Members of the community and media, along with representatives from the Publix leadership team, came together Friday morning for a walk-through of the new grocery store before it opens to the general public at 7 a.m. Saturday.
Members of the community were able to tour the newly constructed, more than 50,000-square-foot facility at 3370 Hayden Road in Owensboro’s Gateway Commons and sample some of the grocery store chain’s most popular selections. Publix management also presented a donation of nearly $200,000 to Tri-State Food Bank Chief Development Officer Steve Dabrowski, highlighting a continued partnership between the retailer and the nonprofit.
“Gateway Commons is our eighth location in the Bluegrass State,” said Kim Reynolds, a community relations representative from Publix who represents the Kentucky service area. “Publix has more than 1,400 stores in our 96-year history of service across the southeast. But what will bring that experience to life here in Owensboro truly is our associates and the people that you will meet today.”
Reynolds, via the store’s manager, said 107 employees have been hired to get the store ready for opening day.
“I wanted to start with just a thank you for the warm welcome Owensboro has provided us. I know our store team has been here for a couple of months preparing for this day and has felt nothing but love, support and warmth from the community. Owensboro is certainly a place that we have felt takes care of each other and takes care of the community, and it has been such a gift to be here and celebrate,” she said.
The grocery retailer, which was founded in 1930 by George W. Jenkins in Winter Haven, Florida, announced in August 2024 that it would build a location in Gateway Commons, and work began on the project around May 2025.
“Owensboro and Publix share a long and deep-rooted history, grounded and caring for others and a commitment to service. Guided by those shared values, we truly look forward to growing alongside Owensboro and becoming part of the fabric that makes this community great for generations to come,” said Reynolds.
Publix has already worked closely with both Daviess County Public Schools (DCPS) and Owensboro Public Schools (OPS), along with the United Way of Ohio Valley, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation.
“We are also so excited to just talk about what really makes Publix special in the community. When we began in 1930, our founder…believed that it was important to invest in each other and in our communities. And 96 years later that belief continues to guide Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities. In fact, being responsible citizens is so important to us, it’s a part of our mission statement. We invest in efforts that reduce hunger, alleviate homelessness, support youth in education and serve alongside first responders,” said Reynolds.
She continued, “Publix believes that as a food retailer, our greatest opportunity to give back truly is through partnering with our local food bank and other organizations in the community that are helping to feed our neighbors in need.”
Before even opening the doors to the Gateway Commons location, the grocery retailer has already donated four trailer loads of produce totaling more than 160,000 pounds of food to Tri-State Food Bank. Publix will also be partnering with the Daniel Pitino Shelter for its “food rescue” program.
“So the shelter will be picking up food that is still safe to eat, but that we may not sell to serve their residents at the shelter, and we’re really proud of that partnership as well,” she said.
Reynolds said what sets Publix apart from other grocery stores stems from the company being “the largest employee-owned company in the nation.”
“Our associates have opportunities to share the success that they help create, which builds pride, accountability and a personal commitment to every customer. You will see that ownership in the details from a clean, bright store, quality products…premier customer service and going above and beyond to treat our customers like the kings and queens they really are,” she said.
And what should customers expect from that shopping experience?
Fresh produce deliveries seven days a week, skilled meat cutters “who will custom cut meats to your liking,” a bakery, including a team making fresh buttercream daily, an expansive deli, complete with the famous “Pub Sub,” the most popular of which being the chicken tender sub, described as a “double hand-breaded chicken tender” on a sandwich with customizable cheese and toppings, along with a variety of quick grab-and-go options, free Wi-Fi and a pharmacy, Reynolds detailed. Publix, she said, is also known for its ice cream, which is manufactured by the chain.
Publix opens at 7 a.m. Saturday, following a short ribbon-cutting ceremony.
So far, the company hasn’t announced when the Carter Road location will open, but the leadership team said to expect that to happen “after the beginning of the year.”
By Michele Lohman Messanger-Inquirer