Watson Drive Is Growing — Two Major New Businesses Are Coming to the Shoppes at Kearney

Kearney's Watson Drive corridor is picking up serious momentum. Two newly approved businesses are joining the Shoppes at Kearney — and both are bringing something residents have been driving out of town for.

The Shoppes at Kearney is anchored by a 65,000-square-foot Price Chopper grocery store, with prime retail space along I-35 still in active development. That interstate visibility is exactly what is attracting national brands — thousands of drivers pass this corridor every single day.

The City of Kearney has approved a site plan for a new AutoZone store at 780 Watson Drive. The project brings enhanced retail services, new investment, and additional jobs to the community. Construction is expected to begin by Q2 2026.

For Kearney residents, this means no more driving to Liberty or Smithville for a battery, wiper blades, or a check engine light scan. Mayor Randy Pogue sees it as a sign of things to come.

"This project reflects the momentum we are seeing in local investment and represents a strong vote of confidence in our city's future," says Mayor Pogue.

The Kearney Board of Aldermen has approved a site plan for a new Chipotle Mexican Grill at the Shoppes at Kearney. Star Development is constructing a 2,500-square-foot restaurant on a 1.94-acre site on the south side of Watson Drive, with high visibility from Interstate 35. The design includes a dedicated mobile-order drive-thru lane and a bailout lane to keep traffic moving. Construction is expected to begin this spring, pending permitting.

This is the first Chipotle in Kearney — and it arrives with one of the brand's most modern layouts. For a growing community of young families and commuters, that kind of convenience matters.

Watson Drive is no longer just where you go for groceries. Between Price Chopper, KAJI, Giambalvo's, Molcajete, and now AutoZone and Chipotle under construction, Kearney's corridor is becoming one of the most complete retail strips north of the river.