Publix quietly reverses course on open carry in stores

• The reversal comes as the grocery store giant dropped to fourth on the country's most trusted grocery ranking.

The intrigue: The company has made no announcement — the Tampa Bay Times was the first to report the change.

• Asked by Axios if open carry was still permitted in stores, the chain's online chatbot responded: "Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores."

Catch me up: In September, an appeals court ruling deemed a state ban on the practice unconstitutional.

• Business owners were still allowed to ask those bearing arms to leave, and many said they would — including Winn-Dixie, Walmart and Sam's Club.
• In October, Publix announced it would allow for open carry in its stores, arguing the company followed federal, state and local laws.

What we're watching: Whether Publix issues a public explanation for its changed position.