We’ve come a long way since the 1st Publix Food Store opened in Winter Haven, Florida, on Sept. 6, 1930. Now operating across 8 states, we’re the largest employee-owned company in the U.S.

Leading up to our 95th anniversary in September, we’re looking back through the decades.

This month, we’re highlighting the 1960s, which was memorable for the rise of The Beatles and the space race that led to man stepping foot on the moon. There were also giant leaps for Publix, including the beginnings of the deli, the opening of the Miami Division and welcoming our 100th store.

1961: Our lunch meat and cheese section became known as the delicatessen.

When entering a Publix in the 1950s, you would have found our meat and cheese selections in the meat department. In 1959, a meat manager in Lakeland, Florida, began experimenting with the idea of a deli department. In 1961, this area of the store became the delicatessen.

1963: Publix opened its Miami Division.

Starting in the 1950s, Publix began opening new stores in different parts of Florida. As we expanded, a new distribution facility was needed to support our growth in the southeast region of Florida. In March 1963, the 300,000-square-foot distribution center opened, marking the official start of our Miami Division.

1963: Our private-label brand laundry detergent and other household items began to hit shelves.

After the successful launch of our private label in the 1950s, we expanded our line to include laundry detergent and household products like spray starch. By the end of the 1960s, Publix had 15 private-label products.

1964: Publix opened its 100th store.

Mr. George at the 100th Publix store opening.

On March 3, 1964, a new location in Winter Haven became Publix’s 100th store. Mr. George attended the grand opening and was presented with a wooden model of the 1st Publix Food Store.

1969: Grand opening of the first store with its own deli kitchen (Tallahassee, Florida). By 1967, every Publix store had a delicatessen, and in 1969, the 1st delicatessen with its own kitchen opened at #150, Tallahassee, Florida.

Our logos during the 1960s

Check out our logos throughout the decades.

Our uniforms in the 1960s

See what our uniforms looked like over the years.

Next month, we’ll look at the 1970s to learn about the opening of the Jacksonville Division, our bakery plant, and the introduction of our Publix Guarantee.

Learn more about our history through the decades
Explore our prior anniversary articles and celebrate Publix’s 95th anniversary by reflecting on past milestones and creating new memories together.