LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Employees at Kentucky’s first Publix are getting ready for the grand opening of the supermarket’s newest location in eastern Jefferson County. The store is located at the Terra Crossing Shopping Center, just off Old Henry Road in Louisville.

What You Need To Know

  •  Florida-based Publix opens its first Kentucky store in Louisville

  •  The store is located in the Terra Crossing Shopping Center, off Old Henry Road

  •  Since breaking ground on the project, Publix has worked with Dare to Care to help those with food insecurities
  • Publix is building four stores in Kentucky and all are set to open in 2024

Besides satisfying customers’ tastebuds with its famous deli sandwiches, called “Pub subs,” and custom cakes, a local nonprofit, says the supermarket has helped feed the hungry.

“They provided financial resources to be able to purchase a truck to actually go into communities where we don’t have any access, they don’t have any access points,” said Vincent James, the CEO of Dare to Care. 

Dare to Care has seen a 30-40% increase in demand for its services.

Publix has given the organization over two million pounds of food to help meet this growing need.

The nonprofit established a mobile food pantry, using the donations, to serve the community directly.

“We set up and have our neighbors to come, those that are in need that see that opportunity and [needing the resources].”

Publix says giving back to the area is part of the company’s values.

 “It was just important to us to entrench ourselves here in the community and we can’t wait to open our doors and welcome our customers,” said Publix Media Relations Manager, Nicole Krauss. 

Doors open for customers Wednesday, Jan. 10, but James says Dare to Care and Publix will continue to help the community.

 “It’s going to be a continuation of what we wanted to provide for the community. As a matter of fact, when we show up, we’re going to be doing more. So that’s what I’m even excited about more,” James says. 

Those in need will have access to food from this store weekly. 

Publix was founded in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida, by George W. Jenkins. The chain has over 1,300 locations in the southeastern part of the United States. According to their website, they are the largest employee-owned company in the United States.

Publix broke ground on its first Kentucky store in June 2022. The company is building four stores in Kentucky, three in Louisville and one in Lexington at The Fountains of Palomar. All the stores will open in 2024. 

The store is still accepting applications and has its open positions listed online.

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