# Target opens first Frankfort store with 198 new jobs **Published:** 2026-06-23T19:56:07.000Z **Source:** [Lane Report (KY Business)](https://www.lanereport.com/188233/2026/06/target-to-open-first-frankfort-store-bringing-nearly-200-jobs/) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/target-opens-first-frankfort-store-with-198-new-jobs FRANKFORT, Ky. — [Target will open its first store in Frankfort next month, bringing nearly 200 new jobs and expanded shopping options to the capital city](https://www.lanereport.com/188233/2026/06/target-to-open-first-frankfort-store-bringing-nearly-200-jobs/), the retailer announced. Located at 3000 Vandalay Drive in [The Paddocks of Frankfort shopping center](https://state-journal.com/2026/04/14/the-paddocks-of-frankfort-taking-shape/), the 128,851-square-foot store will employ about 198 team members and become Target's 15th location in Kentucky. The store marks Target's entry into the Franklin County market, expected to draw customers from seven neighboring counties. The Frankfort location features a full range of merchandise including groceries, apparel, home goods, electronics and everyday essentials, along with convenient services such as Drive Up, Order Pickup and same-day delivery through Target Circle 360. The store also houses a [CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks Café, adult beverage sales and an expanded grocery department](https://www.lanereport.com/188233/2026/06/target-to-open-first-frankfort-store-bringing-nearly-200-jobs/). A distinguishing feature of the new location is its designation as Target's first "Food Forward" store in the district, emphasizing a larger selection of fresh and affordable produce, meat and dairy products. [This concept offers customers greater access to fresh food options](https://corporate.target.com/press/fact-sheet/2024/04/store-openings). The Frankfort opening is one of 11 new Target stores debuting this July as part of the retailer's plan to [open more than 30 stores in 2026, supported by a $5 billion capital investment program that includes more than 130 store remodels](https://www.lanereport.com/188233/2026/06/target-to-open-first-frankfort-store-bringing-nearly-200-jobs/). Target first entered Kentucky in 1989 and currently employs more than 2,200 team members across the state. [The Paddocks of Frankfort is a $150 million mixed-use development project projected to create 1,732 construction jobs and directly support 1,085 permanent jobs in the area](https://state-journal.com/2025/07/10/you-asked-what-retailers-are-moving-into-the-paddocks-of-frankfort/), making it the largest commercial project in Frankfort and Franklin County history. The shopping center will also include a BJ's wholesale club and restaurants such as Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Chipotle and Panda Express. ## Sources - [Lane Report (KY Business)](https://www.lanereport.com/188233/2026/06/target-to-open-first-frankfort-store-bringing-nearly-200-jobs/) - [The Paddocks of Frankfort development and economic impact](https://state-journal.com/2025/07/10/you-asked-what-retailers-are-moving-into-the-paddocks-of-frankfort/) - [Target's 2026 expansion strategy and new store information](https://corporate.target.com/press/fact-sheet/2024/04/store-openings) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Lane Report (KY Business), enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://www.lanereport.com/188233/2026/06/target-to-open-first-frankfort-store-bringing-nearly-200-jobs/.