Publix does not have a monopoly in the South. GA, NC and SC have some combination of the following:
Kroger
Harris Teeter (now owned by Kroger)
Piggly Wiggly
Whole Foods
Aldi
Lowe’s Foods
Food Lion
EarthFare
Sprouts
Fresh Market
Charlottesville, VA now has a Wegman’s.
I grew up in PA. Having been in the military and having visited numerous other relatives scattered around the states in the military I’ve been able to sample a lot of regional grocery stores. While I’m still fond of Giant Eagle, (”Iggle”) in my home state of PA, Louisiana-based Rouse’s is my hands down favorite. It is a meat lover’s wet dream and a vegan’s nightmare.