Less than three years after debuting in Kentucky, Publix has opened its 10th store in the state.
As it marked the milestone, the grocer said it sees considerable room for growth in the Bluegrass State. In a Wednesday announcement about its newly opened store in Florence, a city in the northern part of Kentucky, Publix noted that it plans to add 16 additional locations in the state.
Kentucky has been Publix’s latest expansion target since it became the eighth state where the grocer operates stores. As Publix adds locations in Northern Kentucky, the grocery chain is stepping up its rivalry with Kroger, which is headquartered nearby.
Publix entered Kentucky in 2024 with a store in Louisville and the following year added two more locations in that city. Last year, Publix set up shop in Lexington, Kentucky, a city that is about an hour and a half east of Louisville.
Publix has grown its presence in several major Kentucky markets
In early 2025, Publix ventured closer to Kroger’s home turf by opening its first Northern Kentucky store in Walton. Over the last year, Publix continued to add more stores just across the river from Cincinnati, where Kroger is headquartered, opening a location in Cold Spring, Kentucky, in June as well as its recent debut in Florence. Publix said its fourth Northern Kentucky store is set to open in Independence. A fifth store in that area is reportedly set for Hebron.
Other upcoming Publix stores in Kentucky include locations in and around Louisville and several near Lexington. Publix has also confirmed plans for a store in Bowling Green, toward the bottom of the state.
Over the last two years, Kentucky has been one of the states where Publix has grown its store count the fastest. Only in Florida, where Publix has added 25 stores over that time, has the grocer expanded more quickly.
Outside Florida, Publix has grown the fastest in Kentucky and North Carolina since 2024
Outside of Kentucky, Publix runs 1,436 stores across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia. Over half — 897 — are in Florida, Publix’s home state.
