8/24 UPDATE: Just heard from the Kroger's Consumer Affairs group and it is now confirmed - opening in the first week in October.
The latest word on the new Kroger at Newport Pavilion is an opening date some time in September but an official grand opening date has not been scheduled. Some additional details about the new Kroger location includes:
1. A new concept for Kroger called a chippery. The chippery is a station where customers can have potato chips made, fresh and before their eyes, while they wait.
2. The grocery department will include a dine-in bistro with an on-staff chef and a custom sandwich bar, a meat and seafood section with a grilling station and dry-aged beef, and a self-serve bread slicer in the bakery.
3. The deli will include an olive bar and cheese shop, hot soup and sushi.
4. A spirit shop selling goods from the local schools.
I am particularly excited about the last item as I have always been interested in purchasing Highlands gear but do not have a child in school yet. Hopefully it brings in some additional revenue for Highlands and surrounding schools.
It appears that with all the recent headlines related to Bear Creek Capital over the weekend (front page articles in both the Enquirer and Business Courier) it hasn't affected the Kroger opening but one has to wonder if Target's delays and recent poor sales will have an effect on the rest of the development.