The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, purchased the equity of Murray's Cheese, as well as its flagship location on Bleecker Street in New York City, to form a merger of the two companies.

"For cheese lovers and connoisseurs, it doesn't get more authentic than Murray's," says Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Our customers are excited to buy the unique offerings of Murray's Cheese right in our stores, and we're excited to ensure this iconic cheese shop will remain a part of the Kroger family for many years to come."

Murray's delivers a fine selection of cheese, meat and specialty food items to New Yorkers, chefs and cheese lovers nationwide through a robust online business. Since the two companies formed a unique partnership in 2008, Murray's has offered the same fine foods and cheese expertise to the Kroger family of stores.  

"When the Kroger and Murray's relationship started in 2008, we wanted to figure out how to bring the finest cheese and charcuterie to more people," says Daniel Hammer, Kroger's vice president of culinary development and deli/bakery merchandising. "Today, we have more than 350 Murray's Cheese shops in Kroger locations from coast to coast, and that is thanks to the incredible passion and commitment of the team at Murray's to empower associates to share their love of cheese with customers. We look forward to learning from the very talented team at Murray's and working together to grow the business and build the iconic Murray's brand."

Murray's former owner and president Rob Kaufelt will remain affiliated with the business as a strategic adviser. Nick Tranchina will continue to lead the Murray's Cheese team in New York.