Campbellsville University has a new addition on campus: Tiger Kroger.
Tiger Kroger officially opened on April 8, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. CU Director of Business Operations Trevor McWhorter said CU started planning to collaborate with Kroger in July of 2025.
“Planning for the Tiger Kroger concept has been underway for several months,” said McWhorter. “Initial conversations began in July 2025 as part of broader student-life and auxiliary services planning, with the idea developing into a formal partnership over the course of this academic year.”
McWhorter believes that Kroger is the perfect fit for CU due to its strong local presence, trusted brand recognition and its “willingness to partner in ways that directly support student needs.” The company’s local and regional leadership were very involved in the early process of the collaboration. McWhorter said the partnership also aligns with the university’s goals of convenience, affordability and community collaboration.
Tiger Kroger also gives students more options for work-study positions.
“Student employment and work-study opportunities are an important part of the operating model,” McWhorter said. “The store is designed to provide students campus employment opportunities while helping support store operations.”
Non-students are also welcome to work at the Tiger Kroger through the university’s retail operation structure. They can apply for leadership and oversight roles.
Sophomore Makayla May is a work-study student who is a cashier at Tiger Kroger. Every day, she notices many people – students and staff – entering the store.
“A lot of students come in for Alani’s and stuff,” she said. “Pretty much the whole campus likes to come in to get Alani’s at least.”
May said the store keeps a lot of Alanis on hand since they’re so popular with students.
When May is off work, she loves going to Tiger Kroger to buy the kettle corn popcorn.
“I’m obsessed with them. I could eat a whole bag, like, for real,” May said.
Senior Eden Hale said she believes the Tiger Kroger has been a positive addition to campus life. She said when she first became a student, she did not have a car or access to groceries.
“I think having this resource on campus is going to be amazing for people who don’t have access to a car, like international students or students like me who are from farther away,” said Hale.
She said having all these groceries sold on campus is much more convenient for students with no vehicles who would normally have to walk off campus to CVS.
Hale said she doesn’t go to the Tiger Kroger very often, but when she does, she really appreciates the variety of items being sold in-store.
Tiger Kroger sells convenience and grocery essentials, including snacks, drinks, frozen meals, dairy products, toiletries, school supplies and basic household items that are designed to meet a student’s basic everyday needs.
“My favorite thing is definitely Alani’s — all the different flavors – 100 percent,” said Hale.
