14 Behind-the-Scenes Facts Even Many Lifelong Floridians Don’t Know About Publix

Publix has been a Florida household name for decades.

But even if you’ve been shopping there your whole life, there’s a good chance you don’t know everything going on behind those smiling cashiers and green logo.

From quirky rules to impressive milestones, there’s a lot more to this grocery chain than BOGOs and chicken tender subs.

It Was Started During the Great Depression

Most people wouldn’t think to start a business in the middle of an economic disaster, but that’s exactly what George W. Jenkins did.

He opened the first Publix in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida, when the country was deep in the Great Depression.

At a time when people were pinching every penny, Jenkins bet on customer service and cleanliness to stand out.

Jenkins eventually closed his first store so he could grow his business into something much bigger, including things most competitors didn’t offer, like air conditioning, electric doors, and music.

The original Publix building still stands today, though it’s no longer a grocery store.

What started as a bold idea during hard times became one of the most trusted grocery names in America.

Their Founder Was Nicknamed “Mr. George”

George Jenkins wasn’t some aloof executive.

Employees affectionately called him “Mr. George,” and he was known for walking the aisles of his stores and personally thanking workers.

He believed in treating his team with dignity and kindness, often saying, “If you take care of people, they’ll take care of you.” That philosophy still guides the company today.

His personal legacy is so cherished that you’ll often see quotes from him on store walls, employee handbooks, and even commemorative plaques inside corporate offices.

Publix Is Employee-Owned

Unlike many big chains, Publix is owned entirely by Publix family members and employees, from the cashiers to the stock clerks to the folks in corporate offices.

That ownership structure means employees have a real stake in the success of the company.

When the company does well, they benefit directly, something that creates a tight-knit culture.

Not every worker qualifies for Publix stock right away. But those who stick around get shares in the company and access to special stock purchasing programs that build wealth over time.

It’s one of the reasons so many workers stay with Publix for decades.

You Can’t Buy Publix Stock Unless You Work There

If you’ve ever wanted to invest in Publix, tough luck… unless you’re wearing a green apron.

Because it’s privately held and employee-owned, Publix stock isn’t available on the open market.

Only eligible employees and board members can own stock. Publix handles stock pricing internally and updates the value several times a year based on financial reports.

That exclusivity adds to the company’s unique identity.

It’s rare these days for a major chain to remain off Wall Street and still grow year after year, but Publix has pulled it off impressively.

They Have a Secret “Club Publix” System for Deals

If you’ve ever thought your receipt was missing some savings, it might be because you’re not in the know about “Club Publix.”

This free loyalty program isn’t pushed as heavily in stores as it could be, but it unlocks personalized coupons and early access to BOGO previews.

Club Publix members can sign up online and access digital coupons through the app or website. These deals are tailored to your past purchases and often stack with sales.

It’s not a points-based system like other grocery chains, but it’s quietly powerful.

Members get birthday surprises and even sneak peeks at upcoming store openings and events.

They Have Their Own Ice Cream Plant

That delicious Publix-brand ice cream? It’s not outsourced.

Publix runs its own dairy processing and ice cream production facility in Lakeland, Florida.

This facility doesn’t just make the basics. It churns out seasonal flavors, fan-favorites like Mint Moose Tracks, and even limited-edition runs for holidays. Every pint is made with quality standards that rival national brands.

Owning the process gives Publix better control over ingredients, prices, and consistency.

It’s also part of why their store-brand frozen treats often taste just as good—or better—than name-brand options.

They’re Extremely Picky About Store Cleanliness

If you’ve ever noticed how shiny the floors are at Publix, that’s no accident. Cleanliness is part of the store’s core values, and employees take it seriously.

Staff sweep, mop, and check bathrooms frequently, and managers are known to do surprise inspections.

That attention to detail is rooted in founder George Jenkins’s original philosophy: Make shopping feel like a pleasant experience, not a chore.

Clean floors, spotless counters, and gleaming deli cases are all part of the charm.

Publix Didn’t Rent VHS Tapes, But They Joined the DVD Craze

Some shoppers assume Publix must’ve had a VHS rental section back in the day, especially since other grocery chains like Albertsons and Kroger dabbled in it.

But there’s no record of Publix offering traditional video rental corners filled with tapes during the height of the VHS boom in the 1980s or 1990s.

Instead, Publix entered the movie rental world a bit later, right as DVDs were taking over. Around 2005, several South Florida Publix stores rolled out bright yellow self-serve DVD kiosks called The New Release.

By 2009, Publix switched these machines to the more recognizable Blockbuster Express branding, forming a short-lived partnership that gave grocery trips a Friday-night-at-the-movies twist.

In 2012, Redbox became the dominant player in the DVD rental game, and Publix transitioned its machines again.

Nowadays, you won’t find any DVD rental kiosks at Publix.

The Subs Are Made With Their Own Recipes

Publix’s famous subs aren’t just slapped together. They’re crafted using company-developed bread, seasonings, and preparation techniques that are all proprietary.

The sub rolls, for example, are made from a special Publix recipe that’s soft but holds up well with fillings. And the chicken in the Chicken Tender Sub?

It’s marinated and breaded using a unique house method.

Even the ordering system has been fine-tuned over the years. Online ordering, double-toasting, and combo options have turned the Publix sub into a regional cult classic.

Publix Doesn’t Have Its Own Police—but It Does Have Licensed Security

Despite what some rumors suggest, Publix doesn’t run its own police force. You won’t find anyone with a badge and handcuffs patrolling the frozen foods.

What they do have is a trained Asset Protection team.

These licensed security professionals quietly keep an eye out for shoplifting, investigate suspicious behavior, and occasionally detain someone until the real police arrive.

They don’t carry the authority of law enforcement, but they work closely with local departments when serious issues come up.

Think of them more like store detectives, keeping things safe without making a big show of it.

Their Slogan Hasn’t Changed in Decades

“Where Shopping is a Pleasure” isn’t just a nice phrase; it’s been the official company slogan since 1954.

That consistency has helped shape Publix’s identity as a friendly, customer-first grocery chain.

And the slogan isn’t just marketing fluff. Employees are trained to go out of their way to assist, offer to carry bags, and treat shoppers with extra kindness.

It’s rare for a brand to stick with a tagline for so long, but Publix seems to believe that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Publix Plans for Hurricanes Before the Forecast

If you’ve noticed Publix rolling out hurricane supplies before the weather report even mentions a storm, it’s not a coincidence. The company has a storm prep team that starts preparing way in advance.

They monitor storm systems as early as possible and often begin stocking water, batteries, and canned goods days before the public starts paying attention.

Some stores even have entire displays ready to roll out at a moment’s notice.

The goal is to make sure every neighborhood has access to the essentials, even during panic buying.

That early action has earned them serious trust in hurricane-prone regions.

Publix Often Owns the Entire Shopping Center

When you pull into a Publix plaza, chances are the grocery store isn’t just a tenant. It’s the landlord.

Publix has a long-standing strategy of buying up the entire strip mall or plaza where it operates.

That gives them more control over who their neighbors are, keeps rental income in-house, and ensures that the surrounding businesses help, rather than hurt, the shopping experience.

Whether it’s a nail salon, pizza place, or UPS drop-off, the whole setup is designed to make your visit more convenient… and more profitable for Publix.

Their Schedules Are Set Far in Advance

Publix is known for its worker loyalty, and part of that comes from how it treats scheduling. Many employees get their work schedules two weeks in advance.

This helps workers plan their lives better, from school classes to family events.