Sept. 6 marked 96 years since George Jenkins opened the first Publix store in Winter Haven. What started as a small venture has turned into a green grocery giant that now employs more than 260,000 people across the Southeast.

The first Publix Food Store opened in 1930 on 4th Street NW, and the building is only 1,950 sqft. The building earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

An empty interior construction space with expose brick walls, support pillars, dirt ground, and a red doorframe. — The first store's building was a restaurant up until a few years ago, but a look through the windows now shows exposed brick walls and dirt floors. | Photo by LALtoday

Just 10 years later, Jenkins decided a food store wasn't enough, and he built the first Publix Super Market a few blocks away. Shoppers here were the first to enjoy air-conditioning, frozen food cases, and "electric-eye doors."

Exterior of a light gray retro-style building with large glass windows, a palm tree, and a street in front. — The thrift shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Photo by LALtoday

Today, the first supermarket is now home to St. Matthew Catholic Church's thrift shop, but the original food store stands empty. Six/Ten is looking for the next commercial, retail, or restaurant tenant to carry on its legacy. What do you think it should be? Be the broker.

Readers weigh in

Readers are all in on company culture, and the majority said the site should become a museum dedicated to Publix history. Sue G. said it should be "a tribute to George Jenkins," and Frank P. suggested it could also be a "welcome center to the City of Winter Haven."

Mike S. and Bill P. want to kick it back to the building's roots with an indoor farmers market or bodega. We also love Jean B.'s idea of a Publix diner. Pub subs and banana pudding would be on the menu, right?