We’ve come a long way since the 1st Publix Food Store opened in Winter Haven, Florida, on Sept. 6, 1930. We’re now operating across 8 states and have become 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 revisiting the 1970s, which saw the rise of disco and the popularity of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in “Star Wars.” While the 1st email was sent in the ‘70s, Publix was also adding our Jacksonville Division, bakery plant, Publix Guarantee and more.

1971: Publix entered the Jacksonville market.

On March 30, 1971, we expanded to Jacksonville, Florida, with the opening of #162 and #163.

1972: Our Publix Guarantee was formally introduced.

In the 1950s, we began using an informal guarantee, “At Publix, no sale is complete until the meal is eaten and enjoyed.” In 1972, we expanded and formalized the guarantee and displayed it in our stores.

On Feb. 20, 1972, the bakery plant opened in Lakeland, Florida.

1974: Publix opened its Jacksonville Division.

After entering the Jacksonville market in 1971, we needed an office and distribution center to service the area. On March 5, 1974, the Jacksonville divisional office and distribution center opened, marking the start of the Jacksonville Division.

1975: Publix photo lab was introduced.

We opened our 1st photo lab for photo processing at #356, Lakeland, as an added convenience for customers.

Lessons from our founder: Invest in others

Mr. George believed that a key to our company was investing in others — fellow associates and customers — through connections and relationship-building. It’s about working with each other, learning, mentoring and realizing that together, we help make Publix successful.

Mr. George once said, “It’s been said we are not only in the grocery business, we’re in the people business. It depends upon how well we get along with each other and get along with our customers is how we’ll be successful.”

Our logos during the 1970s

Check out our logos throughout the decades.

Our uniforms in the 1970s

See what our uniforms looked like over the years.

Next month, we’ll take a look at Publix history in the 1980s. We’ll spotlight our 50th anniversary, introducing checkout scanning and opening our 1st dairy plant.

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.