Grocery store openings in Lexington and Central KY

These curated articles share updates on new grocery store openings and expansions in Central Kentucky, focusing on major chains like Publix and Kroger Marketplace.

Lexington's south side welcomes a second Publix at the Fountains of Palomar, featuring larger bakeries and delis, a Pours cafe with customer seating, and a variety of ready-to-eat options such as a burrito bar and fresh popcorn flavors. This Publix is larger than its Citation Point counterpart.

A new BJ's Wholesale Club will join Central Kentucky's membership-based grocers next summer, competing with Costco and Sam's Club.

Additionally, a new Kroger Marketplace opens on Newtown Springs Drive.

Read more about the latest developments in the grocery store scene below.

Interior of the new Publix grocery store, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 3855 Fountainblue Lane in the Fountains of Palomar shopping center at the intersection of Harrodsburg Road and Man o’ War Boulevard in Lexington, Ky. The 55,701 square foot store is bigger than Lexington’s first Publix location at Citation Point, which opened March 5 with 46,791 square feet. By Brian Simms

NO. 1: LEXINGTON’S SECOND PUBLIX IS OPENING. SEE HOW THIS GROCERY STORE IS DIFFERENT

Get ready to sip on beer and grocery shop. See what else is different at the new Lexington store. | Published June 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton Brian Simms

Sierra Trading Post has one store in Kentucky, in Florence and is about to open its second location in Paducah on Nov. 23.

NO. 2: ATTENTION, HAMBURG SHOPPERS: NEW STORES, CONCEPTS COMING TO SIR BARTON WAY

A sister brand of TJ Maxx is now open in Hamburg specializing in active and outdoor retail items. The storefront has two new neighbors set to also open in the next few months. | Published June 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Piper Hansen

A development plan is being filed for a new Kroger Marketplace at 760 Newtown Springs in Lexington, Ky. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 3: LEXINGTON’S 3RD KROGER MARKETPLACE IS IN DEVELOPMENT. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?

The Marketplace is set to open in spring 2026, joining existing locations on Beaumont Centre Circle and Richmond Road. | Published July 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jake McMahon

BJ’s Wholesale Club sits off of Watson Boulevard on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Warner Robins, Georgia. The new store is set to open this September. By Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

NO. 4: BJ’S TO JOIN CENTRAL KY’S BULK, DISCOUNT WAREHOUSE STORE SCENE. WHAT TO KNOW

Central Kentucky is getting a new members-only warehouse store. | Published August 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Piper Hansen

NO. 5: NEW KROGER MARKETPLACE NOW OPEN FOR CENTRAL KY SHOPPERS

Lexington’s newest Kroger Marketplace is open. | Published August 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Piper Hansen

The new Publix grocery store, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 3855 Fountainblue Lane in the Fountains of Palomar shopping center at the intersection of Harrodsburg Road and Man o’ War Boulevard in Lexington, Ky. The 55,701 square foot store is bigger than Lexington’s first Publix location at Citation Point, which opened March 5 with 46,791 square feet. By Brian Simms

NO. 6: ANOTHER PUBLIX IS COMING TO CENTRAL KENTUCKY. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

Central Kentucky is getting another Publix. | Published August 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Piper Hansen

Demolition of the former Kroger at 344 Romany Road makes way for construction of Lexington's newest Publix, which will be located in the city center of the Chevy Chase neighborhood, on September 9, 2025. By Tasha Poullard

NO. 7: THIRD LEXINGTON PUBLIX UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN CHEVY CHASE NEIGHBORHOOD

The forthcoming Publix in Lexington’s Chevy Chase neighborhood is under construction. | Published September 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Piper Hansen

Kroger says a merger with Albertsons Cos. is essential to remain competitive with the likes of Walmart, Costco and Amazon. By Michael Clevenger

NO. 8: NEW LEXINGTON KROGER STORE GETS FINAL APPROVAL. FIND OUT WHERE.

A new Kroger store is coming to Fayette County, further indication the Cincinnati-based chain is fighting back against new regional competitors. | Published September 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Beth Musgrave

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.