I know what you mean. I used to shop at Harris Teeter and loved it, because it was so much nicer than Kroger. I've lived in some towns with crap for grocery stores (think IGA, Piggly Wiggly), and I've lived in a town with some really great grocery stores. Publix is a real treat compared to some, and just average, compared to others.
I spent some time in the Charlotte area, where they had some really nice brand new Harris Teeters. I still think they were the best "big chain" groceries I've used. And our Publix is a lot nicer than some of the, shall we say, well used ones I've found in south FL. It really does depend on the individual store as much as the chain.
And the buy 1 get 1 free thick sliced Smithfield Bacon. 


She now looks goofier than usual!