Main & Vine turning into ‘date night’ destination, store director says

More than a month after opening, things are going as well as expected at the experimental Main & Vine grocery in Gig Harbor.

“Things are going really, really well,” reported store director Dann Kohl earlier this week. He did not provide sales figures.

The store, which opened in early February, represents a new concept engineered by parent company Kroger, which also operates Fred Meyer, QFC and other grocery brands.

“I think the thing I wasn’t expecting — that this would become a destination,” Kohl said, noting families are buying whole pizzas and dining at the store, just as he’s heard from customers who have begun a “Friday Night Date Night” at the store.

The biggest ongoing complaint he’s heard, he said, concerns demand for more parking at the store.

The greatest compliment he’s heard, he said, concerns the helpful attitude of his staff.

Although corporate officials have been visiting the store, Kohl said he was unaware if the Main & Vine concept will be offered by Kroger at other locations.

“I think it’s a little early to tell,” he said. “I think they’re still evaluating. I want to know as much as the next person.”

This story was originally published March 29, 2016 at 4:52 PM with the headline "Main & Vine turning into ‘date night’ destination, store director says."