CINCINNATI -- Supermarket and convenience-store retailer The Kroger Co. is launching a new smaller-format urban fresh-food concept called Main & Vine, reported The Cincinnati Business Courier.
It will use the expertise the company recently acquired with its acquisition of Milwaukee-based Roundy's Inc.--with that deal, it also acquired the Mariano's urban-format grocery stores in the Chicago area--to open a new store brand focused on fresh produce, food preparation advice and high-quality prepared foods in metropolitan Seattle, said the report.
The chain’s website says “Our Gig Harbor Main & Vine market is opening soon.”
It promises “fresh, affordable local produce and meat; a wide selection of local beer and wine; unique culinary experiences and taste adventures, with tasty meals made fresh in our kitchen; and so much more.”
The new chain's logo, according to its Facebook page, is an ampersand; in March, West Des Moines, Iowa-based convenience-store chain Kum & Go rolled out a new brand initiative featuring an ampersand.
Kroger will debut the Main & Vine banner in the town of Gig Harbor, Wash., the report said.
Kroger, the nation’s largest operator of traditional supermarkets, already runs Quality Food Center and Fred Meyer supermarkets in the Seattle area.
Kroger CFO Mike Schlotman said when Kroger announced the Roundy’s deal that Kroger could use Mariano’s expertise to add urban-format stores in markets around the country.
Kroger has yet to officially announce the new Main & Vine concept.
While he would not provide additional details, Kroger spokesperson Keith Dailey told the newspaper, “We are always testing new innovations and concepts for our customers.”
Cincinnati-based Kroger has 2,774 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia under two-dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, Mariano's, Pick 'n Save, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 786 convenience stores, 326 fine jewelry stores, 1,360 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants.
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