July 29, 2025 — For both Publix and Martha Kennon, 1930 was a banner year. 

Kennon was born 95 years ago, and on Sept. 6, 1930, George Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store in Winter Haven, Florida.  

Since the beginning, Publix has prided itself on providing premier service and treating customers like royalty. To celebrate our 95th anniversary, we felt it was only appropriate to throw a birthday party for a longtime customer who also turned 95 this year. 

Kennon says she’s been shopping at Publix for more than 50 years while residing in both Florida and South Carolina. Her current store in Melbourne, Florida, hosted her birthday celebration, complete with family and friends, decorations and carrot cake from the Publix Bakery — her favorite. 

“I did not fully realize that I shared my birth year with Publix, but I consider it an honor,” said Kennon. “I feel we are both doing quite well for 95!” 

Kennon shared that one of her fondest memories of shopping at Publix was when she would go each Friday with her late husband, Jesse. 

“He was a pastor, and we would go grocery shopping together, then visit members of our congregation,” she said. “The unique part is that we were often able to combine the two since we would see many members while at Publix.”  

Kennon’s connection to Publix didn’t end there. All five of her grandchildren worked in the stores, and one grandson, Joshua, is currently a store manager in nearby Indialantic, Florida. Another one of her fond Publix memories was meeting Jenkins in 1987 during the grand opening of the store where her birthday celebration was held.  

“He took the time to speak with me and my husband while sincerely thanking us for our patronage,” Kennon recalled. “We told him we were thankful for the way he promoted the importance of giving back to the community.” 

Kennon said that her favorite parts of shopping at Publix are the friendly associates, who are always ready to help, and the clean, well-stocked stores — things that our shoppers have been able to rely on for 95 years and counting.