Brookside's commercial district IS Peoria. Basically.

Beyond that is just some mixed-use residential and some historic homes fighting it all. The Wild Oats in Brookside is actually on 41st a few blocks from Peoria.

Are you sure, Spartan, because I was there recently and just drove down Peoria through the area and we passed the strip mall where Wild Oats was.

Wild Oats is in a strip mall/shopping cetner that is on the corner of 41st and Peoria with 41st running E/W and Peoria running N/S.

I never understood what the big about Whole Foods was… until this weekend. I went with my wife down to Dallas for the day on Saturday to go to North Park mall and IKEA and we ended up stopping by Whole Foods in Lower Greenville. I walked in and it didn’t seem much different than a Wal-Mart neighborhood market that is until I got to the meat and cheese section.

I think it would work great in that area right next to the church in Deep Deuce, but I am not sure of anywhere else around there. The prices were a little higher than I expected, but the quality is much better as well. And if you are already living in that area, you could probably afford the slightly higher prices anyways.

Does anyone know if Whole Foods has any interest in getting into the OKC market?

The Whole Foods on Lower Greenville is one of their oldest stores in the country; the newer stores are much better.

what does this have to do with Bricktown?

Because with the influx of residental property in and around Bricktown, the next step to improve this areas for homeowners is a reatil grocer, and Whole Foods or something similar is diesired.

Wasn't the Lower Greenville location originally a Wild Oats?

Right now Whole Foods is in a fight with the FTC to rescind the Wild Oats expansion even theugh they have pretty much completed the acquisition and implementation of Wild Oats into the Whole Foods chain. They are pretty much in a wait and see attitude towards expansion into new markets until that is resolved. I know a few years back OKC was on their radar but they had no definitive plans on a when/where.

Whole Foods is closing stores around the country as peeps aren't interested in buying $7 organic milk. Don't expect any whole foods in the OKC area for at least several more years.

I just looked at their website and apparently there is a Whole Foods in Tulsa at 41st and Peoria. Anyone ever been to this one?

It's a Wild Oats with the new Whole Foods name. I went in, and it's not bad, but it's nowhere near as nice as the real Whole Foods I went to in Denver. That store was amazing!

I just looked at their website and apparently there is a Whole Foods in Tulsa at 41st and Peoria. Anyone ever been to this one?

I make it a point to hit that store every time I'm in Tulsa, ten or twelve times a year at least. Though not as large as a typical Whole Foods like the ones in Denver mentioned by t3h, IMO t's way better than any other food store in Oklahoma. And Whole Foods is way better than Wild Oats was.

It's hard to stock up for a month, but I always bring back plenty of fresh fruit and veggies along with a few quarts of Low Fat Hagan Daz and Ben & Jerry's . . . my fav is Cherry Garcia FroYo . . . almost impossible to find in OKC. Good cheese selection too. They have a house brand . . . 365 . . . that is very competitively priced and offers a good selection of canned and packaged items.

People will pay more to shop at a high-end grocery store (my wife, in particular). I love it here in Oklahoma, but it is shocking to me that we don't have any up-scale grocery stores whatsoever. Albertson's was the closest thing we had and now, very unfortunately, that has been taken over by Homeland and turned into yet another discount, low-budget grocery store. I have a difficult time believing that the entire OKC metro area cannot support a single Whole Foods, Central Market, Wegmans, etc. They can be found every few miles in other parts of the country. Heck, I'd even settle for a "regular" chain like Harris Teeter.

gamecock, try shopping at Forward Foods and Native Roots in Norman as well as Crescent Market in Nichols Hills. Akins also carries a decent selection. While none are a Whole Foods, you can get many similar items.

I agree, Forward Foods and Native Roots are both great (and we do pick up specialty items there from time to time). What we're really looking for, though, is just the kind of grocery-store shopping experience that you get at City Market or one of the large, new Whole Foods stores. It's not just the organic items and the cheeses, but the bakery, the produce, the seafood market, the in-store dining (e.g., gelato station, fresh brick-oven pizza, massive salad/food bar), etc....again, it's really just the whole experience that we miss. I have lived in smaller parts of the country that have more upscale grocery stores than the ones we seem to have around here. I really see this as an untapped market in OKC...hopefully, one of these companies will come to the same conclusion in the near future.

