Downtown Winter Haven is positively abuzz as Publix Supermarkets films an upcoming commercial for the nation’s finest grocery chain (in our humble opinion). The company was founded right here in Winter Haven nearly 79 years ago (September 6, 1930 to be exact). Ironically the filming of this commercial took place directly across Central Park from George Jenkin’s first “Publix Food Store” (now Score’s Sports Restaurant). Between 1930 and 1941 Winter Haven was home to the only Publix Store. In 1940 Jenkins built his first store from the ground up. The building still stands on Central Avenue at 2nd Street NW across from the First Baptist Church.
Publix reported $23.9 billion in retail sales in 2008. They have 141,000 associates and 1,001 stores … and to think it all began here!
We do not know the story line of the commercial but judging by the side of the Publix truck below, we bet it involves PUBLIX ICE CREAM! All is flavor say aye!
Hats off to Main Street and the City of Winter Haven for a Downtown worthy of a Publix commercial.
