You’ve seen the headlines about grocery chains merging and local legends disappearing. It’s a whole thing. But if you’re pulling into the parking lot at 5016 Old Taylor Mill Rd, you know the vibe is just different. Remke in Taylor Mill isn't some massive, soulless warehouse where you need a GPS to find the milk. Honestly, it’s one of the few places left that feels like a neighborhood spot rather than a corporate experiment.
Most people assume that because the big guys—looking at you, Kroger—dominate the Northern Kentucky landscape, the smaller players are basically toast. That’s not quite the reality here.
The Weird History of Remke in Taylor Mill
Wait, did you know Remke actually started as a tiny butcher shop? Back in 1897, William Remke opened a spot in Covington. Fast forward through a century of expansion, a wild merger with the bigg's brand in 2010, and an acquisition by Fresh Encounter in 2017. Now, as of 2026, they’re officially part of the SpartanNash family.
It’s been a rollercoaster.
People in Taylor Mill remember when the store was the main hub for everything. It’s survived the "grocery wars" of the 2010s when stores were closing left and right—Hebron, Fort Mitchell, and Delhi all bit the dust. But the Taylor Mill location? It stayed. It’s like the store that refused to quit.
What Actually Happens Inside
If you walk in today, you’ll notice it’s not trying to be a Whole Foods. It doesn't have a meditation garden or a robot making sushi.
It has a deli. A really good one.
The deli at Remke in Taylor Mill is sort of legendary for locals who just want a quick lunch that doesn’t taste like plastic. They still lean heavily into that "local" feel. You’ll find brands from around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky that the massive national chains sometimes ignore because the margins aren't "optimized" enough.
Short lines. That’s the real secret sauce.
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You can pop in at 5:15 PM on a Tuesday and actually get out in five minutes. Try doing that at a Super Kroger. You’ll be stuck behind someone trying to use forty-seven coupons for cat food while the self-checkout machine yells at you about an unexpected item in the bagging area.
The U.S. Bank Factor
There’s also the U.S. Bank branch right inside. It’s open most days until 5 PM (and Saturdays until 2 PM). In a world where physical banks are vanishing faster than affordable housing, having a place where you can actually talk to a human named Gary about your mortgage while you pick up a rotisserie chicken is... well, it's convenient.
Why Some People Are Skeptical
Look, let’s be real for a second. It’s not perfect. Some shoppers complain that the prices are a bit higher than the discount giants. Others think the decor feels a bit like a time capsule from 2005.
But there’s a trade-off.
You pay for the lack of chaos. You pay for the fact that the employees actually recognize you. In 2026, when everything is automated and "AI-driven," there is a massive value in a store that just functions like a normal grocery store.
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What You Should Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a trip to Remke in Taylor Mill, here’s the lowdown on how to actually make it worth your while:
- Check the Weekly Ad. Seriously. They do these "Power Buys" that actually beat the big box prices.
- The Butcher Shop Roots. Since they started as a meat market, their meat department is still the strongest part of the store. If you want a specific cut and don't want to settle for the pre-packaged stuff, ask the guy behind the counter. They actually know what they’re doing.
- The Doordash Loophole. If you're feeling lazy, they’re on Doordash. But honestly, the "in-store pickup" is better because you don't get hit with those massive delivery fees.
- Timing is Everything. They’re open 6 AM to 11 PM daily. If you go after 9 PM, it’s basically a private shopping experience. It’s hauntingly quiet in the best way possible.
The Verdict on Remke’s Future
Is Remke in Taylor Mill going to be around in another ten years? It’s hard to say. The grocery industry is brutal. With SpartanNash now at the helm, there’s more corporate backing, which usually means better supply chains but sometimes less "local charm."
However, Taylor Mill is a loyal community. People here don't like being told where to shop by a corporate office in another state. As long as they keep the fried chicken fresh and the aisles easy to navigate, they’ve got a fighting chance.
Next time you’re driving down Old Taylor Mill Road and you need a gallon of milk or some decent potato salad, pull in. It’s better than fighting the crowd at the mall.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit:
- Join the Rewards Program: Don’t leave money on the table; the digital coupons are where the actual savings are hidden.
- Visit the Deli at Lunch: Skip the fast-food drive-thru and grab a custom sandwich; it’s cheaper and usually way better for you.
- Support Local Brands: Look for the "Local" tags on the shelves to keep your money in the NKY economy.
- Check the U.S. Bank Hours: If you need banking services, remember they close at 5 PM on weekdays, so plan your grocery run accordingly.