To celebrate 85 years in business Publix Supermarket is getting back to some of the key principals of founder, George Jenkins- and that’s giving back.
The Publix store first opened its doors in Winter Haven in 1930. Since then they’ve opened thousands all over the country. But people who live in Polk County say they feel a connection to the chain because it started there and the because of company’s dedication to the community.
“They’re the nicest stores around and they’re clean and if they don’t have what you need they’ll get it for you,” said Publix shopper Adah Hood.
Hood knows a thing or two about the stores. She’s been shopping at the same Publix store for more than 50 years.
Jenkins’ grandson, Gregory Fancelli and Publix Media Director, Maria Brouse let us in on the company’s secret to success.
“It’s primarily due to Publix secret recipe, Fancelli said. “The Publix sauce, which has simple ingredients but as long as you stay true to those ingredients, you’re well off to be able to go for another 85 years.”
Brouse agrees. “All of our customers have that same intimate relationship, it’s their Publix and our associates are invested because it’s their Publix too, they own our company,” she said.
The company is counting down the months until the actual founding day in September. To celebrate being around for 85 years the company is doing something every month that they say the late founder would be so proud of, like arranging projects where they give back to the community.
Jenkins’ former secretary, Barbara Hart said the founder would be proud because giving back was so important to him.
“I asked him one time why he started his foundation and he said the reason he started it was because if he had given his ten percent to his church, it would ruin the church so the only way he knew to do his part was to set up a foundation,” Hart said.
It’s a legacy that lives on in every store across the country but means a lot for the people in Polk County where it all started.