At the beginning of the 70’s, Publix had nearly 60 stores in its burgeoning Southeast Coast (Miami and surrounding counties) division, but none in oh-so exclusive Palm Beach, where retailers were only allowed to locate “by invitation”. When that invitation finally came in 1971, Publix rose to the occasion with a superb Spanish Rococo design, shown here in a photo taken shortly after opening, in lieu of their standard architecture. The store’s landscaping, according to Pat Watters’ book “Fifty Years of Pleasure”, was provided by “ladies of a local garden club”. An impressive early example of a style Publix would employ much more in the future, this store still stands at 265 Sunset Avenue in Palm Beach.
The grand opening was appropriate for the area’s storied clientele – engraved invitations were sent out to local residents, and as Watters noted, “Rolls Royces abounded in the parking lot when the Publix door was opened with stately ceremony”. Another story in the Watters book from that day involved a woman and her maid inspecting a “pre-wrapped” filet mignon. After deciding the filet met their standards, they proceeded to order 120 of them (which Publix dutifully delivered) for “a few people” they were having over that evening. All in all, it must have fit the definition of a “gala” grand opening better than most.
Hope they remembered to stock up on Grey Poupon!
The grand opening was appropriate for the area’s storied clientele – engraved invitations were sent out to local residents, and as Watters noted, “Rolls Royces abounded in the parking lot when the Publix door was opened with stately ceremony”. Another story in the Watters book from that day involved a woman and her maid inspecting a “pre-wrapped” filet mignon. After deciding the filet met their standards, they proceeded to order 120 of them (which Publix dutifully delivered) for “a few people” they were having over that evening. All in all, it must have fit the definition of a “gala” grand opening better than most.
Hope they remembered to stock up on Grey Poupon!
