Publix no longer offering free slice of deli meat

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FORT MYERS, Fla.  It’s the end of an era.

Publix has ended a long-standing practice of giving customers complimentary slices of deli meat when they place orders at the deli counter at some stores, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Publix deli workers would often give the customer the initial slice to examine the thinness or thickness of the meat.

“We are piloting a change in a few dozen delis in Central and Southwest Florida to create a more natural exchange between our deli clerks and our customers,” said Brian West, media relations manager at Publix.

Employees at those stores will instead greet customers with a “slice of the week” cheese instead.

However, West did confirm that there is a way around this new rule for those who are desperate for a taste of that turkey.

“If the customer would like a free sample, they just need to ask the associate. In fact, customers can always ask for a sample of any item we have. That’s one of the best ways to introduce our customers to new things,” West told the Times.

It’s unclear which stores will be affected.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.

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