The grocery landscape in Nashville is set to shift with the upcoming closure of the Belle Meade Kroger store, currently located at Belle Meade Plaza Shopping Center on Harding Pike. In a move announced by Kroger management, the store is scheduled to shut its doors on January 31, 2025. The closure is a consequence of the sale of the shopping center in 2023, necessitating a relocation for the longtime grocery establishment, according to information provided by WSMV.
With the closure looming, Kroger has highlighted the continued service to the community, noting, "Customers are encouraged to shop at nearby Kroger locations, including the Green Hills store at 2131 Abbott Martin Road and the West Nashville store at 5705 Charlotte Pike, or conveniently through Kroger Pickup and Delivery, which offers the same products at the same low prices," in a media release captured by WSMV. Sonya Hostetler, Nashville Division President, emphasized the company’s commitment to both its customers and employees stating, "In addition to providing new opportunities for our associates, we will continue to invest in our existing stores, refresh facilities, evaluate product offerings, and deliver value to enhance the shopping experience for all of our customers."
As reported by NewsChannel5, the departure of the Belle Meade Kroger, which has served the community since 1978, is opening the door for a major redevelopment project in the area. This plan includes the construction of apartments, a hotel, a shopping area, and ample green space, seeking to rejuvenate the aging commercial district.
Moving forward, the site's transformation is expected to reshape the corner of White Bridge and Harding Pikes significantly, a project backed by the initial plans approved by the Nashville Planning Commission, this includes nearly 400 condos and apartments, 80,000 square-feet of commercial space, and 78 hotel rooms, with green space, public walkways, and parks dotting about 60% of the project site as pointed out by developer AJ Capital Partners, the approach is designed to modernize the area while respecting community parameters which means the westernmost building can’t go above five stories along Harding Pike and to alleviate any potential traffic increases associated with the development, the developer has been mandated to contribute funds to the Nashville Department of Transportation's traffic calming program, as detailed by a release elaborated on by WKRN.
Concerning the supermarket chain's employees, all 82 staff members of the closing store have been promised the chance to transfer to other locations within the Middle Tennessee region, ensuring the workforce a continued role within the company, according to WKRN's report.
