Publix Super Markets, Inc., commonly known as Publix, is an employee-owned American supermarket chain headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. Founded in 1930 by George W. Jenkins, Publix is a private corporation that is wholly owned by present and past employees and members of the Jenkins family. Publix operates throughout the Southeastern United States, with locations in Florida (858), Georgia (206), Alabama (88), South Carolina (69), Tennessee (55), North Carolina (53), and Virginia (19). Publix maintains 1,380 store locations across the Southeast. As of June 2023, Florida has the largest number of stores, with 874. As of September 2022, Publix employs about 240,000 people at its retail locations, cooking schools, corporate offices, nine grocery distribution centers, and eleven manufacturing facilities. The manufacturing facilities produce its dairy, deli, bakery, and other food products. Publix is the largest employee-owned company in the United States.