Pub Subs and pineberries, barrel picks and pie: 10 things about new Lexington grocery Publix
Publix is opening the first of at least three Lexington stores as the Florida chain expands its foothold in Kentucky.
What makes the chain different from others? It’s the largest employee-owned company in the U.S., for one, with more than 255,000 employees across the country.
Here are other things to know about Publix as the green-themed stores open across the Bluegrass.
How many Publix stores will Lexington have?
This is the first of three Lexington stores; the next is expected to open at Fountains of Palomar on Man o’ War, just off Harrodsburg Road, by this summer. That store will be larger and have even more hot bar offerings, including a burrito bar and pizza by the slice.
Does Publix have a pharmacy?
Publix Pharmacy has a drive-thru, and offers vaccines, prescriptions and prescription pet meds, as well as pet versions of human medications.
Publix Liquors
The Publix Liquors next to the grocery has all kinds of spirits and wine. There is a wall with 44 feet of bourbon at the new Citation Point store, which will be getting its own “barrel picks” selected from Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark bourbons. Publix also sells a selection of “buy one, get one free” wines under its own private label.
Pub Subs to go
You can order one of the store’s famous Pub Subs online or in person. While many people get the sandwiches to-go, there is a small seating area in the store. The seating area is near the bakery, which offers cakes and pies by the slice, including a key lime pie that people rave about. Or try the mango key lime if you’re feeling a little extra.
Publix BOGOs
The chain offers coupons online and has weekly specials for its buy one, get one deals that appear in flyers as well as online.
Tags highlight special items
Through the store, Publix price tags incorporate color-coded tags and icons for different options: Green indicates healthier choices; pale blue indicates organic; purple highlights gluten-free and vegan items; WIC and flexible spending account eligible items also have purple tags; bright blue indicates a new item; red tags are temporary price reductions; orange are clearance items.
And special Kentucky Local tags are placed near items that are grown, harvested or manufactured in-state.
Shopping options
Publix offers online shopping with pickup at the store in designated spots, or you can have everything delivered via Instacart.
Need a specialty cut?
Publix has meat cutters on staff every day to help you pick out a choice cut and talk you through the best way to fix it. And you can pre-order burger patties and sliders for your home cookout or party.
Fresh produce and flowers
Publix has fresh cut flower bouquets and special produce items, including Florida-grown pineberries, a kind of white strawberry that has a bit of a pineapple flavor, and locally grown Campari tomatoes.
Each store makes fresh, chopped fruit salad daily, as well as yogurt parfaits you can grab for a quick bite.
Hot soup bar
The Publix deli has a hot soup bar with a daily menu of four options. Varieties include chicken noodle, chicken tortilla, chicken and wild rice, broccoli cheddar, tomato bisque, potato cheddar bacon, lobster bisque, New England clam chowder, chili with beans, Wild mushroom bisque, spring vegetable and limited-time-only options, such as lasagna soup and she-crab soup.
