Pros
I had the greatest baker manager (@ Publix in Paradise Shopping Center). He had been with the company for a long time and was more than willing to teach you whatever you wanted to learn. Ernie was also very good to his employees and worked very hard to create balanced work schedules to suit everyone and their personal lives. In my years there, I started as an inexperienced sales clerk and eventually worked up to learning how to become a baker and also attended their cake decorating training. The company is employee owned so there is a wonderful stock given to the employees even if you don't put money into it.
Cons
As with a lot of places, sometimes the people can make or break your experience. It used to be a company that cared about you and your family life...now it is all about the number. The DM that is there now preaches alot about Publix customer driven policies and being courteous....but I know from experience that isn't how he really is...matter of fact I was just in the store the other day and do you think he even turned around to say hi or offer any assistance to me (guess he doesn't consider me a customer???) Funny thing is I am on very good standing with the company and have the option to come back....They truly overwork there department manager and a lot of the store mgrs. are down right disrespectful to their employees even going as far as to yell or curse them out. The whole vibe of the company had changed dramatically over the years...but when its all about the money that is generally what happens.