June 4, 2018 — 1980 was filled with celebrations commemorating the golden anniversary that marked 50 years of making shopping a pleasure. Every Publix associate was given a gold coin engraved with our founder George Jenkins’ image, and the “50 Years” logo was used on signs, product packages and even lapel pins.

Highlights

As much as Publix achieved during its first five decades, the company would make even bigger strides during the next 10 years. Here are some of the highlights:

• In 1980, the Publix dairy plant opened and began processing milk, water, flavored drinks and everyone’s favorite — Publix ice cream! The first flavors were vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, Neapolitan, fudge royal and strawberry royal.
• In 1982, as an extension of Publix’s commitment to customer service, we created our own Presto! network, an electronic funds transfer system. This brought Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services to our customers. The first two ATMs went live in South Florida stores on Nov. 18, 1982.
• In 1984, we expanded the Presto! network to run debit transactions at our point-of-sale systems during checkout. This allowed Publix to support transactions from financial institutions that were members of the Presto! network and increased the overall value of this service. We also built a deli plant to produce sliced meats, smoked turkeys, potato salad, coleslaw and desserts like gelatin and puddings.
• In 1986, the first Publix Pharmacy opened in an Altamonte Springs, Florida, store. The new store format was called Publix Food & Pharmacy. The same year, we opened our 300th store in Tampa, Florida.

To support the growing number of stores, Publix expanded its distribution facilities in Lakeland, Jacksonville and Miami and added distribution centers in Sarasota, Florida, and Deerfield Beach, Florida.

By the end of the 1980s, we changed the remaining three Food Worlds to Publix stores.

Best supermarket

Despite changing times, new products and advances in technology, it was always important to hold on to the founding philosophies established by George Jenkins in 1930. The Publix philosophy of taking care of our best asset, our people, earned Publix recognition in the 1984 book, “The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America,” by Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz.

Two 1980s lapel pins given to associates had themes focused on these important philosophies: People Our Priority (POP) and Customers are Really Terrific (CART).

Community service

Jenkins was the role model for helping others and giving back to the community — another part of the Publix philosophy. In 1980, the Boy Scouts of America presented him with a life-sized statue of a Boy Scout by renowned sculptor Robert Tait McKenzie. Jenkins also became a founding member of the United Way of Central Florida Leadership Giving Association. He was the first million-dollar roundtable member in the southeastern United States, and in 1987, he received the Alexis de Tocqueville award from the United Way.

Remembering our leaders

There was much to celebrate during the 1980s, but the Publix family also shared sadness when President Joe Blanton passed away in 1984. Mr. Joe, as he was affectionately known, had been with Publix since 1945, when Jenkins purchased the All American Food Stores, including one that Joe was working in. Joe’s contributions to the growth and success of Publix were tremendous. In fact, it was his idea to get into the dairy manufacturing business.

More sad news came in 1989 when Jenkins suffered a stroke. Although his speech and mobility were significantly impacted, he remained connected to his customers and associates and continued to make regular store visits.