PASCO COUNTY, FL. – Since opening its first grocery store in 1930 in Winter Haven, Publix has been a part of Florida culture. The attention to detail and quality care the employees provide to their customers has impacted the entire state.
Alicia Travaglione wanted to make her twin daughters’ fourth birthday something special. “We love going all out for birthdays in our family,” Travaglione said.
When she moved with her three daughters from Boston to Florida three years ago, they frequented the grocery store. “We have no family here, so when we moved, Publix provided us familiar faces to see every week and became a prominent part of our new life.”
Travaglione found Publix to be a safe place to socialize her daughters, all under the age of three at the time.
She said, “Each time we went in, the girls were greeted with smiles from all the employees.” When Travaglione asked her twin girls, Adrianna and Catarina, what theme they wanted for their fourth birthday, they both said a Publix party.
“I decided to call the corporate office first. Mandi Cordes called me back and seemed more excited about the idea than I was,” said Travaglione.
Cordes is the supervisor of customer care and social media. Travaglione said, “Mandi was beyond thrilled to be a part of planning the girls’ birthday.”
Cordes provided teddy bears, sunglasses, Publix party decorations, stickers, bags, and even ice cream vouchers.
The girls arrived at the grocery store dressed as Publix employees and received their very own nametags. Steve Wojchowski, the manager for the Mitchell Ranch location, welcomed the girls with rose corsages, balloons, and a cake.
“Steve told me he loved working with Publix and had his own fond memories of shopping when he was younger,” said Travaglione. “My girls had smiles on their faces the entire day. They made a special announcement over the intercom and sang happy birthday.”
Publix made Adrianna and Catarina’s birthday unforgettable.
Hannah Herring, the media relations manager for Publix, said, “Our customers have many options when it comes to planning their special occasions, so we are honored Alicia chose Publix to help make her daughters’ birthday extra special. Our store and support teams are always on the lookout for opportunities to surprise and delight our customers, and this celebration is a great example of their teamwork.”
Travaglione said, “I am truly in awe of their sense of community and their willingness to go the extra mile for my 4-year-old daughters.” The girls browsed the store with mini-shopping carts and checked out in a decorated checkout aisle. “It was truly wonderful and more than I could ever hope for my girls’ birthday.”
Publix is more than just a grocery store for many Floridians. The employees go above and beyond for their customers.
Herring said, “For us, it’s all about being part of our customers’ lives and helping them create lasting memories. We start building those relationships very early on. The care and attention our associates show toward our customers is what really makes the difference.”
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