The History of Publix and Its University Walk

Publix Super Markets, a prominent grocery chain in the Southeastern United States, has a rich history dating back to its humble beginnings in Winter Haven, Florida. From a small grocery store to a regional powerhouse, Publix has become a beloved brand known for its customer service, quality products, and community involvement. This article explores the history of Publix, focusing on its early days, expansion, and its presence in university settings.

The Origins of Publix in Winter Haven

The story of Publix begins with George Jenkins, a young man who moved to Florida in 1925 with aspirations of making his mark in real estate. However, he found himself working as a clerk at a Piggly Wiggly store, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a manager. In 1930, Jenkins decided to venture out on his own and opened his first grocery store at 58 4th Street NW in Winter Haven, naming it "Publix."

Five years later, Jenkins expanded his business by opening a second Publix store in the same town. However, his vision extended beyond these initial stores. In 1940, he closed both locations to establish the first full-size Publix Supermarket, also in Winter Haven.

This new supermarket was a groundbreaking concept for its time, being the first in Florida to offer air conditioning and electric eye doors, which automatically opened upon detecting motion. These innovative features quickly gained popularity among customers, setting Publix apart from its competitors.

The Original Publix Building: A Historical Landmark

As Publix grew into a successful supermarket chain, the original building at 58 4th Street NW underwent several changes in ownership. In 1988, it was acquired by Six/Ten LLC, a commercial property management company.

Over the years, the building housed various tenants, including The Silver Ring Café, a regional franchise that became a local favorite in the 1990s. In 2017, Six/Ten leased the building to "Tempo 1930," a New Orleans-style restaurant that paid homage to the building's history as the first Publix store. The restaurant featured a photo mural showcasing the city's history, including images of Jenkins and his early Publix stores.

In recognition of its historical significance, the building was designated as a historical site on September 6, 2018, coinciding with Publix's 88th anniversary. This designation was a collaborative effort between Six/Ten and Publix.

However, Tempo 1930 eventually closed its doors in 2023, leaving the building vacant. Six/Ten is currently exploring options for the building's future use, considering renovations to its plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems.

Joe Bogdahn, Director at Six/Ten, expressed his desire for the building to be transformed into a Publix deli/history museum, but noted that Publix did not seem interested in the idea.

Expansion and Growth

Following World War II, Publix experienced significant growth and expansion. In 1951, the company moved its headquarters from Winter Haven to Lakeland, Florida, and established its first distribution warehouse. During this period, Publix also began replacing its All American stores with Publix markets.

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By 1959, Publix had become the dominant supermarket chain in Central Florida and started expanding into South Florida. The company continued to innovate and introduce new services, such as deli services in 1963 and the Presto! ATM network in 1982.

Publix's expansion extended beyond Florida, with the first store outside the state opening in Savannah, Georgia, in 1991. The company further expanded its presence in the Southeast, entering metro Atlanta in 1993.

As of June 2025, Publix operates approximately 1,432 store locations across the Southeast and employs around 260,000 people at its retail locations, cooking schools, corporate offices, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities.

Publix and University Communities

Publix has increasingly focused on establishing stores in university communities, recognizing the potential of serving students, faculty, and staff. These stores often cater to the specific needs and preferences of university populations.

University of South Florida (USF)

In 2018, Publix announced plans to open a store on the University of South Florida (USF) campus in Tampa. The 28,000-square-foot store is located at Fletcher Avenue and USF Palm Drive.

The USF store embodies characteristics of the smaller-format Publix prototype, with a focus on prepared foods and grab-and-go options. This format is designed to appeal to students seeking convenient and quick meal solutions.

University of Florida (UF)

Publix has a significant presence in Gainesville, home to the University of Florida (UF). While many grocery chains lease their properties, Publix often buys as many stores as it can without borrowing, which lowers its occupancy costs. This strategy allows Publix to acquire entire shopping plazas, where its stores become anchor tenants.

Publix's dominance in the Gainesville market has led to discussions about potential impacts on competition and consumer choice. However, many students appreciate Publix's flexible work opportunities, excellent service, and quality products.

University of Tennessee (UT)

In Knoxville, Tennessee, Publix opened a store at University Commons, located on the western border of the University of Tennessee (UT) campus. The development of this site involved addressing environmental challenges, as the land was previously a brownfield due to its history as an industrial site.

The city successfully navigated the problem by constructing a parking garage over the contaminated soil and building the stores above that. The Publix store at University Commons provides convenient access to groceries for downtown residents and students, particularly with the re-routing of the Vol Line Trolley.

Publix's Evolving Concepts

Publix has continuously adapted its store formats and offerings to meet changing consumer preferences and market trends.

GreenWise Market

In 2007, Publix introduced GreenWise Market, a retail concept focused on organic and natural foods. These stores aimed to increase awareness of nutrition and offered products free from added dyes, flavors, hormones, and antibiotics.

While Publix initially focused on standalone GreenWise Market stores, it later integrated the concept into traditional Publix stores. However, in 2023, it was announced that all GreenWise locations would be phased out and converted to Publix Super Markets.

Publix Sabor

Publix operates seven stores branded "Publix Sabor," which cater to Latinos living in South Florida. These themed stores offer products from Latin America and are located in Miami-Dade County.

In-Store Pharmacies and Clinics

Publix opened its first in-store pharmacy in 1986 and has since expanded its pharmacy services to approximately 90% of its stores. In 2006, Publix partnered with The Little Clinic to open medical clinics within select Publix stores.

E-commerce Initiatives

Publix has made several attempts to establish an e-commerce presence. In 2001, it launched PublixDirect, an online shopping site that delivered groceries directly to customers. However, the service was discontinued in 2003 due to low demand.

Publix later partnered with Instacart to offer online shopping and delivery services in select areas.

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