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 are the largest employee-owned company in the U.S.

In celebrating our 95th anniversary this year, we’ve looked back at company milestones through the decades. Our history, however, is written every day in each of our over 1,400 stores, along with support locations.

Hello, Kentucky

A perfect example is #1846, Louisville, Kentucky. Since opening in January 2024, our 1st store in the Bluegrass State has succeeded in perpetuating the Publix culture and setting the tone for all stores that opened in the state this year.

“It was our goal to exceed the expectations of the customers,” said Store Manager Josh Stubblefield. “When we opened up, the support we received from the community made it easy to do that. My team has risen to the challenge of meeting that standard, day in and day out.”

Josh often hears from customers that they are familiar with Publix from vacationing in the southern states and are now thrilled to have one in their hometown.

From customer to associate

Some associates were even drawn to join our company based on past experiences as customers.

“My wife and I both loved the stores when we vacationed in Florida,” said Cashier Paul Schneider, who began with Publix a month before the store opened. “Then it was announced that a store would be opening up 8 miles from my home, so that worked out quite well.”

Paul shared that he quickly found being an associate matched the feeling he had as a customer, and his enthusiasm naturally carries over to his customers.

“Those who are in the store for the 1st time tell me at checkout that they’re very impressed with what they saw and the interactions they’ve had with other associates,” said Paul. “It makes you feel proud, especially when customer service is such a big aspect of what we do.”

When conducting hiring events in Louisville, Josh was looking for associates like Paul to staff his store.

“Before we did anything else, we exposed applicants to the Publix culture,” recalled Josh. “I wanted to make sure they understood what that meant. I gauged their interactions and responses based on what we’re looking for at Publix — a good attitude, high energy and a willing heart to serve.”

A winning strategy before the grand opening

Another key to this store’s success in a new market was bringing in existing associates to help lead new ones down the path to success. This strategy began months before the store started serving customers.

“Our staffing department had a really good strategy to balance the transfers with the new hires,” said Josh. “I believe it was 60% transfers and 40% new hires for our store, and as we grow in Kentucky, it’s fewer transfers and more new hires.”

When future generations reflect on our history, the story of how our associates successfully brought the Publix culture to Kentucky will be told during many milestone anniversary years to come.

Look back at our history

For a look back through the decades since Publix was founded in 1930, check out our 95th anniversary articles.