After all the construction, lane closures, equipment and talk, the new Kroger is scheduled to open March 20 at 7 a.m. According to store manager Linda Hurst, this is a proud moment for everyone, especially her.

"It is wonderful to see a beautiful, new, upscale store open in a community that truly deserves it."

Hurst knows a thing or two about Kroger openings. She started with Kroger 30 years ago as a part time cashier. Since then she has been the opening store manager for the original Richmond Hill Kroger, store manager at the Landings location and opened the Berwick store.

Now, opening store manager for the 77,500 square foot establishment, she thinks this one is the nicest of them all. "The whole store is just beautiful."

The project was designed by Kroger engineers and brought to life by the stay-on-site construction team of R.W. Smith. It will boast new features such as a Starbucks and an expanded kitchen. There will also be an onsite gas station that is scheduled to open about a week prior to the store itself. The Heritage Bank will be making the move to the new location along with all the current store employees. The expanded features will support approximately 150 new employment positions.

The former location is scheduled to close its doors for the last time on March 19 at 10 p.m. In preparation for the closure, Hurst says they have already reduced the prices on most of its non-food inventory. The perishable food items will be reduced about three days prior to closing. According to Hurst, the only way these items could be transferred is with the same refrigerated Kroger trucks used for delivery. The labor and expense involved would outweigh the benefit of selling it off. The regular items and non-perishable grocery goods will be relocated to the new location.

Hurst has high hopes for opening day. A ribbon cutting is being planned for 10 a.m. with a variety of events planned throughout the day.