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The Kroger Co. has opened its biggest "Fresh Fare" store yet and plans more of the stores aimed at luring eat-at-home and natural foods shoppers.
The store features high-end meats and seafood, gourmet cheeses and natural and organic foods, as well as chef-prepared meals to take home, besides the usual array of grocery items.
The 82,000-square-foot store that opened in the suburban Cincinnati area yesterday is the first of its kind in Kroger's home region. Kroger expects to open one in Dayton, Ohio early next year with others being planned. The concept began with Kroger's Ralphs stores in California, and has grown to 83 such stores.
Kroger officials think the stores will do well because people are cutting back on restaurants and on spending in specialty food chains.
