After 47 Years Publix Brings Me Back Into the Fold
The first of two Owensboro Publix supermarkets is set to open tomorrow, and the excitement is palpable. While the public gears up for a huge grand-opening shopping experience, I had the great good fortune of being invited to a media day preview. Now, I’m looking forward to spending more time there and doing some real shopping.
The first time I visited a Publix was in 1979, when my family visited my aunt and uncle in Lakeland, Florida, just a hop, skip and a jump from the chain’s hometown of Winter Haven. We loved it—my dad in particular. Interestingly enough, that was also the LAST time I set foot inside a Publix. Until now, I hadn’t lived anywhere near Kentucky’s eight other locations.
When I shared that story with Publix Media Relations Manager Jared Glover, he called my long absence “sad” but said he was glad the new Owensboro store could “bring me back into the fold.”
Glover told me Publix founder George Jenkins opened his first store in Winter Haven in 1930, during the Great Depression. Nearly a century later, the company operates in eight states, and the new Owensboro supermarket is its ninth Kentucky store.
A First Look Inside Owensboro’s New Publix
As media previews go, this one was hopping. The place was packed, with Publix representatives and city officials on hand for a welcome presentation. Then we were free to explore.
Everywhere I turned, Publix associates were offering samples and explaining what makes their department distinctive.
One word kept coming up throughout the tour: fresh. Fresh buttercream frosting made with real butter. Freshly sliced deli meat and bread baked just hours before it becomes a Publix sub. Meat cut and ground in the store every day. Even the company’s original ice cream flavors come from a Publix dairy.
Yes, there were samples. Yes, I accepted the assignment enthusiastically.
From Buttercream Frosting to Publix Subs
Publix buttercream frosting’s reputation precedes it. Jenny and Wendy from the Publix Bakery told me it is made fresh in the store with real butter every day. I then had the pleasure of sampling a Chocolate Ganache Supreme Cake. Absolutely amazing.
And what’s cake without ice cream? Because Publix operates its own dairy, which is not located in Owensboro, the company can create its own flavors and control the products from the ground up. Sadie, the store’s assistant grocery manager, introduced me to Cold Brew Cookies and Cream and Rum Nut Bread Pudding.
Both were sensational, and the latter seems capable of transporting you to autumn regardless of the season.
It was on to the deli from there. Yes, I had dessert before dinner. So sue me.
The turkey sub was perfect, and Stephen, who was serving the sandwiches, confirmed one reason why: The deli slices its meat fresh every morning, and the sub rolls are baked only hours before customers order.
The meat department was my next stop, where associates were serving Cajun crab dip with crackers and samples of chicken sausage. William, the store’s meat manager, told me that Publix cuts its beef, pork, lamb and veal fresh every day. The department also grinds its beef daily.
How Publix Supports Local Food Banks
Freshness may have been the recurring theme inside the store, but Glover also emphasized what Publix hopes to contribute outside it.
Even before opening its doors, Publix had begun supporting the Tri-State Food Bank. Glover said the company also donates wholesome food that can no longer be sold from its produce, bakery and dairy departments. Associates pull those items daily, and Publix distributes them to local food banks through its Feeding America partners.
“We’re committed to the people of Kentucky and Owensboro,” Glover said.
Publix Continues to Grow in Kentucky
As an unofficial spokesperson for the people of Kentucky and Owensboro, I’m happy to welcome the Commonwealth’s ninth Publix supermarket to my hometown.
Florence, Kentucky, you’re up next. Publix at Farmview Commons opens October 7, followed by another store in Independence later this month. Back here at home, a second Owensboro Publix is planned for Yellow Banks Square on the city’s west side.
Glover recommended downloading the Publix app before visiting to browse the weekly deals or order a sub ahead of time. Given the crowds this store is likely to attract, that may be excellent advice.
The new Publix at Gateway Commons, located at 3370 Hayden Road, opens at 7 a.m. Saturday, October 3. After a 47-year gap between Publix visits, I can promise you my next one will come much sooner.