Kroger invests $5 million in renovations at two Jackson locations, $10,000 for nonprofits

In a citywide celebration, the Jackson community and Kroger executives gathered at two Kroger locations to recognize the company's $5 million investment in renovations and donations to local nonprofits.

The day's festivities on June 25 began in the morning at Kroger Lynwood on North Parkway with a second celebration at Kroger on Stonebrook Place in the afternoon.

Both Kroger locations now have brighter lighting, expanded meat and bakery departments, more fresh food, and local favorites on the shelves.

A newly renovated walk-up pharmacy photographed during the Grand Re-Opening of the Kroger on 41 Stonebrook Pl in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

The Kroger at Stonebrook Place now has a new drive-thru pharmacy, Private Selection sushi, and is also equipped with improved meat and bakery departments and better lighting.

Kroger Lynwood saw a $2 million investment in renovations, while Kroger Stonebrook saw a $2.9 million investment.

Kroger Delta Division President Michael Cristal says the goal is to improve the shopping experience of customers and provide "fresh food for everyone."

Kroger Delta Division President Michael Cristal speaks during the Grand Re-Opening of the Kroger on 41 Stonebrook Pl in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

"When a customer comes into our store and they grab a banana, whether it's this location or the other two locations, that banana should be fresh," Cristal said.

"That ground beef should be fresh. That gallon of milk should have 10 days on it before it even expires. When we say fresh for everyone, there's two words in there that are most important; it's fresh and everyone. It doesn't matter where you are or where you shop at."

at the Kroger on 41 Stonebrook Pl in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

At both locations, employees who have worked more than 20 years were honored for their long-term employment.

At the first store, all employees recognized had a combined total of more than 300 years of service, while at the second Kroger location, the combined long-term employment reached more than 600 years.

"Any time you've been at a company for 20-plus years, I think it's a big deal," Kroger Lynwood's Store Leader Josh Elam said.

"Usually, you would think that someone who would be there for that long would slack off, but no, they're dedicated and always on point."

Reinvesting in the community

In addition to the store improvements, Kroger invested $10,000 across three of Jackson's nonprofit organizations.

At the morning celebration, the Regional Inter-Faith Association received $5,000 to assist in sponsoring their annual Canstruction fundraising event. Here, art structures made of canned foods will be judged and donated back to RIFA to support their hunger initiatives.

"This store [Kroger] is an important part of this community, RIFA also is a very important part of this community," RIFA Executive Director Lisa Tillman said.

"We have been around since 1976, fighting hunger both physically and spiritually, and we could not do what we do without the investment from community partners like Kroger."

at the Kroger on 41 Stonebrook Pl in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Five years ago, Kroger launched its Zero Hunger, Zero Waste Foundation five years ago, aiming to end hunger in the communities they serve.

In the last three years alone, Kroger's Delta Division has provided more than 7 million meals to organizations and has opened a number of food pantries in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Kentucky.

"It doesn't matter where you live, we all deserve fresh food," Cristal said.

Later in the day, the Dream Center and Youth Town each received $2,500 to fund their respective programs.

Youth Town and Kroger executes pose for a photo as Kroger donates $5,000 to the organization during a Grand Re-Opening Celebration at the Kroger on 41 Stonebrook Pl in Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Youth Town offers residential treatment for mental health and substance abuse to adolescents ages 13 to 17. Youth Town CEO Nicholas Summer shared that on July 1, the organization will open an outpatient facility aimed at treating individuals ranging from age seven to adults.

The Dream Center, a transitional housing facility for women and children, has been a pinnacle of service in the Jackson community since 2003. Last year, the Dream Center assisted more than 607 individuals through its program, half of whom were children.

"Everybody needs a fresh start every now and then, just like Kroger is getting a fresh start today," Dream Center Executive Director Gail Gustafson said.

Customer deals in honor of grand reopenings

At all three Kroger locations in Jackson, including the West University Parkway location, deals will be available to customers as part of the city-wide celebration.

When a customer spends at least $50, they'll receive 400 fuel points, or when they spend $125, they'll receive $10 off a single order.

In preparation for the Fourth of July, discounts on meats and various items will also be available.