Kroger was founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bernard Kroger used his life savings to open a grocery store after working in retail. The business developed through a focus on controlling food production and distribution, including early investments in bakeries and manufacturing facilities.
The company is now one of the largest supermarket operators in the United States. Kroger has operated under its own name and through regional banners, which can sometimes make its corporate identity less obvious to shoppers. It is distinct from Albertsons, Publix, and other large supermarket groups.
Kroger’s Cincinnati origin is central to its corporate history. The company’s growth reflects the broader development of American chain grocery retail, where centralized purchasing and distribution helped stores offer consistent products at competitive prices.