Kroger Opens 44th Michigan Fuel Center

HAZEL PARK, Mich. -- Kroger opened its 44th Michigan fuel center in Hazel Park. To celebrate the grand opening, Kroger Plus Card holders will receive a 10-cent-per-gallon discount on gasoline today through Sunday.

The latest opening is part of Kroger's aggressive growth plan for the state, according to a Daily Tribune report. In 2007, the company had approximately 20 fuel centers in Michigan. Following a review of its gasoline and food revenue, it increased land acquisition and construction, resulting in 10 to 15 new fuel centers now being in the works at any given time, said Kroger spokesman Dale Hollandsworth.

"It takes a tremendous amount of cooperation with local municipalities, landlords and other stores in shopping centers," said Hollandsworth. "There are a lot of check-offs to make this happen."

Hollandsworth estimated that the cost of the Hazel Park location "reached seven figures."

Kroger operates approximately 1,015 fuel centers and 2,460 stores nationwide. "I can't go anywhere without someone asking when will my store get a gas station," Hollandsworth added. "I had people in Ferndale telling me they can't wait for the one in Hazel Park to open because they drive by it on their way from Sterling Heights."

At this weekend's grand-opening festivities, customers will have the chance to win gift cards, in addition to the fuel discount. A radio station also will broadcast from the location, according to the newspaper.