What Is the “Deli of the Future”?
Kroger is rolling out a new prototype called the “deli of the future” in its upcoming Marketplace store in Edgewood, Kentucky. This isn’t just a typical deli case, but a fully reimagined foodservice experience designed to blend elements of restaurant dining, neighborhood delis, and ready‑to‑eat grocery convenience.
Key Features
- Size & Layout: The deli section will span 6,500 square feet, which is about three to four times larger than a standard Kroger deli.
- Open Kitchen & Seating: Customers will be able to see food being prepared in an open kitchen format, with high‑top and counter seating built in to encourage dine‑in or casual lingering.
- Menu & Variety: Expect made‑to‑order sandwiches built around house‑roasted meats, homestyle side dishes, a Murray’s Cheese station and a Private Selection by Snowfox sushi offering. There will also be grab‑and‑go meals and heat‑and‑eat options.
The Bigger Picture
- The Edgewood store is 101,000 square feet and is replacing a smaller Kroger in nearby Erlanger, Kentucky.
- Total investment in the store (including the deli concept) is estimated at $25 million.
- The opening date is set for today, September 19, 2025.
Why It Matters
- Competing on Experience: As grocery shopping becomes more experience‑oriented, the deli of the future aims to offer more than just products – it offers ambiance, quality and transparency (you see the food prepared, more premium offerings).
- Capturing Meal‑Time Dollars: By expanding its ready‑to‑eat, made‑to‑order, and prepared food offerings, Kroger is tapping into the portion of consumer spending that traditionally goes to restaurants and fast food.
- Potential Prototype for Expansion: This concept is described as a “prototype” by Kroger, suggesting that its success could lead to similar deli/foodservice formats being included in future stores.
Challenges & Considerations
- Execution: Larger foodservice sections require more operational overhead – staffing, training, freshness and quality control – all of which are more complex at this scale.
- Customer Adoption: Will customers see value in the premium deli and dine‑in experience within a grocery store? Can Kroger deliver consistency?
- Cost vs. Return: A $25 million investment and a large space dedicated to deli must generate sufficient traffic and sales to justify the expense.
Kroger’s “Deli of the Future” in Edgewood represents a significant experiment in combining retail grocery with foodservice in a more immersive, upscale format. If it works as intended, it could set a new standard for how grocers balance convenience, quality and experience in their prepared‑food offerings.
