The first Kroger location in downtown Cincinnati since 1969 opened this morning to long lines of shoppers and appearances by city officials.

The Cincinnati-based grocer partnered with the city to build a 45,000-square-foot, two-story store as part of a mixed-used development. That project also includes an 18-story, 139-unit market-rate apartment tower and a 550-space parking garage. North American Properties, NorthPointe Group and Rookwood Properties are developers on the project, GBBN served as the architect and Turner Construction was the development’s general contractor.

Kroger says the store is meant to serve customers living in downtown, Over-the-Rhine, the West End and other nearby neighborhoods. The store has a bar, food court and other novel amenities. Among the perks are a walk-up Starbucks window for pedestrians on the Court Street side of the store. A second-floor food court features Eli’s BBQ, Django Western Tacos, Dope Asian Street Fare, Cincy Whip and Kroger’s own Kitchen 1883 Cafe and Bar.

Photos by Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
City and county elected officials and Kroger leadership cut a ribbon to signify the opening of the new Kroger on the Rhine location. Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
A large crowd outside Kroger on the Rhine waiting to shop in the new store Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
Mayor John Cranley touts the new Kroger location’s contribution to Cincinnati’s economic fortunes during remarks before the opening of Kroger on the Rhine. Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell
3CDC Development Director Katie Westbrook talks about the Kroger on the Rhine project and the 139 residential units above it that are slated to open in a few weeks. Mitchell Parton and Nick Swartsell