Murray’s Cheese, a New York institution founded in 1940, has been sold to grocery giant Kroger for an undisclosed amount. Rob Kaufelt, Murray’s former owner and president, will serve as a strategic adviser.
“We’re excited to ensure this iconic cheese shop will remain a part of the Kroger family for many years to come,” said Kroger chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen in a press release.
The two companies first teamed up in 2008, when Kroger added Murray’s Cheese shops inside select stores. By mimicking the shopping experience in Murray’s Greenwich Village flagship, Kroger customers were given access to hundreds of cheeses, as well as accompaniments such as charcuterie and olives. Over the past nine years, Murray’s Cheese has trained thousands of Kroger cheesemongers and certified cheese professionals and built a presence in 350 Kroger stores nationwide.
“I’m proud that we’ve been able to maintain the spirit and service of a mom-and-pop neighborhood shop amidst our growth into the national market,” said Kaufelt in a release. “I am pleased to pass the torch to our able staff, who will carry Murray’s into the future.”
Nick Tranchina will stay on with Murray’s Cheese in New York as Executive Vice President and report to Daniel Hammer, Kroger’s vice president of culinary development and deli/bakery merchandising.
“We look forward to learning from the very talented team at Murray’s and working together to grow the business and build the iconic Murray’s brand,” said Hammer in a release.
In case loyal customers of Murray’s two Manhattan shops are concerned about the acquisition, a spokeswoman tells culture that they “will not see any changes. Murray’s is still Murray’s, and we will continue to operate our business as we always have.”
Feature Photo Credit: Murray’s Cheese
Alyssa Kim
Alyssa is culture's former Web Editor. Raised in Mass., she's excited to be back in her home state after six years of working in journalism and TV production in NYC.
