Berea to Get Second Walmart Before First Kroger
BEREA — City officials confirmed Thursday that a new Walmart Supercenter will be constructed on the west side of town, marking Berea's second Walmart facility and extending the city's record of successfully retaining the retailer it already had.
The announcement follows months of speculation that the current store may be experiencing structural settling. Officials declined to characterize the building as sinking but described the new development as “proactive.”
“This is strategic growth,” Council Member Brian Hensley said. “We're building the second one before the first one falls down.”
The decision has revived long-standing frustration over the absence of a Kroger grocery store, which withdrew from negotiations several years ago after the Berea City Council declined to allow alcohol sales at the proposed site.
During those meetings, council debate reportedly included multiple references to biblical standards, or lack thereof.
According to meeting attendees, one member cited Leviticus 10:9 — “Do not drink wine or strong drink” — while arguing that approving alcohol sales could “open the gates to moral erosion in Berea.”
Another reportedly referenced Leviticus 19:26 — “You shall not eat anything with the blood” — as evidence that the city should “exercise caution when partnering with the devil's grocery chains.”
A third council member allegedly warned that permitting alcohol could lead to “unclean commerce,” noting that Leviticus contains “very clear guidelines about mixtures.”
The motion failed and Kroger withdrew.
One year later, Madison County voters approved countywide alcohol sales, including within Berea city limits.
Alcohol is now legal in Berea and Kroger is not.
Council Member Hensley said past decisions were made “with the information and values available at the time.”
“We can't predict the future,” he said.
Residents say hindsight has been unusually clear.
“So we blocked Kroger to stop alcohol. Then the county voted wet. Now we have alcohol, a second Walmart, and no Kroger. Now that's what I call leadership.”— TYLER GRIGGS, LOCAL RESIDENT
City officials emphasized that the new Walmart demonstrates Berea remains attractive to national retailers.
The project will give Berea two Walmart structures — one new and one gradually settling — while residents continue driving to Richmond for Kroger's groceries, pharmacy services and fuel rewards.
Construction is expected to begin later this year.
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