Publix announces first Lexington store

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - It’s been the talk of the town on Thursday—the supermarket chain Publix is opening a store in Lexington.

“When a Publix opens, we provide jobs, create premier customer service and care for our communities,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said.

There was an excited crowd in Louisville Thursday morning as Publix CEO Todd Jones broke ground on the first Kentucky location. The Florida-based supermarket chain expanded to not one location in the Commonwealth, but three.

“I think it’s about quality of life. It’s going to greatly improve for everyone. Things are becoming normal again. There’s a lot of business activity. And Lexington’s a great quality of life city so we’re going to draw the best,” said Dudley Webb, chairman and co-founder of the Webb Companies.

The 55,701 square-foot store, with a drive-thru pharmacy and adjacent Publix Liquors will make its home off the busy Man O’War and Harrodsburg Roads. It’ll be joining the new shopping center, The Fountains at Palomar. The developers, Phil Greer of Greer Companies and Dudley Webb of the Webb Companies, said it’s the perfect spot.

“Great neighborhoods around there. Very successful. A lot of demand and it’s a very prime location for the store,” Webb said.

Founded in 1930, Publix operates more than 1,200 locations across the southeast, making Kentucky its eighth state of operation. The first Louisville location is expected to open late 2023, the second in 2024. The one in Lexington shortly after in late 2024.

“We’re tickled to death like everyone else is. We worked really hard to get this,” Greer said.

Lexington’s Chief Development Officer Kevin Atkins said, “we welcome Publix and the new jobs the company brings to our city.” He said “it’s always exciting when a new business opens in Lexington.”

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