From ‘Pub subs’ to big deals, here’s why Publix has a cult-like following as it expands in KY
Publix – the chain of Florida-based grocery stores “where shopping is a pleasure” – is coming to Lexington, with a new location expected to open here in 2024.
But what makes Publix so special? Floridians swear by its “pub sub” sandwiches and legendary customer service, but what can Kentuckians expect from the experience?
Here’s everything you need to know about Publix and its cult-like following:
A Florida Origin Story
Like Walt Disney World, Publix began as one man’s dream, in this case George W. Jenkins.
Jenkins, once a store clerk at a Piggly Wiggly in Tampa, opened his first Publix Food Store in Winter Haven in 1930, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Ten years later, his dream of creating a veritable “food palace” – complete with marble, glass and stucco with air conditioning and fluorescent lights – came to fruition.
The stores, with their futuristic, Googie-style architecture, became a fixture of Florida’s landscape decades later.
Today, the company is the largest employee-owned company in the country, according to a Publix news release. Its empire includes 1,296 stores across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, with a workforce of more than 230,000 associates.
The Publix Guarantee
Inside every Publix store, you’ll find a sign hanging on the wall proffering the Publix Guarantee, according to Business Insider.
The Publix Guarantee is a promise that Publix will never knowingly disappoint you, and if it doesn’t meet your expectations, you’ll be refunded your money – no questions asked.
The inverse of that is, if a store associate goes the extra mile for you – like ordering some out-of-stock Sweet Munchee cheese just for you – you can tell the manager, and the store associate who helped you will get a free meal at the store’s deli, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
What is Publix known for?
According to Business Insider, just about everything you’d ever need, from delicious grab-and-go sub sandwiches to bakery-fresh bread. Here’s a quick rundown of the store’s offerings:
Famous Publix “Pub subs” - Hit up the store around lunchtime, and you’ll always find a line in the deli section, where you design your own sandwich using Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, choose from popular combinations or just grab a premade sandwich and go.
A bakery that offers fresh-baked bread and free cookies for children. If you’re looking for a custom birthday cake for your child, you’ll also get a complimentary “smash-cake” with your purchase. That way, you can watch your child demolish it while the actual birthday cake remains intact.
Don’t miss the key lime pie! This recommendation comes from one of our readers, Mark Buerger.
An extensive wine department with premium wines, 10% off multi-bottle purchases included.
A floral department where you can find fresh-cut blooms, get custom arrangements and even bridal bouquets.
Plenty of “BOGO” deals. Each week, at least 30 products storewide are buy one, get one free. Typically, each new sale cycle starts on Thursday, according to Buzzfeed. That said, in most stores you don’t actually have to buy two items to get the discount. There’s also a clearance section where you can find a variety of items for 75% off.
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This story was originally published June 23, 2022 at 11:39 AM.