You’re driving through the backroads of Kentucky or maybe the humid sprawl of South Florida, and that familiar green glow hits your eyes. You know the one. It’s the beacon of the "Pub Sub." But here’s the thing—if you’re relying on a static map of publix locations you found on a random Pinterest board from three years ago, you’re probably going to end up at a vacant lot or a closed-down Sears.
The footprint of this grocery giant is moving faster than most people realize.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much Publix has shifted its weight lately. We aren’t just talking about a few new stores in Miami. They are aggressively pushing north, planting flags in territories where "Where shopping is a pleasure" used to be a slogan people only heard about on vacation. As of early 2026, the map looks fundamentally different than it did even eighteen months ago.
Why the Map of Publix Locations is Expanding North
For decades, Publix was a Florida thing. It was as Floridian as an alligator in a swimming pool. Then came Georgia, and the Carolinas, and slowly the "Publix halo" began to spread. But the real story right now? Kentucky.
In late 2025 and moving into 2026, the Bluegrass State became the frontline of the brand's expansion. We’ve seen a flurry of activity in Louisville and Lexington, but the real aggressive move is happening in Northern Kentucky. Why? Because that’s Kroger territory.
Opening a store in places like Cold Spring or Florence isn't just a business move; it’s a shot across the bow of the Cincinnati-based grocery kings.
The "55 Model" Prototype
If you look at the newest dots on the map, the stores themselves are changing. CEO Kevin Murphy has been vocal about the "55 model." Basically, these are 55,000-square-foot behemoths. They’re bigger than your standard neighborhood market but designed to not feel like a warehouse.
These new locations often feature:
- Pours stations: You can literally grab a craft beer or a smoothie while you shop.
- Kettle corn stands: A weirdly popular addition that smells incredible.
- Separate burrito bars: Because the deli line for subs was getting way too long.
Where You'll Find Them (And Where You Won't)
If you're looking at a current map of publix locations, you’re going to see a massive concentration in the Southeast. Florida still carries the heavy lifting with over 880 stores. That’s more than 60% of their entire empire.
But if you’re in the Northeast or the West, you’re out of luck. Don't believe the rumors about a New York or Texas expansion. It’s not happening yet. Publix is a master of the "slow and steady" approach. They build their own distribution centers first—like the massive one in Greensboro—to ensure the milk doesn't spoil before it hits the shelf.
Here is the current state of play for store counts across the eight states they serve:
Florida: Still the undisputed king. You can't throw a rock without hitting a Publix in Orlando or Tampa.
Georgia: The second-largest market, with a heavy presence in the Atlanta metro area.
Alabama & South Carolina: Both hovering around the 75-100 store mark.
Tennessee & North Carolina: Rapidly growing, especially in Nashville and Charlotte.
Virginia: Mostly concentrated in the Richmond area and Tidewater region, but slowly creeping toward DC.
Kentucky: The newest "eighth state" with stores finally popping up in the north.
The Mystery of the Missing Locations
Ever wonder why your town doesn't have one? It usually comes down to logistics.
Publix is employee-owned. That sounds like a nice PR talking point, but it actually dictates how they grow. They don't have to answer to Wall Street's demand for "growth at all costs." They wait until the real estate is perfect.
I’ve seen them sit on a piece of land for five years before breaking ground. They wait for the neighborhood to catch up to their "premier" pricing. If the income levels or the traffic patterns don't match their internal data, that spot on the map stays empty.
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Digital Maps vs. Reality
If you’re searching for a "Publix near me," the official store locator is your only real friend. Google Maps is usually good, but it struggles with the "Coming Soon" locations.
A lot of the 2026 growth is happening in "mixed-use" developments. Think apartments on top, Publix on the bottom. These "urban" style stores are smaller—sometimes only 30,000 square feet—and they are popping up in places like downtown Tampa and Charlotte. If you’re looking at a traditional map, you might miss these because they don't look like the giant suburban boxes we're used to.
Delivery and Curbside Shifts
The map isn't just physical anymore. It’s digital. Almost every store on the map now supports Instacart delivery.
However, a big misconception is that the "map" for delivery is the same as the store map. It’s not. In states like Kentucky, liquor delivery is restricted by weird local laws. You might be able to get your groceries delivered in Louisville, but that bottle of bourbon? You might have to walk into the separate "Publix Liquors" storefront for that.
Actionable Tips for Using the Map
Don't just look at the dots. Use the data to shop smarter.
- Check the Prototype: If the map shows a store built after 2024, it’s likely a "55 model" or has a "Pours" station. These are way better for a "lunch and shop" trip than the older, cramped stores.
- Filter for Pharmacy: Not every location has a drive-thru pharmacy. If you’re in a rush, use the filter on the official site to find the ones that do.
- Watch the "Coming Soon" List: Publix actually publishes a list of stores that are about to open. If you’re moving to a new area, check the "Hello Kentucky" or "New Store Openings" pages on their corporate site.
The geography of the South is changing, and Publix is the one drawing the lines. Whether you’re looking for a specific sub or just trying to find the nearest clean bathroom on a road trip, knowing where the map is expanding will save you a lot of aimless driving.
Keep an eye on the Ohio River. That seems to be the current "glass ceiling" for the brand. Once they cross that, all bets are off.
To get the most accurate, real-time data, skip the third-party PDF maps. Use the official Publix store locator and filter by "New Stores" to see exactly where the next green roof is popping up in your neighborhood.