By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-31 05:21:35 | Updated at 2025-04-01 21:55:22
1 day ago
A prankster slipped an NSFW joke into a local news broadcast — and now TV audiences splitting their seams.
During coverage of a new Publix grocery store opening in Walton, Kentucky, a local television station interviewed an eager customer.
He had claimed he lined up at 4am to get one of the store’s signature deli sandwiches.
But the man didn’t give his real name. Instead, he introduced himself as 'Jack Mehof' — a not-so-subtle innuendo.
And somehow, the joke made it past editors and onto the air.
'I'm a Florida resident so I know Publix,' the supposed Mister Mehof told the station.
'Nothing compares to the Publix subs. I brought my friend out this morning, he hasn't been to a Publix before.'
It didn’t take long for viewers to catch the sexual gag.
A Publix shopper got away with making a lewd joke on local television
Clips of the broadcast began circulating online, with users on X – formerly Twitter – roasting the station for missing the obvious setup.
'Brilliant,' one person responded on the social media app.
Another X-user asked: 'How in the world did this get by the editors?'
The viral moment happened during the opening of Publix’s newest store. The company is trying to capitalize on its increasing popularity and expend beyond its Florida stronghold.
Publix's growing following
Publix, founded in 1930 and headquartered in Florida, has become a regional powerhouse across the Southeast.
The brand's infamous 'pub subs' – customizable sub sandwiches – are a classic in South East American culture.
The sandwiches have earned a devoted fanbase, inspiring its own subreddit.
Publix is one of the most popular grocery stores in Florida
The Florida-based company has gained popularity because of its customizable sandwiches
'The best part of Florida is the chicken tender pub sub,' one fanatic shopper said in a post.
Publix's offerings have catapulted it the list of national chains: it recently beat out major players like Meijer, BJ's Wholesale, and Kroger in a survey of grocery customer satisfaction.
Currently, the chain has nearly 1,400 locations. Florida is home to 877 Publix stores.
But the brand is expanding further north.
So far, it has opened locations in Virginia and Kentucky.
