Kroger to Open Second Fresh Fare Location in Southwest Ohio

A Kroger supermarket in Dayton, Ohio is poised to become the city's first Fresh Fare location, according to a published report. The first Fresh Fare store in southwest Ohio is located in Kroger's hometown of Cincinnati.

The Dayton Business Journal reported that the store will close Feb. 1 for renovations, and remain closed until the summer, but no completion date has been set as yet.

The revamped store will offer an expanded perishables section, more chef-prepared meals, a wine cellar and wine-tasting area, and a coffee shop.

The company said no further Fresh Fare stores were planned in the near future. Kroger spokeswoman Rachel Betzler told the paper that the grocer "wanted to get a little feedback, [s]ee how it goes."

The 130 employees at location to be renovated will be placed temporarily at other nearby locations until the renovations are completed. The store expects to hire more employees after it reopens.

The first Fresh Fare concept store appeared under Kroger's Ralphs banner in Los Angeles. Kroger next opened Fresh Fare stores in Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia.

Kroger operates over 2,400 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states.