Kroger celebrated the completion of a major remodeling project April 23 at the 1607 Broadway in Pekin, Illinois, which invested nearly $2.2 million to make shopping easier.
The ribbon-cutting event marked the end of renovations at the store, which has served the Pekin community for 30 years.
Mike Goodwin, president of Kroger Central Division, said the upgrades were designed with shoppers in mind.
“The remodeling reflects the changing needs and interests of our customers,” Goodwin said. “We added features and upgrades that make the store’s layout more appealing than before while preserving the affordable quality of food Kroger is known for.”
Goodwin said the company’s history in the region runs deeper than the store itself.
“This store has served Pekin for 30 years, but Kroger roots here date back more than a century, so we have deep connections to the community,” Goodwin said.
“We’ve been the source of everything from countless daily family dinners to the essentials for special events. We want everyone in central Illinois to remember they can rely on Kroger for whatever they need to create fun and memorable celebrations.”
Pekin Mayor Mary Burress framed the investment as an endorsement of the community’s trajectory.
“Today is about something simple, but powerful: confidence in a community,” Burress said.
She said the project sends a clear message that Pekin is growing, Pekin is strong and Pekin is worth investing in.
“It’s about jobs for our residents, convenience for our families, and a better experience for every customer who walks through those doors,” Burress said.
Honoring a long-tenured associate
Kroger employs 124 associates in Pekin. One earned special recognition during the ceremony.
The company honored inventory receiver Tony Bennett for 46 years with Kroger, making him the store’s longest-tenured associate. He received a commemorative plaque and a Kroger gift card for his years of caring for customers. Bennett also helped corporate leaders cut the ribbon at the end of the celebration.
Supporting local hunger relief
The morning event also provided an opportunity to support Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan, the grocer’s national commitment to hunger relief.
Pekin store leader Josh Marshall joined other members of the Kroger team to present $5,000 to Midwest Food Bank.
Melanie Tennell, Midwest Food Bank marketing director, said the contribution strengthens the organization’s ongoing work.
“We’re truly grateful for this partnership,” Tennell said. “When a community comes together like this, it creates something lasting, care that reaches people in a real and meaningful way. It’s a blessing to serve alongside partners who share that commitment.”
Broader hunger relief commitment
Kroger created the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan in 2017 to eliminate hunger in the communities it serves.
Since then, Kroger has given more than $1 billion to hunger relief services across the country. That total includes 582 million pounds of surplus fresh food rescued and donated to feed Americans in need.
Through Kroger’s nationwide partnerships, the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan has had a role in the delivery of more than 4 billion meals to serve struggling families throughout the year.
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