Over the last few months, we’ve looked back at important moments in Publix’s history. But, 85 years ago, on Sept. 6, 1930 — the most special day in our company’s history — Mr. George opened the first Publix Food Store.

As the story goes, Mr. George moved to Tampa, Florida, and took a job at a Piggly Wiggly store. He quickly worked his way up to manager. While managing the Winter Haven, Florida, Piggly Wiggly, the company experienced a change in ownership. So, Mr. George decided to make the drive to Atlanta to introduce himself to the new owner. However, Mr. George was turned away, as the owner was “too busy” to meet with him.

Feeling rejected and disappointed, Mr. George returned home and turned in his Piggly Wiggly apron. He then rented a vacant store right next door to his previous employer and opened his own grocery market on the profound principle that everyone should be treated right. He would call his store Publix Food Store after a chain of motion picture theaters.

At the time Mr. George made the decision to leave Piggly Wiggly and start his own grocery store in 1930 — at the start of the depression — one could argue it was risky. Mr. George was leaving a good job where he was making a decent wage.

To start his own business, he formed a corporation — Publix Food Store, Inc. — with shares of stock at $100 a share. He used $1,300 of his own money, which he was saving to buy a car, to purchase 13 shares. Following him to his new store, Hugh Brownell, the meat market manager, and Nick Ellison, the assistant store manager, each bought four shares. With four other shares sold to friends, Mr. George had $2,500 to start his business.

After purchasing equipment and paying $100 for rent, he didn’t have much left to buy groceries to stock the shelves. Mr. George negotiated with the local grocery wholesaler for a little time to pay up the $1,300 he owed for his grocery bill. But, the Thursday before his store opened, he received a call asking him to send the rest of his payment.

Mr. George didn’t have enough money. He was hoping to pay off his bill with earnings from the opening weekend. Although he was assured the check wouldn’t make it to his bank until Monday, Mr. George wrote and signed the check with a trembling hand and placed it in the mail.

Fortunately, sales from the opening Friday and Saturday exceeded what he owed, so the check cleared. And, the grand opening was a success too. In the Sept. 8, 1930, issue of the Winter Haven Daily Chief, an article described Publix’s opening: “One of the largest crowds ever to trade at a Winter Haven store … When the doors opened at 8 o’clock a large crowd had already gathered and the store was immediately jammed.”

The risk paid off for Mr. George that day — and for us too. Late Publix President Joe Blanton may have said it best on the eve of a store opening many years ago: “Just consider the effect on all of our lives of George Jenkins’ having opened that first store in Winter Haven in 1930. Where would we all be tonight if that had not happened?”

Mr. George – 1930’s

“I remember the days, not so very long ago, when banana bunches were hung by their stems in the window, when those two mechanical triumphs of American technology, the cast iron coffee grinder and the clanking cash register, sat side by side on the grocery counter. That’s the way it was when the first Publix Food Store opened in 1930,” said Mr. George in the Jan. 1, 1962, Publix Progress Report. For a glimpse inside, check out this artist’s rendition of Mr. George serving a customer in his 1930s store.

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Memory Lane

• Sept. 29, 1907 — George Jenkins was born in Harris, Georgia.
• Sept. 29, 1991 — United Way presented the Alexis de Tocqueville award to Mr. George at Lone Palm Golf Club in recognition of his contribution of more than $1 million to United Way.
• September 2001 — Publix opened its first Aprons Cooking School at #754, Tampa, Florida.
• Sept. 7, 2005 — Publix celebrated its 75th anniversary. The city of Winter Haven celebrated the day with a proclamation given in front of the original store location with local officials, chamber officials and Publix associates and supporters. Two of Mr. George’s children, Carol Jenkins Barnett and David Jenkins accepted a plaque on behalf of the Publix family.
• Sept. 5, 2007 — CEO Charlie Jenkins announced his plans to retire from his role March 29, 2008, but would continue to serve on the board as chairman of the board. On March 30, President Ed Crenshaw was promoted to CEO, Senior Vice President — Product Business Development Todd Jones was promoted to President, and Howard Jenkins became chairman of the executive committee.
• Sept. 19, 2012 — Publix announced plans to expand into the Greater Charlotte, North Carolina area with a store located at Providence Road West and Johnston Road.