This Beloved Southern Grocery Chain Is Currently Expanding

With 1,296 stores scattered along the southeastern U.S., including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the nation isn't letting the grass grow under its feet. Publix keeps spreading its famous subway sandwiches and fresh-baked cookies further out, including five new locations in Florida and Georgia—plus another new state.

Recently, Florida got a new Publix in Boca Raton but will also have another location opening on May 5, in Plantation. Georgia has the bulk of the new Publix locations with two new grocery stores that recently opened in Tucker and Monroe. The chain will be hosting a grand opening for its new store on May 11 in Winder, Ga., which will be its second location in the town.

The new Publix grocery stores in Florida and Georgia will feature a pharmacy, bakery, deli, produce section, seafood section, floral section, along with meat and cheeses, check cashing, recycling, wine & beer, among other features. Online pickup, delivery, in-store pickup, and custom bakery cakes vary from location.

Additionally, just last year the Lakeland, Fla., based chain announced it was expanding into the Bluegrass State. The company stated that the first-ever Publix supermarket and liquor store will open in Kentucky as part of the company's plan for further expansion sometime in 2023. When the store is finished, it will be one of Publix's northernmost locations (just under a Fredericksburg Va. store).

Publix Supermarkets are popular among locals across the South for many reasons. The chain not only features great weekly deals and "BOGO" discounts but has instituted the tradition of Southern hospitality into its business model, coining its slogan, "Where shopping is a pleasure." Also, a cult favorite among Publix shoppers is the deli section, which features the grocery's fried chicken, sweet tea, and custom "Pub Sub" sandwiches. In fact, Thrillist named the Pub Sub the best sandwich in the country in 2020. Soon even more grocery shoppers will be able to enjoy them.

While Publix is expanding, so is This Section of Costco—Here's Why.