Lexington’s first Publix grocery store is opening. Here’s a sneak peek inside

Lexington’s new grocery era is here: Publix, the employee-owned store chain, is opening its first store in the Bluegrass.

The first Fayette County Publix at Citation Point opens to the public at 7 a.m. March 5. But VIPs, including Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers, several city council members and other elected officials, as well as media members, got an early look on March 3.

The grocer offered samples of some Publix signature items, including one of their specialty cakes, Chocolate Ganache.

“We’re excited to bring Publix to Lexington,” said Kim Reynolds, Publix community relations manager.

The tasting also included samples of grab-and-go items such as the spicy Cajun Krab dip, available for $6.59 in the seafood and meats section of the store, which will have meat cutters on duty daily, according to the section managers.

Custom cuts of meat are available, as well as large orders of hand-made patties and sliders for parties or special events. Seafood is flown in six times a week fresh from Florida.

Also in the coolers: Take and bake dinners and meal kits, if you’re busy and looking for a quick take-home option.

Like other Lexington groceries, including Kroger, Publix will carry a selection of Kentucky Local items, including produce. Weisenberger Mill grits and baking mixes, locally made salsas, sauces, spices and relishes are on an end cap in the middle of the store, facing the meats.

The chain is known for its signature deli sandwiches, called Pub Subs, that you can custom order online or in person for $6.99 for a wrap or half, $9.99 for a salad or whole sub. (Add on a bit if you go for Boar’s Head meats, which are extra.)

Publix’s famous chicken tenders are available in a sub, wrap or separately. Wings, shrimp and fried fish are also available, as well as smokehouse ribs and pulled pork.

More fan favorites: bakery items, including birthday cakes, special “supreme cakes” and key lime pie and mango key lime pie. Items can be custom ordered or selected from pre-made options.

The store has a hot soup bar with a daily soup menu so you will know what day you’ll find lobster bisque, as well as limited time offerings such as lasagna soup.

The store at 1952 Stockton Way is a 46,791-square-foot Publix Super Market with an adjacent 3,200-square-foot Publix Liquors, that will offer beer, wine, and spirits.

The liquor store has 44 feet of bourbon, according to the manager, including a case of specialty bottles including Stagg, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Knob Creek 18, and more. The store has done “barrel picks” with Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve and will have a special release to celebrate the Lexington opening.

The grocery store, which is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, also has drive-thru pharmacy.

This will be the first of at least three Publix stores in Lexington that we know of: Another, larger store is set to opening at the Fountains of Palomar shopping center at the corner of Man o’ War and Harrodsburg Road. And Publix has announced plans to put a neighborhood store on Romany Road where the former Kroger store was.

Another store is expected to be announced in Nicholasville soon.

The Florida-based chain began colonizing Kentucky in 2024, with the first store opened in Louisville at 2500 Terra Crossing Blvd. in the Terra Crossing Shopping Center.

Publix at Citation Point

Where: 1952 Stockton Way

Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Online: Publix.com

This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 2:45 PM.

Janet Patton

Lexington Herald-Leader

859-379-5233

Janet Patton covers restaurants, bars, food and bourbon for the Herald-Leader. She is an award-winning business reporter who also has covered agriculture, gambling, horses and hemp. Support my work with a digital subscription