2. Publix

Many locations seemed to have hit a wall, struggling with providing their customers with prepared foods. But not Publix, who rose to the challenge and refused to back down and let the Coronavirus take the win!

Instead of shying away from selling staples such as their Chicken Cordon Bleus and Havana Bolds sandwiches, they kept their deli counter going unlike ever before. Suffice it to say, shoppers who needed a little pick-me-up were more than happy to keep purchasing, especially since they could order in advance through the app and pick their orders up without hassle. All in all, a very clever way of avoiding the crowds.

But let’s face it, subs alone wouldn’t have put Publix on this list. The store’s brand and attempts to keep its customers safe during the pandemic also propelled it to this notable spot. In-store safety combined a curbside pickup program, even as robust as this, helped individuals and families who needed most stay safe while holding on to a sense of normalcy.

But perhaps their biggest achievement was their community outreach. When the people needed it the most, Publix went on ahead and bought surplus fresh produce and milk just so they could donate them to food banks!

Cause that’s what heroes do!