Kroger‘s Atlanta Division hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration Oct. 2 to unveil renovations at the Royal Lakes Kroger Marketplace at 4025 Winder Highway in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
The renovation represents a $2 million capital investment and brings the division’s 2026 investment in Hall County to $52.7 million, which includes the opening of a new Marketplace in Oakwood and renovations of the New Holland and Royal Lakes Marketplaces.
The remodel includes a new floral kiosk, an updated culinary kiosk and Murray’s Cheese shop, updated bakery tables and cases, new meat and seafood fixtures, new check lanes and self-checkout area, and fully remodeled restrooms, District Manager Bryon Owens told attendees.
“This grand opening celebration would not be possible without their vision and commitment to making this area the best in class for every customer we serve,” Owens said, recognizing the division’s executive team, including Division President Monica Garnes, who attended the ceremony.
Community partnerships
Victoria Boone, communications and public affairs manager for the Atlanta Division, highlighted Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment, noting the division rescues about 300,000 pounds of food each month through local food bank partners, with the food going directly to families in need. Contractors diverted more than 95 percent of construction waste from landfills during the renovation project.
During the ceremony, Kroger recognized its Partners in Education — Chestnut Mountain Elementary School, C.W. Davis Middle School and Flowery Branch High School — along with food rescue partner Hopewell Baptist Church and local officials.
Strategic location
“This site was not selected randomly. This was a very thought-out, methodical process when Kroger first located here,” said Oakwood City Manager B.R. White, who thanked Kroger on behalf of the mayor and council for choosing the site that straddles Oakwood and Flowery Branch.
White noted the population within a mile of the site has grown from about 4,000 when Kroger first located there to just under 8,000, with daily traffic past the store climbing from 30,000 to nearly 40,000 trips.
“When we’re here, we’re always greeted friendly, and this competes with Disney as being the most happy place in the world,” he added. “Thank you for everything you do to support our community and our citizens, and we wish you continued success.”
Store Leader Richie Taylor introduced the store’s leadership team and recognized 10 associates, himself included, with 25 or more years of service with Kroger, several of them with more than 30 years.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to our customers for allowing us to serve you in this community and giving us the opportunity to provide you a fresh, friendly and wholesome food environment,” said Taylor, who has been with Kroger for 28 years.
Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes stores in Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina, employs 27,000 associates.
Related: New Oakwood Marketplace Showcases The Best Of Kroger