Today is the 1st of March, 2026, and exciting news is brewing in Florida’s grocery scene! Publix, the beloved grocery chain rooted right here in the Sunshine State, has announced the opening of two new stores. As residents gear up for these new additions, let’s dive into the details.

The first location is set to open in Clearwater on March 5, 2026. This store will be situated in the Clearwater Plaza shopping center at 1295 S. Missouri Ave. Covering nearly 47,000 square feet, it will feature a convenient drive-thru pharmacy, making it a handy stop for prescriptions and groceries alike.

Just a week later, on March 12, 2026, another Publix will open its doors in St. Petersburg. This store will be even larger, boasting over 55,000 square feet of shopping space and an adjacent liquor shop for those looking to grab a drink on the way home. With these new openings, Publix aims to cater to the growing demand for quality grocery shopping in the region.

Recent Developments in Customer Satisfaction

However, it’s not all smooth sailing for Publix. According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, the grocery chain has dropped to the second position among supermarkets in the U.S., now trailing behind Trader Joe’s. In 2026, Trader Joe’s scored 86, while Publix maintained a steady score of 84, the same as last year, when both stores were tied at the top.

The ACSI report indicates a slight decline in overall supermarket customer satisfaction, down 1% from the previous year to a score of 78. Consumer complaints regarding Publix’s higher prices compared to competitors like Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Sam’s Club have been noted, raising concerns about the chain’s ability to maintain its customer base amidst increasing competition.

It’s worth noting that Publix has been actively expanding its footprint in Florida and beyond. Earlier this year, the chain acquired four shipping centers in Central Florida, located in Orlando, Lake Mary, Windermere, St. Cloud, and even extending its reach to Fort Myers and Newnan, Georgia. With locations in eight states, Publix has a strong presence; however, it seems that Trader Joe’s is winning the customer loyalty game with its ability to keep shoppers satisfied during its expansion efforts.

Looking Ahead

As Publix prepares to unveil these new stores, it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the shifting landscape of consumer preferences and competition. Florida, being the founding state of Publix, holds more locations than all other states combined, which could be a crucial factor in their strategy moving forward.

Whether you’re a fan of Publix or intrigued by Trader Joe’s rising star, it’s clear that grocery shopping in Florida is evolving. For the full scoop on Publix’s new openings and the latest customer satisfaction rankings, check out the original articles from Click Orlando and Miami New Times.

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you updates on Florida’s grocery scene and how these changes might affect your shopping experience!