Kroger’s development projects, by the numbers:

• $32 million. The total dollars spent on interior remodels.
• 2. The number of new fuel centers.
• 100. The number of stores in the region (including Lexington, Louisville, Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana, and Eastern Kentucky) that received at least minor updates.
• $80 million. The projected total spend to complete projects in 2024 — making Kroger’s investment into regional stores a total of $170 million in 2023 + 2024 combined.

What’s new

• Improved flow + reduced wait time at checkouts
• Pickup order expansions
• Updates in the fresh produce section (Fun fact: Kroger is good for local growers by being the state’s largest Kentucky Proud purchaser.)
• More grab and go options in the Meat, Seafood, and Deli sections
• New Starbucks and kiosk updates
• Expanded bakeries and delis
• Building improvements as needed, including new roofs, new refrigeration systems, updated restrooms, floor rejuvenation, building sign replacements, and new parking lots

Which stores got updates in the Lexington area?

• 4225 Harrodsburg Rd. (new fuel center)
• 170 Bellerive Blvd.
• 4750 Hartland Pkwy.
• 150 W. Lowry Ln., Suite 190

• 212 Kroger Wy.

• 300 Kroger Center

• 1650 Bryan Station Rd.
• 1600 Leestown Rd., Suite 150

• 200 East Brannon Rd.

• Blues Traveler | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 8-11 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St., Lexington | $49.13 | The hook brings you back to see this iconic 1990s rock band for its rescheduled show.

• Holiday Open House | Friday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 12 | Times vary | Feather Your Nest Antiques & Vintage, 1317 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | Celebrate 22 years of this local vintage shop with discounts, snacks, hot apple cider, and a chance to win a store gift certificate.
• Kids Night Out | Friday, Nov. 10 | 6-8 p.m. | CREATE Studio, 212 Woodland Ave., Lexington | $35 | Drop the kids off with their favorite Squishmallow and give them a chance to explore art-making activities, eat pizza, and hang with new friends.

• Community Tree Planting | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Oakdale Apartments, 2445 Mulundy Way, Lexington | Free | Enjoy free food and kids activities while helping the environment by planting new trees.
• 3rd Annual Luminaria and Memorial Walk | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 6-7 p.m. | Camp Nelson National Monument, 6614 Danville Rd., Nicholasville | Free | Take a guided walk to see 100+ luminaries glowing in memory of the refugees that were expelled from the camp in the 1860s.

• Nurse Blake: Shock Advised Tour | Sunday, Nov. 12 | 8 p.m. | Singletary Concert Hall, 405 Rose St., Lexington | $45.81-$90.19 | Hear the hilarious first-hand accounts of this nurse-turned-comedian.

• UK announced that Rupp Arena’s basketball court will get a makeover, including a team logo at midcourt, wood stain outline, and perimeter borders that will be painted that iconic Kentucky blue. Changes are expected to be completed by the men’s UNC-Wilmington game on Saturday, Dec. 2. (UK Athletics)

• Now that the election is over, you might be wondering what to do with those yard signs. Since they aren’t recyclable, starting today until Tuesday, Nov. 21, the city’s Division of Environmental Services has teamed up with various businesses to invite people to drop their signs off so they can be repurposed.

• Thanks to a partnership with Kentucky Utilities and FCPS, students with the Bluegrass Youth Sustainability Council recently unveiled new, 30-watt poly-crystalline solar panel-powered benches at Leestown Middle School. So far, there are nine benches at various schools around the city, which also include USB charging ports.

• You better not pout, because SantaCon is coming to Lexington for the holiday season. Join fellow jolly folks on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Bourbon on Rye for a night of seasonal fun, drinks, and other activities — just don’t forget your red suit.

• DV8 Kitchen co-founder Rob Perez was named a 2024 AARP Purpose Prize Award Fellow, which honors leaders working to create a better life for their community. Through the award, DV8 will receive $10,000 that will go towards continuing its mission of employing people recovering from substance use disorders.

• Divvy out the Thanksgiving responsibilities this year by signing the kids up for a cooking class. Children ages 5-17 are invited to the Dunbar Community Center today from 5 to 6:30 and try their hand at baking a pumpkin pie. Registration is required.

• Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends by running or walking together in the YMCA of Central KY Reindeer Ramble on Saturday, Dec. 9 at scenic Keeneland. Join a fun, festive community tradition while raising money for the YMCA. Pro tip: Costumes are encouraged, holiday cheer is required. Register here.*

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• Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning
• Central Music Academy
• FoodChain
• Gleanings Housing
• Goodwill
• Lexington Hearing & Speech Center
• Lexington Housing for the Handicapped
• Living Arts & Science Center
• Mission Lexington
• New Life Day Center
• Shepherd’s House
• YMCA