A hilarious prank caught TV viewers off guard during a local news segment about a Publix grocery store opening in Walton, Kentucky.
What started as a routine interview with a customer turned into a viral moment that has left people in stitches.
The Unexpected Joke
While covering the grand opening of a Publix store, the reporter spoke with a man who claimed he had been waiting in line since 4 AM to grab one of the store’s popular deli sandwiches.
However, instead of giving his real name, the man introduced himself as “Jack Mehof,” a clear nod to a cheeky and inappropriate joke.
Somehow, the joke flew under the radar of the editors, and the segment aired with the prankster’s not-so-subtle name intact.
The man, who claimed to be from Florida, went on to praise the famous Publix subs and explained how he had brought his friend along to try them for the first time.
Viewers React to the Mishap
It didn’t take long for viewers to catch the sexual innuendo. Clips from the broadcast quickly spread online, with people taking to X (formerly Twitter) to roast the TV station for missing such an obvious joke.
One user applauded the prank as “brilliant,” while another questioned how the editors could have missed it in the first place.
Publix’s Growing Popularity
The prank occurred during the opening of Publix’s new location in Walton, part of the chain’s efforts to expand beyond its Florida roots.
Publix, founded in 1930 and based in Florida, has built a strong following across the Southeast U.S., with its iconic “pub subs” – customizable sub sandwiches – earning a loyal fanbase.
The sandwich chain has become so popular that it even has a subreddit dedicated to its offerings, with fans sharing their love for the Florida-born subs.
“The best part of Florida is the chicken tender pub sub,” one shopper posted enthusiastically.
Expanding Beyond Florida
Publix’s rise in popularity has been reflected in recent customer satisfaction surveys, where it outperformed big-name competitors like Meijer, BJ’s Wholesale, and Kroger.
The chain now has nearly 1,400 locations, with 877 of those in Florida.
As part of its expansion plan, Publix has started to open stores further north, including in Virginia and Kentucky, signaling its growing influence beyond its home state.
What began as a simple broadcast about a grocery store opening quickly turned into a viral moment, all thanks to one prankster’s timing and creativity.