Publix University Square: A Tale of Transformation and Adaptation
Publix Super Markets, a dominant grocery chain with 1,432 store locations across the Southeast, has a rich history marked by innovation and adaptation. As of June 2025, Publix employs approximately 260,000 people across its retail locations, cooking schools, corporate offices, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. This article delves into the history of Publix, focusing on the story of Publix University Square in Jacksonville, Florida, a location that embodies the company's evolution.
The Genesis of Publix: From Piggly Wiggly to "Food Palace"
The Publix story begins with George Jenkins, a man who previously worked at Piggly Wiggly as a stock clerk and manager from 1926 to 1930. Frustrated by the corporate structure that stifled innovation, Jenkins aspired to create a store where ideas were welcomed. In 1930, Jenkins left his position and started his own grocery store - dubbed “Publix” - at 58 4th Street NW. In 1934, that store made $120,000 in sales. In 1935, he opened a second market, the Economy Food Store, also in Winter Haven.
In 1940, Jenkins mortgaged an orange grove to build Florida's first supermarket. On November 8, 1940, his "food palace" opened at 199 West Central Avenue, featuring innovations such as piped-in music, air conditioning, cold cases, in-store doughnut and flower shops, and electric-eye automatic doors. During World War II, material shortages slowed expansion.
Publix's Growth and Expansion
In 1951, Publix moved its headquarters from Winter Haven to Lakeland, Florida, and built its first distribution warehouse there. At the same time, they began to close the All American stores, replacing them with Publix markets. By 1959, Publix was the dominant supermarket chain in Central Florida and began expansion to South Florida. The company built a distribution center in Miami in 1963 and began providing deli services.
The first Publix outside Florida opened in Savannah, Georgia, in 1991. Distribution and manufacturing facilities soon followed as Publix entered metro Atlanta in 1993.
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Publix University Square: A Location's Journey
The story of Publix University Square at 2875 University Boulevard West in Jacksonville, FL, is one of transformation, reflecting the evolving landscape of grocery retail. This location was previously home to Albertsons #4305, one of the first two stores that Albertsons used to mark its grand entrance into Jacksonville upon their openings in 1975. While Albertsons' new stores really took off in areas like Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville was always a more modest Floridian market for Albertsons. Jacksonville, which comprises the entirety of Duval County, only ever had 5 Albertsons stores within its bounds, with no new stores added following the late 1980's.
However, Albertsons never really penetrated into Jacksonville as much as they did other major cities in Florida. Faced with financial issues in the early 2000s, Albertsons decided to pull out of Jacksonville in 2005.
From Albertsons to Rowe's IGA to Publix
In departing Jacksonville, Albertsons sold its area stores to former supermarket executive Rob Rowe, who launched Rowe's IGA Markets. As part of Rowe's IGA Market's turbulent start, Rob Rowe would end up selling the location we'll be exploring today to Publix, along with two of his other locations in 2006 after only a year in business. Publix acquired the location in 2006. However, instead of remodeling the existing Albertsons building, Publix demolished it.
Publix ripped old #4305 right to the ground from the start, building a new Publix store in #4305's footprint, however rotated 90 degrees to face the opposite crossroad.
A New Publix Emerges
Out from the rubble of Albertsons #4305 came Publix #1176, which opened in 2009 to replace an older existing Publix store across the street. With its demolition happening in late 2008/early 2009, old #4305 would be the first of a number of old Albertsons buildings that would meet Publix's wrecking balls in the coming years, as Publix has become tired of operating out of these non-standard locations in many instances.
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The new store was built following Publix's usual store template, featuring floral, bakery, deli, produce, meat and seafood departments. The store also included a catering service, pharmacy, and liquor store. The layout of the store was slightly unusual, with 19 aisles compared to the typical 15-16.
The Former Publix Location
The new Publix store at the Albertsons site replaced former Publix #163, which opened on March 30, 1971. All those classic Publix features you see above, including that tile mural, were unceremoniously ripped out when this building was turned into an LA Fitness in the early 2010's.
Publix's Continued Innovation
Publix has consistently adapted to changing consumer preferences and market trends. The company launched the GreenWise Market concept in 2007 in response to the rise of health food stores. Publix also experimented with online shopping, launching PublixDirect in 2001 and Publix Curbside in 2010.
In recent years, Publix has expanded its reach beyond Florida, opening stores in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky.
Publix's Commitment to Customer Service and Community
Publix is known for its commitment to customer service and community involvement. The company has consistently been named one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. Publix also supports various charitable causes and community initiatives.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Publix worked with federal and state agencies to administer vaccines and purchase milk and produce from farmers affected by school and restaurant closures.
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