Kroger testing new downtown restaurant, grocery store option

Krogers new On the Rhine offers traditional grocery shopping on the first floor.

Krogers new On the Rhine offers traditional grocery shopping on the first floor.

The newest model of Kroger’s shopping experience, the food hall, opened in Cincinnati today.

Called On the Rhine, the new store concept mixes traditional grocery shopping with some of the most popular eateries in the city, according to a release. The downtown Cincinnati location will offer extra self-checkout lanes, grab-and-go and ready-to-heat meals for workers on the go and draw customers from the historic Over-the-Rhine and West End neighborhoods.

“Kroger is thrilled to introduce our first food hall and offer a one-of-its-kind shopping experience in our hometown of Cincinnati, providing a convenient location to experience delicious, quality meals and foods. This innovative destination highlights Kroger’s food-first culture,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Kroger’s new store offers something for everyone.”

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Django Western Taco, DOPE! Asian Street Fare, Eli’s BBQ, Queen City Whip and Kroger’s food restaurant concept Kitchen 1883 Café and Bar are all featured on the second floor of the food hall that anchors a residential high rise at Court and Walnut streets, according to the statement.

The first floor offers fresh fruit and vegetables, along with a traditional shopping experience, according to the statement.

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On The Rhine Eatery features emerging restaurants and true tastes of Cincinnati – all handpicked by Kroger’s culinary team to create a popular hangout for meals, cocktails and community,” said Teri Rose, Kroger’s senior director of culinary development. “Cincinnati is Kroger’s hub for culinary innovation and experimentation, and the food hall is an example of the types of concepts and ideas we’re creating every day.” 

The store will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will offer grocery delivery. Plans are in the works to add restaurant delivery, according to the release.

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