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 spotlighting the 1950s.
1951: Publix built our 1st office and warehouse in Lakeland, Florida, replacing the headquarters we acquired from the Lakeland Grocery Company.
1952: Mr. George started service awards to celebrate associates.
Our annual service awards began as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate associates for every 5 full calendar years of dedicated service. Mr. George started the program in 1952 to honor his associates’ milestones and thank them for their service.
1953: Publix started selling private-label products.
1954: Publix changed its slogan from “Florida’s finest food stores” to “Where shopping is a pleasure.”
As our company expanded, we created an advertising department. Bill Schroter was hired as director of advertising in 1950. He had been listening to and observing customers in our stores, and a common thread tied all their experiences together: Shopping at Publix was a pleasant experience. This inspired him to propose the change from “Florida’s finest food stores” to “Where shopping is a pleasure.” Mr. George liked it, and the new slogan was adopted in 1954.
1957: Publix opened its 1st Danish Bakery in Lakeland, Florida.
As Publix continued to grow during the 1950s, Mr. George expressed interest in adding an in-store bakery business to add to the offerings of our stores. In 1957, the 1st Publix Danish Bakery opened in the same plaza as the Publix store in the Southgate Shopping Center in Lakeland, Florida. Today, some of our bakery recipes are the same ones used nearly 70 years ago.
Our logos during the 1950s
See what our logos have looked like throughout the decades.
Our uniforms in the 1950s
See what our uniforms have looked like throughout the decades.
Next month, we’ll visit the 1960s to learn about the opening of the Miami Division, the beginnings of the deli and the milestone of our 100th store.
