Sugar Spice and Everything Nice: Grocery

Best Local Grocery: Publix

Maybe it’s because Publix is unique to Florida or maybe it’s because they always have phenomenal BOGO deals. Either way, “Folio” readers voted Publix the “Best Local Grocery” store. 

With a wide selection of fresh produce, the beloved deli section and a bakery with free cookies for children under the age of 12, Publix will always be a top-tier supermarket. Not to mention their famous Pub subs that are actually making other states jealous they don’t have a Publix of their own.  

The local grocery store first opened in 1930 in Winter Haven by George Jenkins. Jenkins was born in Harris, Georgia where he helped his father run a general store. At 17, he moved to Tampa with the dreams of making it big in real estate, but the universe had bigger plans for the dreamer. Publix started off small as Publix Food Store before becoming Publix Super Markets by the 1940s. Now, Publix is known to all in the state of Florida and keeps strong in its message of treating employees and customers like family. –Ambar Ramirez

 

Best Health Food Store: Grassroots Natural Market 

Locally-owned Grassroots Natural Market is Jacksonville’s favorite health food store. Brothers James and Jack Robinson along with Ana Michal opened Grassroots back in 2006 in Riverside, just a block from 5 Points. In addition to fresh produce and meats, craft beer and wine, and grab-and-go items and frozen foods, the popular market offers customers house-made smoothies and juices as well as freshly-brewed coffee. Grassroots helps Jacksonville residents live a healthy lifestyle, so it makes sense why they voted Grassroots the Best Health Food Store.. –Carmen Macri