Publix Launches Full-Service Catering Across South Florida

Having a party? Publix wants an invite. The Lakeland-based supermarket chain is now offering full-service catering across South Florida, bringing chef-prepared meals, drinks, decorations, flowers and other party items. If desired, the chefs will show up and cook on-site.

"I think within the grocery arena we are at the forefront. I'm not familiar with local competitors who offer this service," said Kimberly Reynolds, a Publix spokeswoman. "We are providing a service to customers from a grocery store they've come to trust."

Publix Aprons Event Planning Catering launched in South Florida in December as an extension of other culinary services offered by the grocer, Reynolds said. Publix already offered cooking classes at two of its South Florida stores, in Plantation and Boca Raton. Publix also has event planning staff at its stores to help shoppers coordinate coming celebrations, she said.

Catering pricing varies depending on the number of people at the events, the meals, and additional features requested by customers, Reynolds said. The service is also being offered in the Jacksonville area.

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