Send us Fan Mail In this episode of McKinney Momentum, Luke sits down with Rudy DiPietro, President of Kroger Texas, for a conversation about growth, grocery, leadership, local investment, and why Collin County continues to be one of the most exciting places in Texas. Rudy shares his journey from growing up in Maine and starting in the grocery industry as a dishwasher and prep cook to now leading Kroger’s Texas division, which includes more than 200 stores across Texas and Louisiana. The conversation covers Kroger’s expanding presence in North Texas, the company’s focus on value and convenience, and why McKinney and Collin County are key parts of Kroger’s growth strategy. Luke and Rudy also talk about Kroger’s marketplace format, pickup and delivery options, fuel rewards, private brands like Private Selection and Simple Truth, and the company’s work to better serve the growing and diverse communities across the region. The episode also gets into Rudy’s leadership philosophy, including the idea of “build it, use it, fix it,” why simplicity matters in large organizations, and how Kroger is thinking about local products, multicultural grocery offerings, and long-term investment in Texas. Plus, Rudy shares his favorite meal, favorite books, first job, go-to Kroger snacks, and why he still has a deep love for kitchens, coaching, and great food. In this episode: * Why Kroger is investing heavily in North Texas and Collin County * How grocery stores follow rooftops, growth, and community development * What makes the Kroger Marketplace format different * How Kroger is expanding pickup, delivery, fuel rewards, and convenience * The importance of local products and authentic Texas community engagement * Rudy’s leadership advice around simplicity, humility, and fast iteration * Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste efforts and food insecurity partnerships * Rapid-fire questions on food, books, movies, productivity, and more Resources Mentioned: Kroger https://www.kroger.com/ Kroger Boost Membership https://www.kroger.com/pr/boost Kroger Zero Hunger | Zero Waste https://www.thekrogerco.com/impact/zero-hunger-zero-waste/ Scales Restaurant in Portland, Maine https://www.scalesrestaurant.com/ Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain https://www.harpercollins.com/products/kitchen-confidential-anthony-bourdain The River of Doubt by Candice Millard https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/114592/the-river-of-doubt-by-candice-millard/ Endurance by Alfred Lansing https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/alfred-lansing/endurance/9780465062881/ Follow McKinney Momentum Stay connected for more conversations with business leaders, community partners, and people helping shape what’s next in McKinney and Collin County. Like, follow, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
