LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Kroger hopes to turn years of losses at one of its Louisville locations into positive change. The company is investing $1.2 million in its store at 2710 W. Broadway.

“We need to work on keeping our checkout lanes shorter so people don’t have to wait in line,” said Shane Smith, Kroger’s district manager, “and keeping our parking lot cleaner.”

Of the 15 Kroger stores between Louisville and southern Indiana, Smith has heard a lot about the West Broadway location.

“I spend more time supporting this store than any other in my district,” Smith said.

Realizing that changing what was happening at the West Broadway store might require a new approach, Smith joined the Bishop’s Table, a diverse group of concerned citizens, city councilors, judges and police officers who work together to discuss problems and find solutions.

“I don’t feel like I’m out of my comfort zone here because Bishop (Dennis) Lyons and the congregation here have been so welcoming,” Smith said. “I couldn’t be more grateful than for the open arms they’ve extended to me.”

And what’s next? Kroger is not only investing $1.2 million in the West Louisville location, but also $500,000 in its employees. Starting salaries will be increased to $14.70 per hour for assistants and to just over $25 per hour for department managers.

“The Middletown Kroger is our highest-grossing store in all of Louisville, and now the Broadway store’s leadership team will earn as much as the people in Middletown,” Smith said.

Smith splits his time between other locations, so the familiar face at the West Louisville location is excited about what’s to come.

“There’s an opportunity to get better every day,” said Byram Muteshi, West Broadway store manager. “So you agree with me, right? And we’re going to do it together.”

Expect to see the changes at the West Broadway location next year.

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