Finding a good grocery store in Ocala isn't exactly hard. We've got plenty of them. But the Publix Super Market at Churchill Square occupies this weirdly specific niche in the community that people who don't live here might not totally get. It’s located at 303 SE 17th St, right in that sweet spot where the historic district vibes start to blend into the more modern suburban sprawl of Southeast Ocala.
It isn't just about the subs.
Though, let’s be honest, the "Pub Sub" is basically a Florida religion at this point. If you walk into the Churchill Square location around 12:15 PM on a Tuesday, you're going to see a line. It’s unavoidable. But there’s a reason this specific store stays packed despite a fairly competitive landscape of nearby Winn-Dixies and specialty shops.
What Makes Churchill Square Different?
Location is everything. If you're coming from the downtown Ocala area or driving through the 17th Street corridor, this is the most convenient pit stop. It’s situated in a plaza that feels lived-in. It isn't one of those shiny, brand-new developments that feels sterile and cold. Instead, the Publix Super Market at Churchill Square feels like a neighborhood anchor.
You see the same people.
The staff here—many of whom have been behind those counters for years—actually remember your face. That’s a rare thing in 2026. While other retailers are pushing hard for total automation and AI-driven checkout experiences, this Publix still leans into the "Where Shopping is a Pleasure" mantra with actual human interaction.
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The Layout and Selection
Not all Publix stores are created equal. Some are massive "GreenWise" concepts, while others are older, cramped legacy stores. Churchill Square sits somewhere in the comfortable middle. It’s large enough to carry the niche items—like the specific Boar's Head deli meats or the organic produce section that Ocala’s health-conscious crowd demands—but small enough that you can get in and out in fifteen minutes if you aren't browsing.
The produce section is usually the first thing you notice. It’s bright. It’s crisp. They tend to source a surprising amount of Florida-grown citrus and vegetables when they're in season. You’ll find the standard Gala apples, sure, but you’ll also find the weird starfruit or the dragon fruit that you didn't know you needed until you saw it sitting there looking perfect.
The Deli: More Than Just a Sandwich Shop
If you’re a local, you know the drill. You check the "Pub Sub" website or the app before you even leave the house. Why? Because the Churchill Square deli is a beast.
Specifically, the Chicken Tender Sub.
It is the undisputed king of the deli. At this location, they seem to have a knack for keeping the bread-to-crunch ratio just right. Have you ever had a sub where the bread was soggy because the person behind the counter went too heavy on the oil and vinegar? It’s a tragedy. Usually, the crew at Churchill Square manages to avoid that.
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They also do a heavy trade in the hot meal cases. For a lot of families living nearby in the Woodfields or the surrounding areas, a rotisserie chicken or a box of fried chicken from this Publix is the "I’m too tired to cook" Friday night staple. It’s reliable.
Pricing Realities in 2026
We have to talk about the cost. Publix is not the cheapest place to shop. It just isn't. If you’re strictly looking for the lowest possible price per ounce on a gallon of milk, you’re probably heading to a big-box wholesaler.
But people pay the "Publix tax" for a few reasons:
- Cleanliness: You could basically eat off the floors here.
- BOGO Deals: This is how you actually save money. If you aren't shopping the "Buy One, Get One Free" deals at Churchill Square, you’re doing it wrong.
- Customer Service: They will literally walk you to the item if you can't find it. They don't just point to an aisle.
The Churchill Square Plaza Vibe
The supermarket is the anchor, but the plaza itself matters. It’s got that classic Ocala feel. There’s a mix of services—hair salons, some smaller retail, and enough parking that you aren't fighting for your life just to get a spot.
One thing most people don't talk about is the pharmacy. The pharmacy at the Publix Super Market at Churchill Square is incredibly efficient compared to the big national drug store chains. Because it’s integrated into the grocery store, you can drop off a prescription, do your weekly shopping, and have it ready by the time you're hitting the checkout lane. It’s a workflow that just makes sense for busy people.
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Expert Tips for Navigating This Location
If you want to avoid the crowds, don't go on Sunday after 11:00 AM. That’s "church crowd" time in Ocala, and the Churchill Square location gets swamped. The best time? Honestly, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings after 7:00 PM. The shelves are restocked, the aisles are clear, and the deli line is non-existent.
Also, keep an eye on the bakery. The Publix bakery is famous for its buttercream frosting, but their sourdough bread—the one they bake in-store—is actually the hidden gem. It’s crusty, salty, and way better than the pre-packaged stuff on the bread aisle.
Why the Community Stays Loyal
Ocala is growing fast. We’re seeing a lot of new people moving in from South Florida and up North. Usually, when a city grows like this, the old neighborhood spots get pushed aside for newer, flashier versions.
But Churchill Square holds its own.
It’s about consistency. You know what the store is going to smell like when you walk in (usually fried chicken and fresh flowers). You know the shopping carts aren't going to have that one annoying squeaky wheel. You know that if a peach is bruised, you can take it back and they’ll swap it out without making it an ordeal.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
Don't just walk in and wing it. To get the most out of your trip to the Publix Super Market at Churchill Square, you should have a bit of a strategy.
- Download the Publix App: Before you step foot in the store, clip your digital coupons. This is where the real savings are, especially on name-brand detergents and snacks.
- Order the Sub Ahead: Seriously. Do not stand in that line. Use the app to order your sub 20 minutes before you arrive. You can just walk up to the "Pre-Ordered" shelf, grab your bag, and keep moving.
- Check the Wine Section: This location actually has a decent selection of mid-tier wines that go on sale frequently. If you're looking for a solid $15-20 bottle for $12, this is the spot.
- Verify Your Pharmacy Rewards: If you use the pharmacy, make sure your account is linked to your Club Publix ID. You occasionally get perks like "five dollars off your groceries" just for filling your meds there.
- Park on the Perimeter: The spots directly in front of the door are always a mess. Park a little further out toward the edge of the Churchill Square lot. It’ll save you five minutes of waiting for pedestrians to cross and cars to back out.
The Churchill Square Publix remains a cornerstone of the Ocala shopping experience because it masters the basics. It’s clean, it’s friendly, and it’s located exactly where people need it to be. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or doing the full family grocery haul, it’s a reliable constant in a city that’s changing every single day.