix’s strategic initiative to broaden its presence beyond Florida into prominent regional markets.
COVID-19 pandemic response
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning January 2020, Publix collaborated closely with federal and state authorities as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The company implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, installed plexiglass barriers at checkout lanes and service counters, and suspended food sampling events. By July 21, 2020, wearing face coverings became compulsory for all customers inside Publix locations.
To assist local producers impacted by closures of schools and restaurants, Publix purchased milk and fresh produce directly from Florida farmers and dairies and donated excess products to Feeding America food banks.
In January 2021, Publix initiated a pilot COVID-19 vaccination program at 22 Florida stores targeting residents of long-term care facilities, seniors, and healthcare workers. By mid-February of that year, more than 300,000 vaccines had been administered across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Publix encountered criticism regarding its vaccine rollout in Florida amid allegations that distribution favored affluent neighborhoods and suggestions of connections to the Ron DeSantis administration through campaign contributions made via an affiliated political action committee. Both Publix and state officials denied any quid pro quo arrangement. During an April 2021 interview on 60 Minutes, DeSantis highlighted that Publix was the initial retail partner to volunteer for vaccine distribution efforts and noted that approximately 90% of Florida’s elderly population resides near a Publix store—especially in Palm Beach County where there is a significant concentration of seniors. However, these remarks were omitted from the broadcast segment, prompting accusations that the reporting presented a misleading account. The Democratic mayor of Palm Beach County also condemned the coverage as deliberately inaccurate.
Stores
Publix locations provide a broad assortment of goods and services spanning grocery, deli, bakery, produce, floral, meat, and seafood sections. Certain stores also feature amenities such as valet parking, cafés, sushi bars, pharmacy departments, and liquor outlets. Their well-known submarine sandwiches, called "Pub subs," are a distinctive offering.
At customer service desks, patrons can access check cashing, money orders, Western Union transfers, rug rentals, and lottery ticket sales. While Publix once offered DVD rentals and photo development through Snapfish, these photo services were discontinued following the end of that partnership.
Aprons
Aprons is the proprietary recipe brand of Publix, boasting over 4,000 chef-crafted recipes designed to simplify meal preparation. In 2005, Publix introduced Aprons make-ahead meal stores with standalone outlets in Jacksonville and Lithia, Florida; both locations closed by 2009 due to insufficient consumer interest.
The Aprons brand also encompassed cooking schools that provided demonstrations and interactive classes focused on meal preparation techniques and knife skills. By mid-2023, all physical Cooking School venues had ceased operations; nonetheless, as of September 2024, Publix continues to offer Cooking School Online videos accessible via YouTube.
Publix GreenWise Market
GreenWise Market was launched in 2007 as Publix's initiative to capture the expanding health-conscious food market segment dominated by chains such as Whole Foods Market. The concept emphasized products free from synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, hormones, antibiotics, or certified USDA organic standards.
GreenWise Markets combined organic and conventional items alongside salad bars and hot food stations. Initial stores opened in Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton, Vero Beach, Tampa, Naples, and Coral Springs in Florida.
The inaugural store opened on September 27, 2007, in Palm Beach Gardens; subsequent locations included Boca Raton in May 2008 and Tampa’s Hyde Park area in November 2008.
From 2008 through 2016, Publix adopted a "hybrid" approach by incorporating GreenWise product lines within traditional stores—approximately half of new store openings during this period followed this integrated model.
In 2017, the company revealed plans to revive standalone GreenWise Market stores with a planned opening near Florida State University in Tallahassee slated for 2018.
However, in May 2023, Publix retired the GreenWise Market brand as part of a broader strategic restructuring.
Publix Sabor
Publix operated seven "Publix Sabor" stores located throughout Miami-Dade County that catered specifically to the Latino community with products sourced from Latin America. These outlets were positioned between Miami and Hialeah and offered bilingual staff members, open seating cafés, plus expanded deli and bakery options tailored to Hispanic preferences. The Publix Sabor brand has since been phased out; these stores have either been replaced by new locations or integrated into standard Publix supermarkets.
Pharmacy
The first Publix pharmacy within a store opened its doors in Altamonte Springs, Florida in 1986. By 1995, pharmacies were installed in roughly one-third of all locations; currently about 90% of Publix stores include pharmacy services. Independent surveys consistently rank Publix Pharmacies highest in customer satisfaction among supermarket-based pharmacies. In 2007, Publix introduced complimentary antibiotics for customers—a move that ignited discussion among healthcare professionals regarding the potential risks of antibiotic resistance.
The Little Clinic
At the beginning of 2006, Publix formed an exclusive alliance with The Little Clinic to establish medical clinics within its stores, initially launching locations in Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. These clinics, operated by nurse practitioners, offered services including prescriptions, diagnosis, treatment for common illnesses, as well as wellness care such as physical exams and immunizations. Nevertheless, by May 2011, Publix decided to shut down these clinics to concentrate on its primary pharmacy and grocery business.
