Auburn's Kroger has a special place in the hearts of Auburn students. To put it simply, many will not be surprised to find out that it is the winner of the Plainsman’s Choice award for the best grocery store — and has been since 2018.
“It’s a thing. Auburn Kroger is just a thing.”
This phrase is passed down to incoming freshmen. Upperclassmen reminisce on the days it was open 24/7. It’s the place many go for game day food or late night snacks.
What is it about Kroger? Why has it been Michael-Jordan-poster-slam-dunking on all of its competition for best grocery store since 2018?
For starters, the only beef anyone has with Kroger is from the fresh meat section. Seriously, the store has a variety of organic foods — and it’s all still affordable.
“Kroger runs” are essential to the identity of many an Auburn student. The location is convenient; the prices fit the bill; and the selection of food will never disappoint.
"Kroger has a large section of healthy packaged foods and has a good variety of gluten-free choices," said Olivia New, freshman in pre-nursing.
Some students with allergies have trouble eating on campus, but Kroger has one of the biggest allergen-free sections in town, with allergen-free products in every department. When appetizing allergen-free food is nowhere to be found, Kroger is a safe haven.
Everything a college student needs can be found at Kroger. From fresh meals-to-go to last-minute birthday party supplies, from kitchen appliances to childhood snacks, Kroger truly has it all — even a Starbucks.
It even has a gas rewards program for its members; they earn “fuel points” every time they get groceries. Customers get benefits for buying things they need.
Perhaps the reason Kroger has engulfed its competition for the best grocery store is that it encapsulates every reason for a grocery store to exist. Auburn students believe in Kroger and love it.
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Sami Grace Donnelly, junior in English literature, began writing for the Plainsman in the Fall of 2021. She has served as a columnist, the Opinion Editor and is now a writer abroad during her exchange program in Spain.
