In celebration of our 85th anniversary this year, Publix News will highlight moments and milestones in each issue. Come with us as we stroll down memory lane to 64 years ago, when Publix built its first warehouse and office on U.S. Highway 92 in Lakeland, Florida.
Prior to this facility, Publix had acquired 19 stores and a two-story warehouse — known as the All American acquisition — in 1945, which was critical to the expansion George Jenkins envisioned.
But with only 12,000 square feet — 6,000 square feet dedicated to warehouse space — Publix quickly outgrew the warehouse. In fact, late President Joe Blanton once mentioned how Publix trucks would block traffic while waiting for a space at the loading area.
So, to help build and supply stores, Publix built and opened a significantly larger office and warehouse across town, which opened Feb. 11, 1951. With 125,000 square feet and containing two and one-half acres of warehouse space under one roof, this facility was considered the most modern in the nation by the food industry. The grounds were beautifully landscaped much like a park and included plenty of room for loading, unloading and storing trucks. And inside the building, there were a number of offices, conference rooms and even a company cafeteria. Crowds poured in, including the city mayor, to witness the grand opening. After many remodels and expansions, this building still stands today and is home to several departments.
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Interested in more Publix history? Many Februarys have gone by with memorable moments in Publix’s history. Read more about what happened this month in Publix’s history.
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