Introduction
Kroger, one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States, is expanding its presence in Ohio with the opening of three new ghost kitchens. Ghost kitchens are restaurants that exist solely for the purpose of preparing and delivering food orders placed online or through a mobile app. These new locations will offer a variety of food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads. Kroger is hoping to capitalize on the growing demand for delivery-only restaurants, as well as provide customers with more convenient access to their favorite meals. With the addition of these new ghost kitchens, Kroger is continuing to innovate and provide customers with the best possible experience.
Kroger Is Opening Three New Ghost Kitchens In Ohio
Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, is expanding its presence in Ohio with the opening of three new ghost kitchens. The new locations, located in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, will offer customers a variety of prepared meals and snacks, as well as delivery services.
Ghost kitchens, also known as dark kitchens, are commercial kitchens that are used exclusively for the preparation of food for delivery. They are typically located in areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping centers, but are not open to the public.
Kroger’s new ghost kitchens will offer a variety of prepared meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Customers will also be able to order snacks, such as chips, candy, and ice cream. The kitchens will also offer delivery services, allowing customers to have their orders delivered directly to their door.
Kroger’s expansion into Ohio is part of the company’s larger strategy to expand its presence in the Midwest. The company has already opened ghost kitchens in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, and plans to open more in the coming months.
Kroger’s move into Ohio is part of a larger trend of grocery stores expanding their delivery services. Many grocery stores, including Walmart and Target, have begun offering delivery services in recent years. Kroger’s move into Ohio is a sign that the company is looking to capitalize on the growing demand for delivery services.
Kroger’s new ghost kitchens in Ohio are sure to be a hit with customers looking for convenient and delicious meals. With the addition of these new locations, Kroger is sure to become a major player in the Ohio food delivery market.
Wouldn’t it be great if someone was making your dinner while you take your time shopping for groceries? Thanks to a crossover between fast food and grocery chains that’s taken off in recent years, this option is becoming a reality for thousands of Kroger shoppers.
The grocery chain, which began operating ghost kitchens at a handful of nationwide locations during the pandemic, just announced plans to add them to more of its stores. Dubbed “Mix Food Halls,” these restaurant-less kitchen operations will debut at three Columbus, Ohio, locations later this month. The new food options are coming to Kroger stores in Gahanna, Clintonville, and Dublin.
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As part of its ongoing partnership with Kitchen United, Kroger will bring at least six of 10 different restaurant chains to each location, including Nathan’s Famous, Hardee’s, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Nékter Juice Bar, and Pei Wei Asian Kitchen.
“We are always looking for new and unique ways to help our customers answer the ‘what’s for dinner tonight?’ question,” said Melissa Stimac, vice president of merchandising for Kroger’s Columbus Division. “The collaboration with Kitchen United is special because customers’ restaurant-quality meal will be crafted while they’re shopping for the fresh food and pantry staples their families need.”
Kroger shoppers can place these orders using in-store digital kiosks or through Mix Food Hall’s website or mobile app. Those who would like to order food from multiple restaurants can only order via Kitchen United’s platform.
According to Progressive Grocer, the first new ghost kitchen will open in Gahanna on Nov. 7, with Clintonville and Dublin’s ghost kitchens—which will also feature indoor seating—planned for the end of November.
Kroger and Kitchen United launched their first food hall at a Los Angeles-based Ralph’s back in January, which was followed by the opening of two more at Kroger supermarkets in Houston and Dallas.
Kitchen United isn’t Kroger’s only partner in its ghost kitchen efforts. The grocer first teamed up with ghost kitchen operator ClusterTruck to pilot a meal delivery service in 2019. After deciding to discontinue it, the companies opened two in-store ghost kitchens—one in metropolitan Indianapolis, and another outside of Columbus, Ohio—in October of 2020.
Brianna Ruback