The Kroger Co. has opened a 52,000-square-foot urban format store in the downtown area of its hometown of Cincinnati. The location offers the company's first food hall, called On The Rhine Eatery.

The food hall includes Cincinnati restaurants Django Western Taco, DOPE! Asian Fare, Eli's BBQ and Queen City Whip, as well as Kroger's 1883 Cafe and Bar concept.

"Kroger is thrilled to introduce our first food hall and offer a one-of-its-kind shopping experience in our hometown of Cincinnati, providing a convenient location to experience delicious, quality meals and foods. This innovative destination highlights Kroger's food-first culture," says Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Kroger's new store offers something for everyone. We invite all to visit the store to meet our wonderful associates, shop for fresh groceries and discover their new favorite restaurant."

The new two-level Kroger store features grab-and-go and ready-to-heat meals for lunch and dinner, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables and a traditional grocery shopping experience. The store offers an exclusive Starbucks coffee blend as well as a walk-up window for beverage orders. Located in the city's central business district and accessible to downtown workers and residents as well as customers from the historic Over-the-Rhine and West End neighborhoods, the store anchors an 18-story residential high-rise and is located a block away from Kroger's national headquarters.

On The Rhine Eatery can accommodate up to 200 customers and offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as a full-service bar, offering signature cocktails, local beers, tasteful wines and Kentucky bourbons. 

"On The Rhine Eatery features emerging restaurants and true tastes of Cincinnati – all handpicked by Kroger's culinary team to create a popular hangout for meals, cocktails and community," says Teri Rose, Kroger's senior director of culinary development. "Cincinnati is Kroger's hub for culinary innovation and experimentation, and the food hall is an example of the types of concepts and ideas we're creating every day."