Kroger sets opening date for new Northside Lexington grocery store on Newtown Pike

Work has officially begun on a new Kroger on Lexington’s Northside.

The Cincinnati-based grocery store chain broke ground Aug. 30 on a $40 million state-of-the-art marketplace at 760 Newtown Springs just off Newtown Pike, between the Amazon shipping facility and the end of Citation Boulevard.

With construction beginning, the new grocery store is expected to open in spring 2026, according to Kroger.

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The 123,000-square-foot store will have 476 parking spaces, gas pumps, a pharmacy with drive-thru, Little Clinic, an adjoining wine and liquor store, Murray’s Cheese Shop, Starbucks, Sushi bar, home goods and apparel sections as well as the fresh departments, according to a news release. There also will be spots for grocery pick-up.

Entry into the store property will be from Newtown Springs, according to plans approved by the city in February. At that time, Kroger said the store would be a $30 million investment into an area of the city considered a food desert. It’s unclear why the price tag has gone up to $40 million.

The storefront is part of a new development by RD Property Group based in Lexington that also includes a new Everhome Suites, a standalone Starbucks and an unnamed restaurant.

“RD Property Group has had a vision for Newtown Springs for over twenty years. Our goal is to bring amenities and convenience to the surrounding communities. We are thrilled by this major step forward with Kroger’s substantial investment that will improve the quality of life for so many,” said Jamie Wittman.

Kroger expanding as Publix opens in Lexington

Kroger’s decision to build a new store on Newtown Springs comes as the city is experiencing a boom in new grocery stores, particularly on the city’s northwest side. Residents there have long complained about having too few grocery store options in the area.

There are at least 11 other Kroger locations in Lexington already with larger Marketplace locations at Beaumont Centre and Richmond Road.

Lexington also is home to several other grocery chains including Meijer, Aldi, Target, Walmart, Sam’s, Costco, Crossroads IGA, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.

Florida-based grocery chain Publix has announced two stores in Lexington . The first Publix in the Bluegrass region will open in the new shopping center at Fountains of Palomar at Harrodsburg Road and Man o’ War Boulevard in late 2024. Another has been announced for the Citation Point development at Citation Boulevard and Georgetown Road, not far from the newly planned Kroger Marketplace.

A third Publix has been announced for Romany Road , and another is expected to be announced for Nicholasville . Publix also this week announced plans to open a store in Owensboro, its 11th Kentucky location.

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