Publix (Knoxville, Lakeland, Central: transfer, subdivision, living in)

[TheShadow]

Thanks J, glad to hear you have a Whole Foods. Can't afford to do ALL my shopping there though.

[hiknapster]

Actually, Jab is in Johnson City or the Tri-Cities area. I'm surprised they have a Whole Foods up there. Either way, we are getting one here, too. I forget when, though.

[jabogitlu]

We don't. I was generalizing to the East TN region. Here in the Upstate we only have Earth Fare, local Natural Food Market, and Fresh Market is coming in the next few months.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

We don't. I was generalizing to the East TN region. Here in the Upstate we only have Earth Fare, local Natural Food Market, and Fresh Market is coming in the next few months.

Oh! Okay!

[InLondon]

So what is so wonderful about Publix???

[airen123]

Originally Posted by InLondon

So what is so wonderful about Publix???

I wonder this myself...Since I moved to Nashville, I've heard Publix is "better" than Kroger. I have both on my corner and I always go to Kroger. I do go to Publix a little bit, but I like the Kroger/Shell gas incentive program. The employees are nicer than Kroger employees, but the Kroger has amazing samples throughout the store. Publix has a lady making stuff, but haven't tried any of it. I have also not been impressed with their lack of specialty items-I went to Publix to look for udon noodles, and hoisin sauce (2 separate occassions) and they didn't have either, but Kroger did.
I did find a pizza dough in the bag in the fresh section that I could take home and bake myself, I liked that.
I understand the excitement for Whole Foods or Trader Joe's but not really Publix...

[ThatTNGuy]

I'm all for greater selection (it's the American way ), but I wouldn't be heartbroken if we didn't get a Publix. I usually go to the Kroger Marketplace in Farragut, and in my experience it always has everything I need (usually much more), and the people are genuinely friendly and helpful.

Nevertheless, if Publix lives up to its reputation, I won't complain about having another good grocery store.

[hiknapster]

It's clean, the subs they make are very good, the employees are friendly, if you want something they will order it and keep it in stock, they are competitively priced, their meat and seafood is of very good quality as is their produce.

In Knoxville, Food City, Kroger's and Ingle's can be hit or miss. The Fountain City Kroger started out as a great store. However, more often than not the seafood department smells, the produce is underwhelming and overpriced and they don't keep certain things in stock like veal. If I want consistently good quality I got to Fresh Market and Earth Fare.

I have to get out to Farragut's Kroger. I hear they have EVERYTHING.

Food shopping is a big part of my life; of my family's life, really. We descend on Fresh Market like it's Disney World.

[Carolina Knight]

Originally Posted by JMT

A bunch of us have been asking that question for years! But seriously, Publix doesn't seem to be in any particular hurry to expand. They're still not in NC, for example, not even Charlotte. For decades they were only in Florida. It's really been only in the last 20 years or so that they've expanded outside of Florida. What took them so long to finally come to Knoxville is anyone's guess.

Publix is rumored to enter the Charlotte, North Carolina market in 2012. Four sites in York and Chesterfield counties in South Carolina are planned. Those stores' success could determine the need to open several in North Carolina. Being far from its distribution centers in the Atlanta, Georgia area, a new facility could be considered.

[Beretta]

Publix is "ok" in my book. I have shopped there before and don't go out of my way for it. Choices are good so hurray for that aspect of their coming.