BayCare telehealth sites
In March 2017, Publix teamed up with BayCare Health System to introduce telehealth services at selected pharmacies in the Tampa Bay region. These facilities provided private consultation rooms where patients could engage with board-certified doctors through teleconferencing and utilize diagnostic equipment. This initiative allowed physicians to conduct basic examinations and prescribe medications for minor health issues, thereby enriching Publix’s healthcare offerings through technological advancements.
PublixDirect
Publix debuted its online grocery delivery platform, PublixDirect, in October 2001, initially covering Broward County along with portions of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties from a distribution hub located in Pompano Beach, Florida. Although there were intentions to expand into Orlando and Atlanta markets, limited consumer interest confined the service to South Florida. PublixDirect was discontinued in August 2003, with outstanding orders either canceled or redirected to brick-and-mortar stores.
Publix Curbside
After the initial experience with PublixDirect, Publix introduced Publix Curbside in 2010, allowing customers to place grocery orders online and collect them curbside at select stores. This pilot program operated in Atlanta and Tampa but was terminated in January 2012 due to insufficient performance.
Later on, Publix revived the curbside pickup concept through a collaboration with delivery provider Instacart. This renewed effort began as a pilot in September 2017 at two Tampa-area locations, with intentions to extend service to Atlanta by the end of that year. This approach reflected a strategic move toward utilizing third-party platforms for online ordering and pickup services.
Instacart
In July 2016, Publix partnered with Instacart to launch a trial of online shopping and delivery across the greater Miami region, spanning 37 ZIP codes from Hallandale Beach down to South Miami. Certain items such as tobacco products, gift cards, prescriptions, and age-restricted goods were excluded; alcohol delivery was restricted to Florida and North Carolina locations.
By February 2017, Instacart deliveries from Publix had expanded into major metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, Richmond, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Nashville. Publix announced plans to extend this delivery service to more than 90% of its stores by the close of 2017, significantly broadening its e-commerce presence and market penetration.
Food World
In response to intense price competition within the Florida grocery sector, Publix launched its inaugural Food World store in September 1970 in Orlando. This marked the beginning of a total of 23 stores operating under the Food World brand. In November 1977, the company unveiled its largest store at that time—the 57,000 square foot Lake Miriam Food World located in Lakeland, Florida—which was also the biggest store in the Southeastern United States. This location was notable for introducing barcode scanning technology within the company. The Food World brand was discontinued in 1985 due to unprofitable performance and an inability to provide employee profit-sharing incentives.
Publix PIX
Beginning in 2001, Publix launched a limited trial of 14 PIX gasoline-convenience outlets throughout Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. By 2014, all sites in Florida and Georgia had been sold to Circle K, while the single Tennessee location was divested separately, resulting in the discontinuation of the PIX brand. Despite the rebranding of these stores, Publix maintained ownership of the "PIX" trademark.
Crispers
Publix made an investment in Crispers, a Lakeland-based health-oriented restaurant chain, starting in 2002. The company increased its ownership stake by 2004 and completed full acquisition by 2007. However, due to poor financial performance during economic recessions and multiple closures, Publix divested Crispers to Healthy Food Concepts LLC in May 2011, at which time the chain operated 36 locations.
Publix Liquors
After initially experimenting with liquor stores in the late 1980s and withdrawing from the sector in 1989, Publix reentered the liquor retail market in 2003. Success was achieved by operating stores with separate entrances as mandated by local regulations, mirroring strategies used by other supermarket chains. The first Publix Liquors store outside Florida was inaugurated in January 2024 alongside the company’s debut Kentucky location.
DVD rental kiosks
In 2005, Publix introduced The New Release DVD rental kiosks at select South Florida locations, charging a daily rental fee of $1 plus tax. Following NCR’s acquisition of The New Release in 2009, a collaboration with Blockbuster led to replacing these kiosks with Blockbuster Express units across all Publix stores by 2010, maintaining the same rental pricing structure.
In 2012, NCR divested its entertainment division—including Blockbuster Express kiosks—to Coinstar, owner of Redbox. Consequently, most Blockbuster Express units at Publix were substituted with Redbox machines by year-end. Between late 2023 and early 2024, Redbox kiosks began to be phased out from Publix locations.
Starbucks
Publix opened its inaugural in-store Starbucks outlet in the Orlando region in December 2016 and expanded to five additional sites throughout 2017.
Presto!
Presto! is a surcharge-free ATM network operated by Publix Super Markets, comprising over 1,350 ATMs across eight Southeastern states as of 2024: Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Established in 1982, it includes 2,433 participating members and facilitates POS transactions via debit, credit, and EBT cards at every Publix store.
