Lately, I've been giving out 5 star reviews like Oprah with her favorite things. You get 5-stars! And you get 5-stars! In the case of Publix, it is well deserved. Coming from Los Angeles, where if an employee of a store looks in your general direction, you consider yourself lucky, the service at Publix is mind-blowing. They go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied with your visit.
I once asked where I could find a particular item. The friendly young man asked a few qualifying questions and told me he'd be right back. Then he took off running to bring me what I was looking for! I didn't have to move. He literally ran the entire way. I didn't expect him to do that, and was a touch embarrassed at first, but I got over it. After talking to my brother about Publix and learning he experienced something similar at this store, I was very pleased to realize that this is par for the course. And the employees aren't just robots- they actually have personalities and can carry on engaging conversations. I love the staff at the sandwich counter. I always have a good time talking to them while they make my sandwich.
Speaking of sandwiches, I don't really have to go into much detail here. Publix is known throughout the South as the finest place to get a sandwich, but for my LA readers, I will expand a little. The whole sandwich is huge. A half is also available, but they are so good I never bother with the smaller one. You can either get store brand meats, or, for a little more, you can get Boar's Head brand. And the fresh bread is on point. I always get the white sub roll, which is in that perfect zone where it is soft, but has a nice crust (not too chewy!) holding everything together. They also have a sandwich special for about $6.50 or $7 (whole) that changes every 3 weeks or so. For example, this week it's turkey with bacon, smoked Gruyere cheese, and cranberry orange relish. But the showstopper for me is the chicken tender sub ($8.99 whole). Once I ordered one I never went back. I get the same thing every time I visit. They take about 5 or 6 huge tenders from the hot deli section and chop them up into bite size pieces. I get mine tossed in buffalo sauce, add some Provolone and blue cheeses ($1 for double cheese), and toast the whole thing. To finish up, I have them add ranch dressing and some delicious Boar's Head garlic pickle slices. They also have all of the usual sandwich toppings, which are super fresh, but that's all I get on my sandwich. Mmm, getting hungry just writing about it. So much for not going into detail. That's just one way to get your chicken tender sub. If you can imagine it, Publix will do everything they can to make it. If they don't have an item at the sandwich counter, the staff will go into the store aisles and take it off the shelf if they have to. Within reason, obviously. They do this frequently for my blue cheese crumbles.
Publix might be a little pricier than other stores in the area, but they are not out of line, especially for the level of service and quality they provide. It's not like Whole Foods or Bristol Farms prices by any stretch. And I feel like I don't have to dodge lazy people on their rascals as much as say, Winn-Dixie down Hwy 40. That place is a mess.
Overall, I think Publix is the best grocery store in the country. I just wish we had them back home. read more