Kroger Continues Fuel Push

LOS ANGELES -- Food 4 Less, a California chain of supermarkets operated by Cincinnati-based Kroger Co., yesterday held the grand opening of its first fuel center in the parking lot of the Food 4 Less supermarket in the San Fernando Valley community of North Hills.

"We are excited to open our first Food 4 Less Fuel Center in North Hills," said Dave Hirz, president of Food 4 Less Stores. "We know our customers are busy and we believe our new Fuel Center provides one more convenience to the one-stop-shopping experience at our North Hills Food 4 Less store."

Hirz said Food 4 Less has plans to open two more fuel centers in the area over the next 24 months.

The new Food 4 Less Fuel Center features five multiple-pump dispensers, along with convenience store staples such as soft drinks, tobacco products, lotto tickets and candy.

Earlier this month, Kroger opened it 300th fuel center at a supermarket in League City, Texas. The company, which operates 3,200 stores including 800 convenience stores under brands such as Tom Thumb Food Stores, Kwik Shop and Loaf 'N Jug, expects to have more than 350 supermarket fuel centers open by the end of 2002.

"Supermarket fuel is a natural addition to Kroger's one-stop-shopping strategy," said David Dillon, Kroger president and chief operating officer. "Our fuel centers offer customers unmatched convenience and value while allowing Kroger to build on many years of experience selling gas through most of our convenience stores."
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