Harris Teeter Trends Towards Expansion

Harris Teeter, the Kroger-owned grocery chain, has announced plans to open five new stores in the Southeast over the next couple of years. The new locations will be in Jacksonville, Florida; Kannapolis, North Carolina; and three in South Carolina including Clemson, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill. Each of the stores planned will feature upgraded amenities including fuel centers, drive-thru pharmacies, and modern décor.

The stores are designed to emphasize fresh food offerings, with expanded produce, meat, seafood, deli, and bakery departments. Customers will also have access to an Asian hot bar, fresh pizza, and Murray’s Cheese brand islands. Three of the stores, Jacksonville, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill, will also include full-service wine and beer bars.

Harris Teeter estimates each new location will generate between 100 and 200 jobs, depending on size and market. For the Jacksonville store, the company has secured a lease in East Arlington at 11901 Atlantic Boulevard, with construction expected to begin in spring 2026.

The expansion is part of Harris Teeter’s broader mission to bring high-quality, fresh ingredients and exceptional customer service to more communities. The company has also pledged that each new store will partner with local food banks in its community to support food security, a commitment that aligns with its longstanding philanthropic efforts.

This latest expansion reflects Harris Teeter’s confidence in growth markets and its intent to deepen its presence in both established and new regions.

Harris Teeter traces its roots back to the merger of Harris Food Store and Teeter’s Food Mart in 1960. Over the decades, it has grown into a regional supermarket chain known for its strong service, premium offerings, and community focus. Today, Harris Teeter operates more than 250 stores and 85 fuel centers across several states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.