Kroger Reaches 2,000 Fuel Centers

CINCINNATTI — Sixteen years after it started selling gasoline at supermarket fuel centers, The Kroger Co. hit a major milestone this week with the opening of its 2,000th fuel center location.

Kroger actually opened three new fuel center locations this week — in Abingdon, Va.; Decatur, Ga.; and Louisville, Ky. — which brought the Cincinnati-based company's total to 2,000.

"Our fuel program is so convenient, so easy, and offers so much value that our customers love it," said Mike Ellis, Kroger's president and chief operating officer. "More fuel center locations make it easier than ever for our loyal customers to save."

Kroger now operates 1,275 supermarket fuel centers and 725 convenience stores with fuel. Combined, the company sells fuel in 37 states and is the third-largest owner/operator of fuel centers in the United States.

Customers earn one fuel point for every $1 in groceries purchased, redeemable at nearly all Kroger supermarket fuel centers and convenience store locations. The company operates c-store fuel locations in 19 states under five banners: Kwik Shop, Loaf 'N Jug, Quik Stop, Tom Thumb and Turkey Hill Minit Markets.  

The retailer also offers additional ways to save, including via gift cards that earn double points, the purchase of qualifying prescriptions, and participation in Kroger's Customer 1st Survey.

Kroger has been selling gasoline at its convenience store locations since 1983. It began selling gasoline at supermarket fuel centers in late 1998. By 2004, the company operated 500 supermarket fuel locations, and that count grew to 1,000 in 2010. Today, Kroger operates supermarket fuel centers in every retail store division within the company.