Smyrna Kroger Opens For Business

A little less than a year after ground was broken, the new 93,000 square-foot Kroger Marketplace store opens Wednesday morning at The Crossings at Four Corners. The store will anchor the 153,000 square-foot development project at the corner of South Cobb Drive and Concord Road.

“We’re excited that Kroger is here and hoping this is a good start for things to happen on South Cobb,’’ said Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon.

The store is set to officially open for business at 7 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new Kroger is expected to create about 100 jobs for the Jonquil City as well bring an array of amenities and services.

“Current and new Smyrna Kroger associates are looking forward to this day and the opportunity to get further acquainted with our customers,” said Daniel Thurman, manager of the Smyrna Kroger. “We welcome residents to tour the fourth largest Kroger store in Georgia and enjoy the various activities and events we have planned.”

The Fuel Center was open and busy with business on Tuesday. A Fifth Third Bank will be located inside the Kroger and other features of the new store include a Starbucks, expanded deli/bakery departments, bistro and in-store dining, soup and salad bar, expansive meat/seafood department, expanded natural food department, drive-thru pharmacy, extensive general merchandise department, and a floral department.

The new store replaces the nearly three-decade-old, 42,000 square-foot store Kroger that was located across the street.

“Our existing South Cobb Drive Kroger store served the Smyrna community for 28 years,” said Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We are proud to open this new location – and bring new jobs to the community – as we continue to serve our loyal customers with more convenient amenities.”

Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature the Campbell High School drumline. During the ceremony, Kroger will also recognize five local schools, including , , , and , to welcome its partners in education.

Today's celebration will also include family-friendly activities such as late afternoon appearances by a balloon artist and the Freddie the Falcon mascot. According to the flyer distributed to area residents, a free item will be given to the first 100 customers every day through Sunday. Each day will feature a different item.

As the Kroger opens its doors today, Tri-Land Properties Executive Vice President Hugh Robinson hopes it will kick-start the arrival of more businesses tenants within the development. Tri-Land is the Westchester, Ill., commercial real estate development company heading up the project.

“We’ve got leases negotiated for four in-line stores and two out-line parcels,” said Robinson. “It’s been a little slow, but we expect that to change now that Kroger is up and operational.”