In 1883, Bernard Kroger open in Cincinnati, Ohio, and since then the Kroger has evolved into the largest supermarket operator in America. It runs over 2750 supermarkets across 35 states and prides itself in being a household name for incredible service, variety of products, and value.
Here is the a complete and simplified list of the companies owned by Kroger, categorized for easy understanding:
Traditional Grocery Stores
Kroger’s core business revolves around regional grocery stores offering fresh produce, private-label products, and essential household items.
| Brand | Founded | Acquired by Kroger | Stores | Locations | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kroger | 1883 | N/A | 1,274 | Nationwide | Flagship brand offering groceries, fresh produce, and household essentials. |
| Ralphs | 1873 | 1998 | 465 | California | A major supermarket chain serving customers in Southern California. |
| King Soopers | 1924 | 1983 | 118 | CO, WY | Regional chain offering fresh produce, meat, and pharmacy services. |
| Dillons | 1913 | 1983 | 63 | Kansas | Midwest grocery chain known for private-label bakery and dairy products. |
| Fred Meyer | 1922 | 1999 | 130 | WA, OR, ID, AK | Hypermarket combining groceries, clothing, and home goods in one location. |
| Smith’s | 1911 | 1999 | 143 | AZ, UT, NV, NM, WY, MT | Known for its groceries and pharmacy services, including bulk discounts. |
| City Market | 1924 | 1983 | 35 | CO, UT, WY, NM | Local favorite offering fresh, regional produce and essentials. |
| Gerbes | 1933 | 1983 | 6 | Missouri | Small-town chain providing groceries and everyday products. |
Discount and No-Frills Stores
These stores focus on affordability, offering lower prices with a streamlined shopping experience.
| Brand | Founded | Acquired by Kroger | Stores | Locations | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food 4 Less | 1977 | 1988 | 101 | CA, IL, IN | A no-frills store where customers bag their own groceries for savings. |
| Foods Co | 1977 | 1998 | 20 | Northern California | Operates as a low-cost subsidiary of Food 4 Less in specific areas. |
| Ruler Foods | 1998 | 2018 | 50 | IN, IL, KY, MO, OH | Discount stores offering Kroger-brand products at competitive prices. |
| Pay-Less | 1947 | 1999 | 9 | Central Indiana | Affordable grocery chain focused on budget-conscious customers. |
Upscale and Premium Stores
Kroger’s premium grocery stores offer high-end products and cater to urban and affluent markets.
| Brand | Founded | Acquired by Kroger | Stores | Locations | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariano’s | 2010 | 2015 | 44 | Illinois | High-end grocery chain offering fresh seafood, sushi, and gelato stations. |
| Metro Market | 1872 | 2015 | 21 | Wisconsin | Upscale grocery stores with a focus on fresh and premium food options. |
| Harris Teeter | 1936 | 2013 | 258 | Southeastern U.S. | Premium grocery chain known for fresh prepared foods and top-notch service. |
Regional Grocery Stores
Regional grocery serves in local communities with tailored offerings, competitive prices, and a focus on fresh and local products.
| Brand | Founded | Acquired by Kroger | Stores | Locations | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker’s | 1927 | 2001 | 11 | Omaha, Nebraska | Community-focused grocery chain offering fresh and local products. |
| Pick’n Save | 1872 | 2015 | 92 | Wisconsin | Regional chain offering affordable groceries and weekly deals. |
| Jay C Food Store | 1862 | 1999 | 64 | Southern Indiana | Known for competitive prices and strong ties to local communities. |
| QFC | 1955 | 1998 | 59 | WA, OR | Community-friendly grocery stores offering fresh produce and local goods. |
Specialty Stores and Services
These brands go beyond groceries, offering unique services and products in niche markets.
| Brand | Founded | Acquired by Kroger | Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Chef | 2013 | 2018 | Meal Kits | Delivers pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for convenient home cooking. |
| Kroger Health | N/A | N/A | Health Services | In-store clinics and pharmacies offering healthcare and wellness products. |
| Kroger Manufacturing | N/A | N/A | Food Production | Produces private-label products to ensure quality and affordability. |
Conclusion
Kroger’s family of brands brings shoppers a variety of choices when it comes to the brands they trust and love from high-end stores such as Mariano’s to lower-income chains like Food 4 Less to regional stores such as City Market. This article explains how each store meets the unique needs of its customers, making sure Kroger offers convenience to millions of people across the United States.