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, we’re looking back through the decades.

In the 1990s, we were 1st introduced to Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler and Joey in “Friends.” Dancing the Carlton from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was all the rage. Alternative and hip-hop were on the rise. “As if!” was everyone’s favorite catchphrase, and Celine Dion reminded us that “near, far, wherever you are, I believe that the heart does go on,” in her song, “My Heart Will Go On,” from the movie “Titanic.” While the growing popularity of the internet helped sites like Google rise to prominence, Publix was also rising.

The ’90s were a period of growth and expansion for Publix. We established our mission statement, entered 3 new states and launched publix.com.

1990: Howard Jenkins was named CEO.

In January 1990, Howard Jenkins, Mr. George’s oldest son, was named CEO and chairman of the board. Mr. George then became the chairman emeritus.

1991: The 1st Publix outside Florida opened in Savannah, Georgia.

On Nov. 20, 1991, the 1st Publix outside Florida opened in Savannah, Georgia.

Plato the Publixaurus debuted at the opening of our 1st store in Georgia.

1992: The Atlanta Division officially opened.

In August 1991, we announced plans for the Atlanta Division, with Ed Crenshaw as the division vice president and Bob Moore as the director of retail operations. The division officially opened on March 2, 1992.

1992: The Pub sub was introduced.

In November 1992, we started building Pub subs at #33 in Marietta, Georgia.

1992: Our Publix mission statement was established.

In 1992, we clearly established our mission statement at our annual manager and leadership conference.

1993: Publix entered South Carolina.

We moved into our 3rd state in 1993, with the opening of #449 in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

1996: The 1st Publix in Alabama opened.

Crossing state lines again, we entered our 4th state in 1996 at #573 in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama.

1996: Mr. George passed away.

On April 8, 1996, Mr. George passed away at the age of 88.

1999: Publix.com launched.

With a new century on the horizon, Publix launched publix.com.

Our logos during the 1990s

Check out our logos throughout the decades.

Our uniforms in the 1990s

See what our uniforms looked like over the years.

Lessons from our founder: Be there

Mr. George was committed to being involved in the day-to-day operations of Publix. As the company grew, he continued to lead by example — routinely visiting stores and support facilities. As we entered new states in the ’90s, Publix faced uncharted territory. Mr. George and other company leaders being there for associates helped lay the foundation for the Publix culture in new markets.

Learn more about our history through the decades

Explore previous anniversary articles and celebrate Publix’s 95th anniversary by reflecting on past milestones and creating new memories together.

Next month, we’ll revisit the 2000s, when we entered Tennessee, launched the 1st GreenWise products and opened our 1,000th store.