Publix has long held the crown as Florida’s supermarket of choice, but recent trends suggest a shift in customer loyalty away from the beloved grocery chain.

Known for its Southern hospitality, iconic sandwiches, diverse product range, and regular ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ promotions, the Florida-rooted retailer has built a legacy of delivering quality, friendly service, and competitive pricing over the years.

However, there is a growing chorus of voices among its shoppers expressing dissatisfaction, particularly concerning the checkout experience.

One disgruntled customer recently voiced their concerns on Reddit after purchasing a prime tenderloin steak at a Publix location in Yulee, Florida.

The shared image revealed the steak’s startling price tag of $61.49, equating to $49.99 per pound.

‘This is criminal,’ the customer wrote.

They continued: ‘Not only is this meat mediocre, it’s ridiculously priced. What the hell, Publix?! This is the store in Yulee, FL. Only tenderloin on the shelf at all.’

Other users were equally shocked by the steep pricing. 

Publix has long been considered Florida’s favorite supermarket, but shoppers say the store’s high standards and fair prices are slipping

The sticker on the package of this Publix meat revealed that it was priced at the exorbitant cost of $61.49 — or $49.99 per pound of steak

‘You can get a full ribeye or tenderloin dinner with table bread, 2 sides and softdrinks in Florida at a Outback, texas roadhouse or Longhorn for $26 – $31,’ one wrote.

‘Publix is wildly overpriced,’ someone else chimed in.  

Another said that meat isn’t the only Publix product growing in price: ‘If you think that’s bad, a jar of Planters mixed nuts is going for almost $20. Mayo is pushing $10 a jar. Insane, and unsustainable.’

Indeed, Publix might be losing its customers to other major grocers in the state.

‘Ingles or even Kroger has better selection,’ a Reddit user wrote. ‘Whole Foods has a good butcher shop. Costco is the best option for unit economics for sure.’

However, Kroger admitted defeat to Publix in Florida when it announced plans to pull the final online-only grocery centers from the state in November.

Kroger closed all of its stores in the Sunshine State way back in 1988, but continued to serve Floridians through grocery delivery services in some parts of the state via its automated fulfillment center, which it is now shutting. 

Trader Joe’s recently took aim at Publix by announcing plans to open a flew of Florida-based stores. 

Publix was founded by George W. Jenkins on September 6, 1930, with the opening of its first store in Winter Haven, Florida (pictured: a vintage photo of Jenkins from the Publix archives)

Publix is loved by Floridians for its Southern charm, great subs, and broad selection

The Florida-born grocer is also known for its frequent ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ deals, high quality, and friendly customer service

However, Publix still dominates the state, operating over 900 stores compared to the measly 27 Trader Joe’s locations in Florida.  

Meanwhile, despite Costco’s loyal customer base, its $65 membership and 35 locations leaves Publix in the number one position.

As for Whole Foods, the upscale grocer offers a more premium, organic, and artisanal focus while Publix firmly remains the everyday favorite.

Nonetheless, more and more customers are calling out the grocer’s high prices, and it might just be a matter of time before Publix’s reign comes to a bitter end.