If you’ve lived in Hardin County for more than a week, you know there’s a weirdly specific debate that happens among locals: are you a Towne Drive person or a Dolphin Drive person?
While the Towne Center location near the mall gets all the "big city" traffic, the Kroger Elizabethtown KY Dolphin Drive location—officially known as the Dolphin Hills store—has a cult following. It’s smaller, sure. But it’s also the store where the staff actually recognizes you, and you don’t feel like you’re running a marathon just to find a gallon of 2% milk.
Honestly, this store is basically the "neighborhood" Kroger for the south side of E-town. It’s tucked away at 3040 Dolphin Drive, right near the Ring Road intersection, and it serves a very different vibe than the chaotic energy of the North Dixie corridor.
The Logistics: When to Go and Where to Park
Let’s get the basics out of the way because nobody wants to pull into a parking lot only to realize the pharmacy is closed for lunch.
The main grocery store hours are pretty standard: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily.
If you’re coming for the pharmacy, though, you've gotta be more careful. They have a hard-stop break for the staff every day from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. I’ve seen so many people standing at the counter looking confused at 1:10 PM. Don't be that person.
Standard Pharmacy Hours:
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- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The fuel center is located slightly apart at 3031 Dolphin Drive. It stays open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, which is handy if you’re trying to burn those fuel points before they expire at the end of the month.
What Actually Makes Dolphin Drive Better?
Most people assume the "Marketplace" stores are better because they sell clothes and jewelry. But have you ever tried to "pop in" to a Marketplace for one onion? It takes twenty minutes.
At the Kroger Elizabethtown KY Dolphin Drive location, the layout is incredibly efficient. It’s one of those older, more compact floor plans that Kroger is slowly phasing out in bigger cities, but it’s a goldmine for people who value their time.
You’ve got a solid deli section, a Starbucks that usually has a shorter line than the one on Dixie, and a Murray’s Cheese station that is surprisingly well-stocked for a mid-sized store.
The "Secret" Liquor Store
A lot of people don't realize that the liquor store isn't inside the main grocery doors. It’s actually at 3046 Dolphin Drive, Suite 109. It’s in the same strip but has its own entrance. If you’re planning a weekend BBQ, you have to make that separate stop. They do offer pickup there too, which is a lifesaver if you’re hosting and running behind schedule.
The Community Side of the Aisles
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is how this specific store integrates with E-town. For example, the Dolphin Drive Kroger is a major hub for the "Shop & Share" program. They partner with SpringHaven, Inc., which is the regional domestic violence program.
When you see those volunteers at the door with shopping lists, they aren't just there for corporate PR. They’re collecting real supplies for families in Hardin and surrounding counties. The regulars at this store are known for being particularly generous with those donations. It sort of highlights that "small town" feel that the North Dixie stores have lost.
Dealing with the Ring Road Traffic
If there’s one downside to this location, it’s the intersection.
Getting in and out of Dolphin Drive during the 4:30 PM rush hour can be a nightmare. If you’re coming from the Heartland Parkway side, you’re usually fine. But if you’re trying to turn left back onto Ring Road? Good luck.
Pro Tip: If the traffic is backed up, it’s often faster to exit out the back way toward the residential areas or use the light at the main intersection rather than trying to gun it through a gap in traffic.
Why the Pharmacy Here is a Big Deal
The pharmacy at the Dolphin Hills location (Store #717 for those who track their prescriptions by number) offers a few things the bigger chains don't always prioritize.
- Drive-Thru: It’s actually functional.
- The Little Clinic: Having a walk-in clinic right there means you can get a strep test and your groceries in one trip.
- Compounding Services: They handle more complex medication needs that some of the "express" pharmacies won't touch.
Is it Worth the Drive?
If you live in Radcliff or Glendale, you’re probably passing three other grocery stores to get here.
So, why do people do it?
It’s the lack of friction. The Kroger Elizabethtown KY Dolphin Drive store feels manageable. It doesn’t feel like a warehouse. The produce is usually rotated better because the volume is high enough to keep it fresh but low enough that the shelves don't look like a tornado hit them by 6 PM.
Also, for those using Kroger Pickup, this location is generally much faster than the Towne Center one. Because the store is smaller, the "pickers" can get through the aisles quicker, and the wait times in the designated parking spots are usually under five minutes.
How to Maximize Your Trip
To get the most out of this specific location, you should probably be using the Kroger app. The GPS in the app actually works pretty well for this layout.
- Clip your coupons before you walk in. Data signal can be spotty in the back of the store near the dairy.
- Check the "Managers Specials" in the back right corner. Because this is a high-traffic neighborhood store, the markdowns on meat and bakery items happen early in the morning.
- Use Kroger Pay. Since the checkout lanes here are a bit tighter, being able to scan your phone and go makes a big difference when the person behind you has a full cart.
Moving Forward with Your Shopping
If you're tired of the crowds at the larger supermarkets, give Dolphin Drive a shot on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. It’s the sweet spot for stocking up without the stress.
Your Next Steps:
- Check your Kroger app to ensure Store #717 is selected as "Your Store" to see the specific digital deals available at this location.
- If you need a flu shot or a quick check-up, call The Little Clinic at this location ahead of time to see if they have a waitlist, as they do take walk-ins but fill up fast during sinus season.
- Plan your route to avoid the left turn onto Ring Road during peak school pickup times for the nearby elementary and middle schools.