Picking up a Publix sandwich before a SC beach day? 3 tips to order better
Publix, the Southern grocery chain, is known and loved for its deli sandwiches that make a great beach meal.
When ordering, there are hundreds of ways to order a Pub sub — short for Publix sub. The chicken tender sub is the most popular, but patrons can choose any kind of meat or cheese they want. A whole sandwich is large enough to share or split into two meals, depending on a person’s appetite.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch for a day on the water or need something during a work lunch break, here are ways to better order a Pub sub.
Order ahead of time
If there is not much time or someone wants to skip a potentially long line, Publix media relations manager Jared Glover recommends ordering the sandwich ahead of time.
“I always suggest to people, especially if they’re in a hurry or, you know, going to lunch, wanting to grab something whatever, to order your sub online and just pick it up whenever it’s ready,” Glover says.
This helps avoid the dreaded Pub sub line. Publix is well-known for its deli taking a significant amount of time to make a sandwich, multiple social media posts show.
Glover says to use the app to order ahead of time, which offers users the ability to customize their sandwiches fast and see the variety available.
“(Online ordering is) very, very useful. It helps out tremendously,” says Cheryl Jett, the deli manager at the Coventry Drive Publix.
Don’t be afraid to customize
Publix wants to provide the best experience possible for customers, which also means honoring customization requests, according to Glover.
Customers can grab sliced bread loaf from the bakery and request that as their sandwich bread instead of the sub roll. They can also pick out any meat or cheese in the deli case to put on their sandwich or salad. Some people even grab things like egg salad out of the deli cooler for their lunch.
“I used to get sliced chicken on my wraps every once in a while. So, yeah, if it’s in there, we can slice it and we can put it on your sub for you,” Glover says.
Customers cannot order custom meats or cheeses on the app, so they will have to stop at the counter. They should leave extra time as employees may need a few minutes to slice the meats and make the accommodation.
Keep an eye on the app for sales, sample days
Glover gave many praises for the app, saying avid Publix shoppers should check on the app regularly. This will help customers know which Pub sub will be on sale that week, as there is always a sandwich on sale, or if there is a limited time offer.
For example, Publix is getting ready to launch its holiday sub at the end of July as a summer Christmas special. The turkey sandwich with cranberry relish is a fan favorite. After it comes out, the holiday sub will be available for a few weeks as supplies last.
Publix will share days it will have free samples, allowing patrons to try out new subs or specialty items. It will typically be on a Saturday, Glover says.
This story was originally published July 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
