KROGER

Kroger has brought its self-driving grocery delivery service pilot to Houston, starting with its store on South Post Oak Road, and followed by its Buffalo Speedway location later this spring.

Don Lee Farms’ Organic Plant-Based Burger is made with plant-based ingredients that sizzle on the grill as raw beef does, the company said.

Kroger expects to employ more than 400 people in the facility, which is scheduled to break ground later this year and open in 2021.

The decline in Kroger’s Q4 sales and earnings — as well as a slight sales dip for the full-year — come as the company touted its digital sales growth and increased penetration of its pickup and delivery options.

For Kroger, staying ahead of competitors means keeping a laser focus on private brands, and the next phase of that strategy is all about sustainability and Fair Trade Certification.

Kroger is introducing Kroger Pay, a mobile payment solution that combines a customer’s payment and loyalty card information with the goal of creating a faster checkout experience.

Kroger is extending its omnichannel partnership with meal kit delivery company Home Chef to 500 new stores across its banners, bringing the service to more than 700 total stores in 20 states by end of February.

The company this week announced that it would be rolling out PTS Diagnostics' CardioCheck Plus analyzers to pharmacies and clinics, which will help identify whether patients are at risk of a heart attack, a stroke or diabetes at the point of care.