Publix Super Markets

RANK253

The 1,266-store chain, dominant in the Southern U.S., held on to its crown in 2020 as the world’s largest worker-owned business. Like its grocery peers, Publix’s top-line results soared under lockdown, notching a record $44.9 billion in sales—a 17.7% increase from 2019. Gross earnings too climbed by $1 billion from the year-earlier period. The company enters 2021 in a position of strength. It has already opened 39 new supermarkets and is remodeling another 154 stores. And with its stores serving as COVID-19 vaccination distribution points, Publix expects foot traffic to be strong again this year.