Kroger in Oxford is happy to be flourishing in the No. 1 tailgating market in America right now, but their devotion to this area predates the Rebels recent success.
“At Kroger we love successful football teams,” said Chuck Priest, Kroger Customer Communications and Marketing in Memphis. “Obviously, football success in Oxford has driven tailgating and any serious football fan who hasn’t been to the Grove yet has probably put that experience on their bucket list. Our associates and management team at Kroger’s Oxford location are extremely proud to be part of the community and you will find our folks involved in community support from the first grade-level all the way to the prestigious university they support.”
How has Kroger been part of the Oxford’s fabric for decades?
Kroger purchased “Bower’s Grocery” from an investment company in 1928, thus beginning the relationship between Kroger and the town. The Oxford location was one of 114 stores that Kroger purchased, along with the Piggly Wiggly stores in Memphis, that year.
The New Kroger Grocery and Baking Company store operated just off the Square for several years and eventually moved to South Lamar Blvd. The store remained in the Lamar location until July 14, 1959. A new Supermarket version of the store opened at 1400 University Avenue on that date, where Ace Hardware is located now.
That was the Kroger site until Nov. 11, 1967, when it moved to 1936 University Avenue. These stores changed along with technological advances in the industry.
When Kroger moved to 1911 University in November 1976, they installed deli/bakery counters, full-service meat cases and a larger produce department with refrigerated islands. That was the location until Kroger opened its current store at 2013 University Avenue.
The history of Kroger in Oxford has truly been a family affair and has spanned 86 years and many generations. One of Kroger’s managers at the current store, Greg Patterson, recently found out that his great grandfather was one of our first Kroger meat cutters when meat cutting operations was brought into supermarkets decades ago.
What sets Kroger apart from other grocery stores? “It’s the friendly service of our associates who are determined to offer fresh, quality items whenever a customer walks in, be it 6:30 a.m. or 10:30 p.m.,” Priest added. “We’re fully aware that folks in Oxford can go to other grocery providers in town but the excellence and eclectic variety of our produce, meat, and deli and bakery items we offer really sets us apart. Customers can get the item they’re looking for an be assured that it’s fresh.”
Andy Knef is editor of HottyToddy.com. You can contact Andy about this story at Andy.Knef@hottytoddy.com.
Kroger in Oxford Offers Fresh Quality in Center of Tailgate Universe
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