‘The Big Cheese’ is leaving Murray’s in Rome for store in Hilton Head area

Your trip to Kroger, specifically the Murray’s Cheese Shop on the “new” end of the store, is about to be a little quieter. Since Kroger’s expansion at Riverbend Center, Ray Powell and his cheese mongers have made shopping there more of a relationship — and a bunch more cheesy as well. Powell has built a huge following among Rome area shoppers, from samples to cheese recommendations to cheese tastings and multiple appearances on WRGA and Q102. A trip by Murray’s usually means a 10-minute conversation and a few extra items in the cart — both of which will be missed. We’re sad to report Powell is leaving Rome for a similar post in the Hilton Head area, a move that allows him to spend more time with some family members as well.