Ruler Foods

Ruler Foods is a grocery retailer that operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. The company was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing affordable, straightforward grocery shopping to communities across the Midwest. Ruler Foods started out serving shoppers in Indiana and Illinois, and over the years, it has grown to include stores in Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and Tennessee.

As of November 2025, Ruler Foods has reached a footprint of 50 stores. The brand specializes in smaller-format locations, typically found in existing retail centers and vacant anchor spaces. Stores focus on essential grocery items, offering a selection of private-label and national brands at competitive prices. The shopping experience is designed for efficiency, with customers bagging their own groceries and using shopping carts for a small deposit.

Over the past five years, Ruler Foods has continued to expand within its core Midwest markets, targeting secondary and tertiary communities where affordable grocery options are needed most. The company leverages Kroger’s supply chain and real estate expertise, which supports consistent product availability and operational stability. Ruler Foods does not franchise, and all real estate matters are handled by Kroger’s corporate real estate team.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Ruler Foods represents a stable and credible tenant with a proven discount format, backed by the financial strength and operational resources of one of the nation’s largest grocery companies. The brand’s focus on smaller stores and secondary markets positions it well for filling anchor and junior-anchor spaces in shopping centers, especially in areas seeking reliable grocery options. Ruler Foods maintains an active presence on social media and continues to pursue selective growth in its priority markets.