Also: Avo chef, co-owner steps aside

The new Kroger store located at 2201 21st Ave. S. near Hillsboro Village will open Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Formerly home to a Harris Teeter, the building has been closed since May for upgrades. Kroger acquired Harris Teeter for about $2.4 billion in January 2014.

Kroger Co. officials will mark the 7 a.m. opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m., according to a release.

Located about equidistant from both the campuses of Belmont and Vanderbilt universities, the store spans about 25,000 square feet, ranking it among the smallest Krogers in Davidson County. Of note, it is one of Nashville’s few grocery store structures with an urban form and function. For example, the building offers a second level, has more than one access point and is positioned at an intersection (and, as such, not severed from the street by surface parking).

“Our staff is excited about the grand opening festivities,” Matt Uhles, store manager, said in the release. “We have a beautiful store, and are we are looking forward to serving the students and customers in this neighborhood.”

Features of the store include a made-to-order pizza station, fresh sushi, a salad bar, made-to-order Boar’s Head sandwiches, service meat and seafood, natural and organic offerings, a floral shop and a Kroger Pharmacy.

The store will employ approximately 120 associates.





(Editor's note: This story has been modified to more accurately reflect circumstances.)



Avo chef steps aside

Nashville-based vegan and raw foods restaurant and bar Avo announced today that co-owner Jess Rice has stepped down as chef.

According to a release, Avo said Rice will retain her ownership in the business with co-owner Susannah Herring and a third entity.

However, Rice told the Post Saturday she is not maintaining ownership in the restaurant.

Relatedly, Herring said Avo has named Callie Baxter and Vanessa Antonino to serves as chefs and to oversee the Avo kitchen. As part of the chef change, Avo will expand it menu, while maintaining its vegan model.

“Jess Rice is a talented chef, and we are so grateful to her for helping us create and launch a truly unique restaurant concept in Nashville,” Herring said in the release. “She is exploring the next phase in her career, and we certainly wish her well.”

Located in oneC1TY on Midtown’s western fringe, Avo opened in July 2015.