Kroger investing millions in central Ohio, including two new stores

Kroger is opening two more stores in central Ohio and renovating plenty more as part of a $112 million investment.

The “record breaking” funds are meant to “support shoppers and grow communities” in both central and northwest Ohio through 2026, according to a Kroger press release.

“These investments underscore Kroger’s confidence in the long-term growth of our communities and our ongoing commitment to meet customers where they live, work and shop,” said Jon Young, president of Kroger’s Columbus Division, which covers central Ohio, Toledo, Michigan and West Virginia. “By bringing new Kroger Marketplace locations and enhanced shopping experiences to our cities ranging from central Ohio to Toledo, we’re focused on creating convenient, modern stores that deliver fresh, affordable groceries for local families.”

On March 19, the company broke ground on its newest store in Canal Winchester. Construction is continuing at Kroger’s Delaware site at 1650 Sunbury Rd, and the 123,000-square-foot store is expected to open in early fall of 2026. According to Kroger, it will create more than 220 local jobs and brings a $33 million investment to Delaware County, one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

The Delaware location is “bringing the company’s most modern grocery experience to the community,” with “enhanced” produce, deli, meat and seafood offerings, a dedicated sushi counter, specialty cheese shop, as well as an expanded apparel section and on-site fuel center.

The Canal Winchester store will be 118,000 square feet and also feature a fuel center, and is slated to open in late fall of 2026. It’s a $30 million investment and will create around 250 jobs, according to Kroger.

Renovations are underway

Approximately $24 million will be spent on renovations for these 15 existing locations:

• Brewers Yard
• Dublin
• Gahanna
• Lambertville
• Lancaster
• New Albany
• Pataskala
• Reynoldsburg
• Sylvania
• Toledo
• Waterville
• Weirton
• Wheelersburg
• Wheeling
• Worthington

Renovations will differ by store needs and will likely include new product cases, improved restrooms and new decor, among other projects.

Currently, the Kroger Columbus Division employs nearly 18,000 people across the division’s stores in Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia.

Business and consumer issues reporter Samantha Hendrickson can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com