I visited Publix for the first time to see why Southerners love it so much, and now I wish we had one in NYC (2024)

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Southerners love their Publix. With 1,313 stores across the Southeast, the grocer is known for its selection, deals, and its Southern hospitality, Insider previously reported.

Source: Insider, Dunnhumby, Publix

In 2021, Publix was ranked in the top 12 for high customer preference scores among US grocery retailers, according to a report by data science firm Dunnhumby.

Source: Dunnhumby, Chain Store Age

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Most of the grocery stores near me in Brooklyn, New York, feel cramped and have limited brands and products to choose from. I'm used to not finding everything I want in one store.

So when I wandered into a Publix during a trip last year from New York to Florida, I left wishing we had a Publix location in New York.

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I was amazed at how much variety Publix had in all its departments compared to what I'm used to, and I even noticed some of the same products I buy at home were cheaper at Publix.

Upon entering Publix, I was greeted with a sign in the retailer's signature shade of green.

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Once inside the store, I came upon a floral section. I love looking at flowers and appreciated their placement near the entrance.

I saw signs for the deli and produce sections nearby. Publix is known for its subs, which have a cult following of their own, as Insider previously reported. So I made a mental note to stop at the counter on my way out.

Source: Insider, Thrillist

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Next to the deli section, I noticed a wide variety of Publix-made teas and lemonades. I would have loved to snag one of these half gallons if I was on my way home or had a car to haul my groceries.

Compared to other grocery stores I've been to in NYC, Publix seemed to have an extensive selection of prepared foods for eating on the go.

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In the fresh produce section, there were so many different kinds of fruit to choose from.

In between produce aisles, there were sections for smaller items like candy and nuts.

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I appreciated how Publix placed items you would usually serve together nearby, like pita bread across from hummus. I sometimes, though not often, see this done in New York markets.

I could smell the seafood section before I saw it. Past the produce, the selection looked fresh and diverse, reminding me that I was just miles from the ocean.

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The aisles were clearly labeled, so it seemed like it would be easy to find whatever I might be looking for.

I noticed a wider variety of individually-packed snacks than I normally see at grocery stores in NYC. The packages of snacks reminded me more of what you'd find in a Costco than a regular supermarket.

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The chip aisle felt endless, with seemingly every flavor and brand of snacks I could possibly want all in one place.

But when Publix was out of something, there was an apology note next to the label, which I thought was very polite.

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Near the snacks, I saw my go-to caffeine source, Mio Energy, and found more than 20 flavors, some of which I didn't know existed.

Some of the price points were noticeably more affordable at Publix, too. I pay $15 for Justin's Peanut Butter at the market near my Brooklyn apartment, so I was surprised to see it selling for just $12 at Publix.

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I found many brands and types of milk, including cashew, coconut, and goat milk. At my local grocer in New York, I usually have to choose between two or three different kinds of milk.

When I walked through the pet aisle, I thought that dog and cat owners could easily skip going to a pet store to buy food, toys, or even leashes.

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Publix even had clothes ...

... and after seeing all the tech and home products, I thought that a trip to Publix could also replace a trip to Target.

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In the personal hygiene section, I found all the face wash brands I typically use. Few of the markets I've been to in NYC have this section, so I usually have to stop at a pharmacy for these items.

In the bakery, I saw a variety of inexpensive, pre-packaged bread, and it reminded me that I needed to try a sandwich from the deli.

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I ordered a Publix roast beef sub on wheat and added cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and Italian dressing, which an associate assembled in front of me.

When my sandwich was complete, I went to the self-checkout area to purchase it with a drink and was surprised the sub cost only $5.50.

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It tasted like something I'd pay at least $10 for in New York. The bread was fresh, and I could taste all of the fresh ingredients individually. I thought the sub was excellent and the perfect way to end my tour.

The next time I have to stop at two different markets plus a pharmacy to get a week's worth of supplies in Brooklyn, I'll be dreaming of Publix.