Kroger marked the completion of remodeling projects at two stores this month, a $1.7 million investment in Greencastle, Indiana, and a $2.7 million investment in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Greencastle store team and Kroger executives gathered for a morning ribbon-cutting Aug. 21 to mark the completion of that project, which gave the 30-year-old building a refreshed look and a new layout intended to make it easier for customers to move from department to department.
Tony Brown, VP of Kroger Central Division, described the renovated setting as a showcase for “features and upgrades that make the store more convenient and comfortable, and which showcase the new everyday low prices available across the store.” He also praised the dedication of the associates as “the heart and soul of Kroger in Greencastle.”
“Our goal,” Brown said, “is to design a shopping experience that keeps people coming back for memorable meals, Monon Bell celebrations and whatever they need for fun family moments.”
The Monon Bell is the trophy in the annual football rivalry between Greencastle’s DePauw University and nearby Wabash College, a November tradition in the community since 1890.
Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar called it “a great day for Greencastle,” describing the renovation as “more than a fresh coat of paint.”
“It represents confidence in Greencastle’s future. It represents a commitment to the families that call this community home,” Dunbar said. “When a company like Kroger chooses to reinvest in our city, it says they believe in our people, our growth and our future and we are grateful for that belief.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, a longtime resident of Putnam County, and state Rep. Beau Baird, son of the congressman, attended the event. Both described themselves as regular Kroger shoppers. Beau Baird, who represents the county in the Indiana House of Representatives, commended the store associates.
“The pride you see from your staff really means something,” he said. “Thank you for your investment in your team and thank you to your team for what they do.”
Two associates earned recognition at the celebration. The team honored deli manager Lisa Smith as the associate with the longest tenure among the store’s 100 associates. This will be her 49th year with the company. Since she could not attend the event, Kroger honored the next most senior associate, produce clerk Clem Moran, who has spent almost 42 years with Kroger. Each received a commemorative framed certificate and Kroger gift card. Moran also helped corporate leaders cut the ribbon at the end of the celebration.
The store team presented $2,500 in Kroger gift cards to the Putnam County Non Food Pantry of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, which provides lunches and essential household supplies often not covered by benefits from traditional hunger relief programs. The contribution is part of Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan. Since launching the concept in 2017, Kroger has given more than $1 billion to hunger relief services across the country, which includes 582 million pounds of surplus fresh food rescued and donated to feed Americans in need. Through Kroger’s nationwide partnerships, the plan has had a role in the delivery of more than four billion meals.
In Little Rock, Kroger held a grand reopening ceremony Aug. 12 at its store at 14000 Cantrell Road, an outdoor event celebrating associates and the community. Mayor Frank Scott Jr. helped celebrate the investment. 
Improvements throughout the store included updated decor, an expanded five-deck deli department, a new meat and seafood service case, a new dairy island, an upgraded Murray’s Cheese Shop and three additional self-checkout stations.
Kroger donated $10,000 to the Arkansas Food Bank in support of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste mission and $5,000 to Project Zero, which works to find homes for children in the Arkansas foster system. The company also recognized 15 associates with 20 to 40 years of service.
“Kroger is devoted to the Little Rock area. Part of that commitment is making sure our stores are modern, inviting and offering a full, fresh, and friendly experience to every customer, every time,” said Kroger Delta Division President Micheal Cristal. “I am especially proud of the investments we’re making in non-profits in the area as it supports our purpose to Feed the Human Spirit.”
The Cantrell Road location is one of 93 stores managed by the Delta Division. In the past three years, the division has invested more than $130 million upgrading stores from Little Rock to Memphis, Tennessee, Jackson, Mississippi, and into Kentucky.
The Greencastle remodel is part of a broader year for Kroger Central Division, where the value of 2026 construction and remodeling projects exceeds $200 million across the four Midwestern states the division serves – Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio.