Kroger establishes two supermarket divisions in Texas

The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, said it established two new supermarket divisions, a Dallas division and a Houston division. Previously, both markets were served as part of Kroger's Southwest division.

Kroger also announced that Dana Zurcher was promoted to president of the company's new Dallas division. Bill Breetz, who has been serving as president of the Southwest division since 2002, will continue to oversee operations in Texas and Louisiana for the remainder of the year, and will serve as president of the new Houston division.

Kroger said its new Dallas division includes 105 stores in the Dallas and Fort Worth markets and in the Shreveport and Alexandria, La., area. The new Houston division includes 109 stores in the greater Houston region, as well as stores in Lake Charles, La.

"Kroger is committed to growing and serving our customers in the great state of Texas, and in our important Louisiana markets," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO.

The company previously outlined capital investment plans of approximately $700 million in Dallas-Fort Worth and $500 million in Houston over the next three years.

"We see opportunities for growth in both Dallas and Houston thanks in large part to Bill's leadership the past 13 years," McMullen added. "This move will bring resources closer to our store teams, customers and communities."