Kroger to open kosher store in Ohio

BLUE ASH, Ohio Kroger has reopened a store in Blue Ash, Ohio that will now place a special emphasis on kosher foods, according to reports.

The 8,566-square-meter store features kosher meats, deli/bakery items, groceries, dairy products and wines. Company officials said that a portion of the store had to be custom-designed to accommodate the kosher food preparation area.

The store will also feature a full-service kosher department which closes on Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath. Two full-time mashgiachs staff the store to ensure that Jewish dietary laws are followed.

"We've always sold extra kosher products at Blue Ash, compared with our other stores, so the decision was made to put in kosher beef and a full-service kosher deli," said Mark Koster, Kroger meat merchandiser. "We will also have kosher rotisserie chickens, kosher sushi and in-store kosher baked goods. We believe we'll draw customers from all around, as many kosher butcher shops in town have closed."