Unfortunately Kroger comes in a very distant second to Publix in pretty much any category you want to cover. If Publix were to open a store where I live the Kroger we have would go out of business in 6 months. Deservedly so. I don’t know how good Kroger used to be but corporate wise they’re pretty crappy now.
Actually, in our area (Hilton Head), the new Krogers are pretty amazing.