COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Kroger Co.’s convenience store division has unveiled its newest small format store, Fresh Eats MKT, and will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, May 19.

“Fresh Eats MKT is a fresh, new way to shop,” said Jeff Parker, president of Kroger’s convenience store division, which includes the company’s small format stores. “We look forward to serving customers and offering fresh products, friendly service and convenient shopping in a way we’ve never done before.”

Fresh Eats MKT features made-to-order foodservice from its Fresh Eats Kitchen and includes mobile/online ordering and indoor/outdoor seating.

The small format store also offers a larger assortment of fresh products than area convenience stores, including fresh produce, meat, bakery and dairy as well as a wide selection of wine, beer and bulk nuts, mixes and candy. A drive-thru Kroger pharmacy, Starbucks, two Coke Freestyle machines and fuel pumps round out the offering.

Parker added that while the convenience store, pharmacy and fuel markets are very competitive in Columbus, the launch of this new banner fills an important need.

Kroger’s c-stores and small format division employs more than 10,000 associates who serve customers in 784 convenience stores in 18 states under six local banner names: Fresh Eats MKT, Kwik Shop, Loaf ’N Jug, Quik Stop, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill Minit Markets.