Marina
After nearly two decades, Dillons, a Kansas-based grocery chain owned by Kroger, is making a significant comeback in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The new store is set to open at the intersection of College Avenue and Sunnybrook Boulevard in Olathe, Kansas, strategically located across from Meadowlane Elementary and near Kansas State University’s Olathe campus.
This expansion is part of Dillons’ broader regional growth plan, marking a strong re-entry into a market it previously served during the 1980s through 2008.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Store Type | Dillons Marketplace |
| Location | College Avenue & Sunnybrook Blvd, Olathe, KS |
| Opening Date | To be announced |
| Investment | $40 million |
| Square Footage | Approximately 86,000 sq ft |
| Ownership | Kroger (Dillons Division) |
| Nearby Landmarks | Meadowlane Elementary, K-State Olathe Campus |
Store Features and Community Impact
The new Olathe location will be Dillons’ first in the Kansas City metro area since 2008. The store is expected to offer an enhanced shopping experience with fresh produce, specialty foods, bakery items, and expanded grocery selections.
In addition to traditional grocery offerings, the store may include ready-to-eat meals, deli services, and digital ordering options to cater to the modern shopper.
Dillons is working closely with the City of Olathe to finalize building plans and site approvals. The location is strategically chosen to serve both local families and students at K-State Olathe, providing convenient access to quality groceries.
The store is expected to create hundreds of local jobs, from entry-level positions to management, contributing to the local economy.
Dillons’ Regional Expansion
Dillons has been a cornerstone of Kansas retail for over a century, beginning with J.S. Dillon’s first general store in Newton in 1921.
The chain expanded across Kansas and neighboring states, but many Kansas City locations were converted to Price Chopper stores or closed after acquisition by Associated Grocers Wholesale in 2008.
Today, Dillons operates under Kroger, a Cincinnati-based grocery giant, with a focus on expanding its reach while maintaining the community-oriented service it is known for.
The new Olathe store follows Dillons’ recent opening at The Crossing at KU in Lawrence, Kansas, signaling a strategic push to strengthen presence in the eastern Kansas market.
Plans for additional locations in the Kansas City metro area are expected to follow, aligning with Dillons’ goal to reconnect with former customers and attract new ones.
Dillons’ return to the Kansas City market with the new Olathe store represents a significant milestone for the chain and the community.
With modern facilities, expanded grocery selections, and a strategic location near schools and universities, Dillons is poised to provide convenience, variety, and local job opportunities.
The expansion demonstrates Dillons’ commitment to reconnecting with its Kansas roots while addressing the needs of today’s shoppers.
Residents and students alike can look forward to a fresh, community-oriented grocery experience in Johnson County.