Kroger renovation represents $5.1 million local investment

Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE Snip goes the ribbon to reopen the remodeled and expanded Greencastle Kroger store Friday morning as Manager Ralph Akers and the store’s longest-serving employee, Lisa Smith, who started in 1977, do the ceremonial honors with the scissors.

A nine-month expansion and renovation project at the Greencastle Kroger store culminated Friday morning in a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Store Manager Ralph Akers was joined by the longest-serving Greencastle Kroger employee Lisa Smith -- whose 39-year tenure started at Kroger in 1977 at the North Jackson Street store now occupied by Dollar General -- in cutting the ceremonial ribbon on a grand re-opening that marks a $5.1 million investment in the community.

“This store is the latest example of the Kroger Co.’s commitment to customers all over Indiana,” Kroger spokesman Eric Halvorson, the former Indianapolis TV newsman, noted. “Kroger has invested more than $5 million to refresh this building and enhance the shopping experience for our customers in Putnam County.

Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE Greencastle Kroger store Manager Ralph Akers thanks customers for their patience during the eight-month renovation and expansion project and promising the refreshed facilities will all be worth it.

“This will be an even better place to shop before your holiday parties,” he suggested, noting a larger variety in the deli with more hot foods and the addition of sushi, along with an expanded bakery, complete with a new gourmet dessert case.

The project, which began in March and continued through November, has also included doubling the size of the pharmacy, expanding the floral section and enhancing the variety of natural foods available.

The store stayed open throughout the project, which often necessitated moving departments and display areas almost nightly.

Banner Graphic/Eric Bernsee Congratulating Kroger officials on their renovated and expanded facility, Greencastle Mayor Bill Dory addresses the Friday morning gathering marking the official grand reopening of the local store.

“We hope you’ll take the time to tour the store and find your own favorite new additions,” Halvorson said before turning the podium over to Akers, the Greencastle store manager.

“I want to thank all the customers who stuck with us through the hard times to make this happen,” Akers said. “I’m not a native, but Greencastle rocks.

“I’ll make you a promise,” Akers added. “You’re going to love this store ... and we may even do some things to surprise you. I think you’re going to be very happy with this beautiful store.”

Greencastle Mayor Bill Dory also addressed the gathering, noting Kroger’s longtime presence in the community, starting with a store on the courthouse square, moving to the North Jackson Street location in 1956, on to the site at the north edge of town (now occupied by Mark Timm’s Cottage Garden enterprise) around 1980 and finally to its present spot (on the old Schultz’s Family Store location) at 821 Indianapolis Rd. in the early 1990s.

“Thank you for the investment in the community,” Dory told Kroger officials. “Thank you for the employment opportunities, including those for high school kids, many getting their first job opportunity.”

Akers said counting the planning stages, the project itself was about two years in the making. It marks his fifth remodel to go along with two new store openings as a Kroger manager.

As he was nearing retirement, Akers told the Banner Graphic wasn’t sure he wanted to tackle another such project.

“They asked me if I wanted to do another remodel, and I said, ‘I don’t think so.’ But they said, ‘It’s Greencastle.’”

Akers had been here a few times before helping out and loved the community and the Kroger team.

“I said, ‘Oh, I’ll do Greencastle.’ It’s a great team and a wonderful community.”

He proceeded to introduce his core team to the customers and Kroger officials assembled for the ribbon-cutting, bringing out Myles Stringer, operations assistant manager; Steve Lesko, merchandising assistant manager; Ashley Brown, human resources assistant manager; Denise Mcallister, administrative manager; Stephanie Nelson, front end manager; Jody Hinkle, pharmacy manager; Angela Ward, grocery manager; Mark Hernandez, frozen food manager; Jeff McVeigh, meat; Lisa Smith, food service manager; Sabrina Taylor, produce; and Jennifer Strange, fuel; along with Susy Hinman and Robby Phillips.

Kroger also used the occasion to present a number of donations to local organizations, including $1,000 each to the Putnam County Humane Society and the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry.

One of those on hand to accept the Food Pantry donation was Dale Jessup, who coincidentally worked for Kroger for 35 years, including 30 years in Greencastle when he was manager at both North Jackson Street sites as well as the current location when it opened.

“I worked at some other stores after that,” Jessup said, recalling how small the first Jackson Street store was when he arrived, “but it was at least 30 years in Greencastle. That doesn’t happen very often.”

Kroger officials noted the Greencastle remodeling is an assurance that Kroger intends to “remain the local grocery store for Putnam County and beyond.” It is at 70 years and counting now in Greencastle.

The Kroger Co. has been serving local communities for 133 years. The Kroger Central Division has 137 food stores, 115 pharmacies and 97 fuel centers operating under three banners, Kroger, Owen’s and Pay Less.