What Is Kroger? Everything You Need to Know

Kroger is many things. The pioneer of the on-site bakery. The largest florist in the world. The innovator of product testing. But, perhaps most obviously, Kroger is one of the biggest supermarket chains in the world. Despite not even having locations in all 50 states, Kroger’s grip on the state of the modern grocery store is tight as anything. Today we take a deep dive into the chain that will, frankly, soon own everything. Let’s get started! 

Who owns Kroger?

Though it was founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883, Kroger is currently owned by CEO and Chairman Rodney McMullen. McMullen literally started as a stock clerk at a Kentucky Kroger location and worked his way up. I thought that sort of stuff only happened in the movies! 

Who is Kroger merging with?

Kroger announced they were soon merging with Albertsons. Since they are the two largest grocery chains in the United States, this is a pretty big deal. A 25 billion dollar deal to be exact! This alliance was devised specifically to make the two stores more competitive with even bigger giants like Costco and Walmart, and is set to be completed by mid 2024. Personally, Albertsons is the grocer nearest to my place, so I use it a lot. I’ll do my best to try not to treat Kroger like a strange new stepdad figure. 

What stores does Kroger own?

Kroger owns, among others that we’ll talk about elsewhere in this article, Ralphs, Dillons, King Soopers, Fry’s WFC, City Market, Metro Market, and Pick ‘n Save. Anyone else picturing the Monopoly man right now?

Is Publix owned by Kroger?

Though I’m sure Kroger would love to take ownership of it, and expand their vast grocery empire, Publix is actually an employee owned and operated store, with no intention of selling to Kroger. They remain two separate entities, living to battle each other…like Batman and Joker. (You can pick who’s who.) 

Is Safeway Kroger?

Hmmm, well, technically, yes—it will be! That is, if the merger with Albertsons goes off without any problems! Safeway (along with Vons and Pavilions) is owned by Albertsons and if they get hitched, Kroger will also absorb Safeway. Pardon my tearing up, I always cry at weddings.

Is Fred Meyer Kroger?

Ah yes, speaking of weddings! Right you are, the Northwest-based jewelry chain Fred Meyer stores (with locations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska) joined forces with Kroger in 1998. However, the stores still bear the Fred Meyer name. Good for ol’ Fred sticking to his guns and keeping his name. 

Where is Kroger?

According to their website, Kroger has 1,237 stores across 16 states. So, if you happen to live in or are visiting (huge deep breath) Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia…well, then enjoy those classic Kroger everyday low prices! If you don’t live in those states, well, I’m sure we’ll write an article on your grocery store soon. We’ve got a lot of stuff to get to, here!

As you can see, Kroger is not only a grocery store chain, but it’s also a budding business empire. With so many mergers and absorptions in their wake, I wouldn’t be surprised if they soon bought my apartment building…which I suppose I wouldn’t mind too much, so long as I got to put my room in the cereal aisle. You know, for easy-access.