Publix opens 10th Kentucky supermarket with plans for 16 more

Publix opened its 10th supermarket in Kentucky on Wednesday, Grocery Dive reported. The Florida-based grocer marked the milestone with the opening of a new store in Florence, a city located in northern Kentucky. [1]

Grocery Dive reported that the state has served as the newest expansion target for Publix since the company first entered the market less than three years ago. Following the Florence launch, the company stated that it plans to add 16 additional locations across Kentucky, citing significant opportunities for continued growth in the region. [1]

The company reported retail sales of 62.7 billion dollars in fiscal year 2025, which ended on December 27, 2025. That total represents a 5 percent increase from 59.7 billion dollars in 2024. Publix is the largest employee-owned company in the United States by sales volume, with an employee stock ownership plan established in 1974. [6]

The expansion places the grocer in direct competition with existing regional operators. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger operates supermarkets and multi-department stores across the United States. Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart also operates grocery stores and hypermarkets throughout the country. [4][5]