From Pub subs to fried chicken, there’s something for everyone to love at our delis. It all started over 60 years ago when our delis began operating, and they’ve been evolving ever since.
Early beginnings
Entering a Publix store in the 1950s, you would have found our lunch meat and cheese selections in the meat department. But over the next decade, we opened the delicatessen. In this specialized area, customers could find an appetizing variety of ready-to-serve foods, including deli meats, fancy cheeses, pre-made salads and other items. By 1967, every Publix store had a delicatessen, and a new store in Tallahassee, Florida, included the 1st deli with its own kitchen.
Product changes
As the department grew, our offerings evolved. Hot meals were added to our existing products for shoppers wanting extra convenience. Customers also began referring to the delicatessen as the deli. Store signage was updated in the mid-1970s to reflect this change.
By the late 1970s, tailgating became popular, and our product offerings grew again. In 1979, we launched 4 boxed meals, including chicken, barbecue, sandwiches, and cold cuts and cheeses. Over time, these boxes evolved into what we now know as our family combo meals.
Continued growth
In the early 1990s, we crossed state lines into Georgia. With growth came more changes. The 1st Pub subs were customized in 1992 at the opening of #33 in Marietta, Georgia. By the late 1990s, customers in our Atlanta Division were enjoying our fried chicken. Both items proved to be favorites and were rolled out companywide.
Today, our deli offerings continue to grow. Whether it’s through ready-to-eat meals or delicious dips, the Publix Deli has something scrumptious waiting for you.
Test your knowledge
Now, let’s see how well you know our deli products.
Think you can correctly guess which products were the most popular in 2014 and 2023? Check the answer key below to see if you’re a deli expert! (Hint: Some are still just as popular!)
Group A
- Boar’s Head Italian Sub
- Boar’s Head Turkey Sub
- Publix Chicken Tender Sub
- Publix Fried Chicken
- Publix Fried Chicken Tenders
- Publix Hot & Spicy Non-breaded Chicken Wings
- Publix Oven Roasted Rotisserie Chicken, Lemon Pepper
- Publix Oven Roasted Rotisserie Chicken, Mojo
- Publix Oven Roasted Rotisserie Chicken, Original
- Publix Popcorn Chicken
Group B
- Boar’s Head Maple Honey Turkey
- Boar’s Head Ovengold Turkey Breast
- Publix Chicken Tender Sub
- Publix Fried Chicken
- Publix Fried Chicken Family Combo Meal
- Publix Fried Chicken Tenders
- Publix Hot & Spicy Breaded Chicken Wings
- Publix Hot & Spicy Non-breaded Chicken Wings
- Publix Oven Roasted Rotisserie Chicken, Lemon Pepper
- Publix Oven Roasted Rotisserie Chicken, Mojo
Answer key: A = 2023, B = 2014
