Kroger – Company Overview & Family of Stores

About Kroger

The Kroger Company, founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger, is one of the largest retail chains in the United States. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company has grown over more than 140 years into a household name, serving millions of customers every day.

As of mid-2025, Kroger operates approximately 2,731 supermarkets and multi-department stores across 35 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. On a typical day, Kroger serves nearly 11 million customers through its diverse store formats, pharmacies, fuel centers, and digital platforms.

Kroger by the Numbers (2025)

• Supermarkets & Multi-Department Stores: ~2,731
• Manufacturing Plants: 33
• Fuel Centers: ~1,642
• Pharmacies: ~2,270 (fulfilling ~262 million prescriptions annually)
• In-Store Clinics (“The Little Clinic”): 225
• Jewelry Stores: 127
• Employees: ~409,000 associates
• Daily Customers Served: ~11 million

   

Latest Update (2025): Kroger is realigning its store network—closing about 60 underperforming locations over 18 months while opening at least 30 new stores in 2025 to focus on stronger markets.

Kroger Family of Companies

Kroger operates under a family of well-known local and regional banners, ensuring strong community ties while benefiting from national scale.

Key subsidiaries and store banners include:

• Ralphs – Southern California’s trusted supermarket chain.

   

• King Soopers – Serving Colorado and Wyoming with fresh groceries.

   

• Fred Meyer – Multi-department superstores offering groceries, apparel, and home goods.

   

• Smith’s Food & Drug – Popular across the western U.S. for groceries and pharmacy services.

   

• Harris Teeter – Known for premium products and customer service across the Southeast.

   

• Mariano’s – Chicagoland favorite offering specialty items and gourmet selections.

   

• Fry’s Food & Drug – Serving Arizona with full-service supermarkets and pharmacies.

   

• Pick ‘n Save – A Wisconsin-based banner focused on fresh and local.

   

• Metro Market – Wisconsin’s upscale supermarket experience.

   

• Food 4 Less & Foods Co. – Warehouse-style stores delivering low-price groceries.

   

• Dillons – A trusted banner in Kansas and nearby states.

   

• QFC (Quality Food Centers) – Operating in the Pacific Northwest with quality-focused groceries.

   

• Gerbes – Missouri-based stores offering everyday essentials.

   

• Jay C – Indiana-based neighborhood supermarkets.

   

• Pay Less Supermarkets – Affordable grocery shopping in Indiana.

   

• City Market – Mountain states’ supermarket with a focus on fresh produce.

   

• Baker’s – Nebraska’s community grocery brand.

   

• Roundy’s – Midwest division covering Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market.

   

• Ruler Foods – Discount format stores delivering everyday value.

   

• Fred Meyer Jewelers – Jewelry stores located inside Fred Meyer superstores.

Why Kroger Stands Out

• Scale + Local Flavor: Nearly 2,800 stores nationwide, but each banner maintains a local identity.
• Healthcare Services: One of the nation’s largest retail pharmacy operators, with over 2,270 pharmacies.
• Fuel Rewards: More than 1,600 fuel centers, integrated with loyalty programs.
• Commitment to Innovation: Digital shopping, delivery, and AI-driven personalization continue to expand.

Quick Facts About Kroger

• Founded: 1883
• Founder: Bernard Kroger
• Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Ticker Symbol: KR (NYSE)
• Employees: ~409,000 (2025)
• Market Cap (Aug 2025): Nearly $49 billion