The Kroger Co. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 30 for its new Kroger Marketplace along College Station Road in Athens, Georgia.
“The College Station Kroger Marketplace represents our pride in the University of Georgia, its faculty and students and the diversity and vitality of the community. It also represents our commitment to those in the communities surrounding Clarke County,” said Victor Smith, president of Kroger’s Atlanta Division.
At more than 126,000 square feet, the store represents a $36 million investment. In keeping with Kroger’s commitment to building Zero Hunger | Zero Waste communities, Kroger contractors and partners were able to recycle more than 93 percent of construction waste to prevent it from going into landfills.
In addition to standard departments such as bakery, deli, floral, meat and fresh produce, the store features a Starbucks, Murray’s Cheese, sushi and culinary kiosk, apparel and kitchen place.
It also includes a pharmacy with a drive-thru and The Little Clinic. Customers at the clinic have access to services such as physicals and wellness screenings, vaccines and tele-health. It also can diagnose and treat many common illnesses and minor injuries.
The store’s design includes a mural by Joseph Norman, an art professor at UGA, and the “Color the World Bright” team. The fuel center, which is in the second phase of construction, is expected to open in 2026.
The grand opening featured the UGA Redcoat Alumni Band, Cedar Shoals High School Band, Hairy Dawg, Krogis, Kroger leadership, community partners and elected officials.
Kroger honored its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste partners, as well as the store’s partners in education, Barnett Shoals Elementary School, Hilsman Middle School and Cedar Shoals High School.
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