A Kroger executive said Monday it could be several more weeks before the future of the Scott's store it operates at 3105 N. Anthony Blvd. is decided.
The company remains in negotiation with the owners of the building, the Rogers family.
“While we continue to negotiate with the Rogers family, who are the owners of the building in which our North Anthony store is located, we now know that the building may be beyond repair. Engineers and other professionals have investigated and are evaluating options with the current landlord,” wrote Bob Moeder, president of the Kroger Central Division, in a statement released Monday.
“First, we are committed to ensuring that no Kroger associates in the Fort Wayne region will lose their jobs as a result of the store closing.… All associates from the North Anthony store have been temporarily reassigned to other locations,” he wrote.
“Second, we need to conclude our negotiations with the Rogers family so that we know whether to plan toward a new building on North Anthony or modifying one or more nearby Kroger stores, including North Clinton Street, to accommodate customers from the North Anthony store. Either way, we will work with neighborhood groups, elected officials and the city administration to be fully operational as quickly as possible,” he wrote.
“We are deeply appreciative of all the messages we have received in support of the North Anthony store. Ultimately, however, the final decision rests with the Rogers family. They own the property, they must decide whether to invest in a replacement building and they will determine whether or not a replacement building is designed to host a successful Kroger store or some other tenant. The Rogers family is preparing options for our consideration and this process may take several more weeks.”
The store was closed May 17 after inspection revealed what the company has called a structural problem. Last month, Kroger said the company has moved all non-perishable food to nearby Kroger or Scott's locations. Some non-perishable food also has been transferred by Kroger or its suppliers, under the supervision of engineering and safety personnel.
The pharmacy in an adjacent building remains open. It also includes the store's health and beauty and liquor departments.
