Publix is expanding into more Central Kentucky cities. Here’s where
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Publix will open 54,964‑square‑foot supermarkets, liquor stores in three Kentucky cities.
- Each new store in Versailles, Richmond and Bowling Green will generate about 150 jobs.
- Publix cites community commitment as reason for expansion into Central Kentucky markets.
Grocery chain Publix announced it is expanding into three Kentucky cities.
Leases have been signed, but no opening time frame has been determined, the Florida-based company said.
The new stores will be coming to:
- Versailles at The Shops at Woodford Farm, a new shopping center coming to the northeast corner of Lexington Road and Governors Way, near Kentucky’s largest Kroger Marketplace store.
- Richmond at The Farms at Barnes Mill at the northwest corner of Goggins Lane and Barnes Mill Road.
- Bowling Green at Campbell Commons at the southeast corner of Campbell Lane and Smallhouse Road.
Each location will feature a 54,964-square-foot Publix Super Market and an adjacent Publix Liquors.
The stores are expected to create about 150 jobs apiece, according to the company.
“This announcement reflects our commitment to delivering the Publix difference to new customers,” said Jared Glover, a spokesman for Publix Super Markets. “We look forward to being active members of these vibrant communities and serving our new customers soon.”
The Versailles shopping center, which is just off of U.S. 60, also will have another anchor tenant, according to plans available from the developer online.
Versailles Mayor Laura Dake said in a social media post the other anchor tenant at the property between Paynes Mill Road and a newly built roundabout will be a Lowe’s.
She said the developers will close on the property in June, and construction will begin in July with expected completion date of fall 2027 for the main stores.
Outparcels for smaller stores and restaurants along U.S. 60 in front of the anchor stores might not be completed until Spring 2028, she said.
Publix has been expanding rapidly across the South, particularly in Kentucky, in a strategy to take on industry giant Kroger, which is headquartered in Cincinnati.
In 2025, Publix opened two stores in Lexington, and a third Lexington store is under construction on Romany Road.
There are Publix stores in Louisville and Walton, with additional stores announced in Georgetown, Elizabethtown and Owensboro.
And a Nicholasville Publix has approved by city planners but not yet officially announced.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 10:17 AM.
