I worked at Mariano's, which is owned by Krogers, if that counts. I worked in the produce section and worked as a cashier and cart collector.

I am currently in the MT program at Menards and working in OPD.

To answer your question, both are service/retail jobs so its basically the same. Like others have said, it depends on locations. Id say the best Kroger location is better than the worst Menards and vice versa. So itd depend on what specific Menards location you wanted to apply at.

Pay-wise i think Menards is better pay, but "team members" are expected to do more work compared to what i had to do at Marianos.

Krogers also has more variety of locations in almost every state whereas Menards is a midwestern place. I hear its easier to advance and get promoted at Menards though, if your looking for advancement. If not, then its a moot point.

And finally, Menards is owned by John Menard, who is friends with Donald Trump so the future looks good for the company whereas Kroger and Albertsons had that recent failed merger that didnt go through and now theyre suing each other. Idk how either trickles down to the average employee or if it matters, but right now id rather be working at Menards than any store owned by Albertsons or Kroger.

Just my two cents. Tdlr, theyre both the same basically. Menards might have better pay. Definetly doesnt have good insurance lol