Working environment
Since its inception in 1998, Publix has consistently appeared on Fortune’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, reflecting robust employee satisfaction and effective leadership. Founded in 1930, the company has never implemented layoffs, demonstrating a resilient business model and dedication to employee retention.
In 1997, Publix resolved an $81.5 million lawsuit concerning sex discrimination related to job assignments and promotional opportunities. This case underscored issues within corporate culture and prompted necessary reforms.
In 2015, Publix revised its employee benefits to provide health insurance coverage for legally married same-sex spouses regardless of where the marriage took place. After facing criticism from LGBT advocacy organizations in 2018 for excluding PrEP HIV-prevention medications from its health plans, Publix swiftly amended its policies to incorporate these treatments.
Political contributions
Publix channels its political donations through a Political Action Committee (PAC) aimed at promoting its commercial objectives.
The corporation has aligned with conservative initiatives, such as opposing the legalization of medical marijuana and resisting regulations on polystyrene. Contributions have been made to the PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is regarded by some as favorable to business interests. After the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Publix's financial support for conservative politicians like Adam Putnam triggered protests at the local level. Consequently, Publix paused its corporate political donations temporarily to reevaluate its approach to funding. Soon after, the Florida Retail Federation—which receives significant funding from Publix—contributed $100,000 to Putnam's Florida Grown PAC.
In December 2020, during its collaboration with the Florida government on COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Publix donated $100,000 to DeSantis’s PAC. Both parties denied any connection between this contribution and vaccine rollout efforts. Publix concentrated on vaccinating elderly populations within its service areas, while national chains such as Walgreens and CVS handled broader vaccination campaigns.
Stock information
Publix stock remains privately owned and is accessible exclusively to current employees and board members during designated offering windows. Shares must be offered back to the company before any external sale can occur.
Stock became available to employees in 1959 at a price of $10.00 per share. Staff members may purchase shares through three programs: the ESOP "PROFIT" plan, the 401(k) "SMART" (Saving Makes A Richer Tomorrow) plan, and an employee stock purchase program.
As of May 1, 2025, the value of Publix stock stands at $20.20 per share following a 5-for-1 stock split implemented on April 1, 2022. Formerly traded on the US OTC market under the ticker symbol PUSH, Publix ranked #69 on the Fortune 500 list in 2021. The company discontinued its OTC listing in November 2019.
Store locations
| State | Number of Supermarkets as of June 2025 (including other store formats) |
|---|---|
| Florida | 882 |
| Georgia | 220 |
| Alabama | 96 |
| South Carolina | 70 |
| Tennessee | 59 |
| North Carolina | 58 |
| Virginia | 24 |
| Kentucky | 4 |
| Total | 1,413 |
Distribution facilities
Publix maintains distribution centers strategically positioned in major markets to enhance supply chain operations:
- Alabama
- McCalla – non-perishable goods
- Florida
- Boynton Beach – grocery items
- Deerfield Beach – perishable products
- Jacksonville – dairy, frozen foods, grocery, meat, produce
- Lakeland – frozen foods, grocery, meat, dairy, produce, general merchandise (low turnover)
- Miami – grocery products
- Orlando – frozen foods, meat, produce, grocery items, pharmacy supplies
- Sarasota – grocery goods
- Georgia
- Dacula – dairy, frozen foods, grocery items, meat, produce, general merchandise (low turnover)
- North Carolina
Manufacturing facilities
Publix operates multiple production sites to ensure enhanced oversight and superior product quality:
- Florida
- Deerfield Beach – dairy products, fresh foods, fresh kitchen operations
- Jacksonville – fresh foods production
- Lakeland – bakery, dairy, deli, fresh foods, fresh kitchen, and printing services
- Orlando – produce and snack manufacturing
- Georgia
Support offices
Corporate functions and IT infrastructure are supported through various office locations:
- Florida
- Lakeland – corporate headquarters housing IT data center, flight operations center, programming and IT support teams, call center, and customer service
- Jacksonville – office facilities
- Miami – office facilities
- Georgia
- Marietta – office facilities
- Alpharetta – IT data center
- North Carolina
- Charlotte – office facilities
Legal disputes
Publix's legal record includes significant cases influencing its business approach. After losing a 2001 lawsuit concerning contamination from neighboring dry cleaning sites, the company backed legislation in 2003 aimed at restricting such claims. In 2005, Publix initiated legal action against Visa and MasterCard over undisclosed increases in merchant fees—an effort to protect operational expenditures; this followed a prior victory by Wal-Mart in a similar case in 2004. In 2014, Publix was fined by Broward County for allegedly discriminating against an LGBT employee through termination; however, this decision was later reversed on appeal due to lack of sufficient proof.