Publix is THE best grocery chain in the US, and I’ve used a lot of them coast-to-coast. True...some items can be expensive, but there are ways to get around that (maybe don’t by the $28 filet mignon). Their BOGO has saved me big time in the 25 years I’ve lived in Florida. I have nothing bad to say about them.
Publix near me is a fine store, and I shop there frequently.
WinnDixie has a far better selection of seafood, especially shrimp. I shop there as well. No issues with either one.
In the Keys we don't have a lot of choices, but there are both Publix and Winn Dixie here. We also have a very small mom-and-pop store.
Publix is the cleanest (by far) of the 3.
Publix also the easiest to get an associate on the floor to answer a question, (the mom-and-pop almost never has a person working the floor and the cashier is busy with a continuous line).
Publix also carries Boar's head deli meats. We prefer that over other deli brands.
Publix also delivers as early as 7AM and as late as 10PM. Yes, delivery is expensive. I don't think the mom-and-pop offers any delivery option. Winn Dixie probably does but I don't know for sure.
Our son contracted Salmonella from eggs at Winn Dixie 20 years ago. He was out of school for 2 weeks and very sick. We have never really forgiven them.
The mom-and-pop has a few unique items, like a locked glass case with caviar. I always check it out to see how expensive the best stuff is. Sometimes as high as $800 for a little tin of it. At one time the little store was the place to buy a fisherman's box lunch to take out on the boat. Now most gas stations do it as well as restaurants. I think their box lunch is still the best quality tho. I think they also open around 5 or 6AM to cater to the pro guides that come in for a box lunch before their day out on the water.
The software in the Publix self-checkout is the best. Start scanning your items with zero questions to begin. When finished; tap you card, take your receipt. That's it.
$$ Prices: Mom-and-pop > Publix > Winn Dixie
Conclusion: I never go in Winn Dixie. I prefer to go into the small store to support local business, but it is extra distance to drive. We do 95% of our grocery shopping at Publix.