As the largest supermarket chain in the US, Kroger operates under 28 different names across different states.
These stores under the Kroger family are located in 35 states, including California. If you are wondering what Kroger is called in California, I have done my research, and here is what I found out!
What Is Kroger In California In [currentyear]?
In California, Kroger operates under three banners; Ralphs and Food 4 Less, primarily located in the Southern California region, and Foods Co, prominent in Northern California as of [currentyear]. Because of these stores, Kroger has a solid presence in the state. These stores are part of the Kroger family and operate like traditional Kroger supermarkets.
Read on for more information about Kroger in California and the brands it operates in the state!
What Is Kroger Called In California?
Out of the 35 states, Kroger operates in California as Ralphs, Food 4 Less, and Food Co. These stores are a subsidiary of Kroger, acquired by Kroger as part of the expansion plan.
Further, here’s how each of the stores operates!
Ralphs
Kroger acquired Ralphs in 1998 since the brand was already part of Fred Meyer.
After this merger, Kroger became one of the largest supermarket chains because Ralphs operated several stores across the country, especially in Southern California.
As of March 2022, there were 189 Ralph locations in the US, and most of them were located in California, which increased Kroger’s dominance in the state.
Moreover, although Kroger recently closed some Ralphs stores due to pay issues, Kroger still holds a majority share in the supermarket sector thanks to the stores like Ralphs.
In addition, since Ralphs is primarily located in California, it’s well known in popular culture. For instance, Universal Hollywood has a Ralphs grocery store located in Beverly Hills.
In 2021, Ralphs made a total revenue of $120 million from the sale of products. Therefore, the store contributes to the overall profit of the Kroger brand.
Food 4 Less
Food 4 Less was acquired by Kroger as part of the merger with Ralphs. That said, Food 4 Less merged with Ralphs in 1995.
By adding Food 4 Less to its portfolio, Kroger expanded its presence, as this store is in different locations across the U.S., specifically in Southern California, Nevada, Illinois, and Indiana.
Additionally, customers can access Food 4 Less services via the website, such as coupons, shopping online, store locator, and online food orders.
Foods Co
Kroger operates as Foods Co in the Northern California region because it’s bound by an agreement between Nuggets Market Inc and Falley’s.
With that, Foods Co stores operate like traditional Kroger supermarkets and offer great benefits to the customers.
Also, customers can shop, pick up and request delivery from the app. Apart from food products, Food Co stores have pharmacies to refill your prescriptions.
In addition, these stores have gift cards that customers can use to buy products at a lower price.
What Other Names Does Kroger By?
On top of Ralphs, Food 4 Less, and Foods Co, Kroger also owns several other stores, including:
- Harris Teeter
- King Scoopers
- Fred Meyer
- Roundy’s
- Baker’s
- QFC
- Dillion Companies
- City Market
- Home Chef
- Smith’s
- Metro Market
Operating in 35 states across the US, this publicly-traded company earns revenue from sales and operations from all its subsidiaries.
That said, Kroger has about 2,800 grocery retail stores operating under the Kroger family in different states, making it the biggest supermarket chain in the country.
Therefore, you’ll find Kroger stores operating under these banners in different locations. However, the operations are similar for all the stores under the Kroger family.
How Much Does Kroger Pay In California?
If Kroger in California employs you, the salary will vary depending on your job title.
According to reported salaries on Indeed.com, customer service associates and cashiers make $12.10, grocery associates earn $12.47, and stocking associates make $19.05 hourly.
Additionally, front-end associates make $11.48 per hour, and retail sales associates earn $17.25 hourly.
Can You Use A Kroger Card At Ralphs?
If you live in California and have a Kroger gift card, you can use it at Ralphs or Food 4 Less because both stores are part of the Kroger family of companies.
However, you can only use the card for in-store purchases and not online transactions. In addition, you can check with the Kroger associates if they accept these cards.
How Many Employees Does Kroger Have In California?
Kroger employs about 420,000 individuals across all its stores. Out of these, about 27,000 work at Ralphs, and Food 4 Less has more than 1,300 employees.
However, the number of employees in the state has reduced after Kroger closed two California stores due to the pay increment requirement by the city.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on what is Kroger Marketplace, Kroger vs Publix, and does Meijer own Kroger.
Conclusion
In California, Kroger operates under three banners; Ralphs and Food 4 Less, primarily located in the Southern California region, and Foods Co, prominent in Northern California.
That said, these stores are part of the Kroger family of stores and operate like traditional Kroger supermarkets.
Therefore, you can use your Kroger gift cards to shop at Ralphs, Food 4 Less, or Food Co and earn loyalty points and rewards if you live in California.