Albertson's was the closest thing we had and now, very unfortunately, that has been taken over by Homeland and turned into yet another discount, low-budget grocery store. I

Homeland may look like a low-budget grocery store but it definitely isn't one. The prices are outrageously expensive. The cereal I buy at Wal-mart is $3.50, but the same kind at Homeland is $5.00

I think the poster means more along the lines of selection not necessarily prices. At least that is how I see them very poor on quality and selection.

Exactly, we're talking about product offerings, not sheer price alone.

(SNIP)...Ben & Jerry's . . . my fav is Cherry Garcia FroYo . . . almost impossible to find in OKC....

OMG - I've been looking everywhere for that! Problem is in getting it back from Tulsa to OKC - guess I'll just have to eat it there.

Yes, we need a Whole Foods here - CBD or Bricktown would be good.

Whole Foods will eventually come to OKC, but not Bricktown or just north of it. The demographics just simply arent there.

what does this have to do with Bricktown?

Here we go again...

It saddens me a little each time the Whole Foods topic pops up. I wish everyone would spend as much time supporting and promoting the already-existing businesses in OKC providing the same or similar goods and services. Bravo to those that mentioned Crescent, Native Roots, etc. It seems that most OKC folks are eager to bring in the latest national chain to the detriment of the locals who are already struggling to keep their doors open.

C'mon everyone. We've got to start thinking/shopping/acting more locally. Forget the chains. They only detract from our urban fabric.

We would Chicken In The Rough if they carried the same seletions (type and quanity) as whole foods, I was in Native Roots 3--4 days ago, and their selection was very disapointing.

The Chains and the locals can coexist. If there was a Native Roots close to my house I would shop there. But I'm not going to make a special trip all the way to Norman just to go there. I've been in Akins and was NOT impressed and I haven't been in Crescent at all.

Lauri- take an ice chest and a couple of those blue ice packs with ya you will have no problem getting your ice cream home.

It really has nothing to do with supporting/promoting local businesses. Central Market (with only a handful of stores) is not a national chain, but it really wouldn't matter to me if it were. I am just looking for a place that offers the same experience that Central Market, Whole Foods, or Wegman's does. If "the locals" will open a store like this, I will support them. I don't feel compelled to support businesses that don't offer the product/service I want, just because they happen to be locally-owned. Homeland is a local company, and their product stinks. The stores look run down, and the prices aren't especially low either. Until someone comes up with a better alternative to SuperTarget (which is just "okay"), that is where we'll shop.

We would Chicken In The Rough if they carried the same seletions (type and quanity) as whole foods, I was in Native Roots 3--4 days ago, and their selection was very disapointing.

Well OK I'm sure 100 people on okctalk have said the same thing, but oh well I've yet to make a comment on the subject:

I think its tough to compare Native Roots/Forward Foods/Crescent/Akins (wow...with the exception of NR and FF, those are far apart! I do go to all these places though) to a high end grocery store. Whole Foods happens to be organic...but I think the void here is not the organic part (which you can scrounge around anywhere, even WalFart if you're lucky) but the high end part. I think its viable for all the above mentioned stores to thrive in addition to a "Whole Foods" type of store (like, I don't know the high enders down in Texas, but like Wegmans or something).

I would say, look at the people that go to Super Target...or some of the nicer Homelands even though they are more expensive...those are the people who would shop at a high end grocery. I think if people consider more of the value of food rather than just the price, a high end grocery store would fill this needed void.

And if Tulsa can support one, well heck we can too! Its very crowded in there every time we've been up there.

And the produce section at Walfart is NOTHING like Whole Foods! <gasps of blashempy> :dizzy:

People will pay more to shop at a high-end grocery store (my wife, in particular). I love it here in Oklahoma, but it is shocking to me that we don't have any up-scale grocery stores whatsoever. Albertson's was the closest thing we had and now, very unfortunately, that has been taken over by Homeland and turned into yet another discount, low-budget grocery store. I have a difficult time believing that the entire OKC metro area cannot support a single Whole Foods, Central Market, Wegmans, etc. They can be found every few miles in other parts of the country. Heck, I'd even settle for a "regular" chain like Harris Teeter.
Central Market is a specialty HEB store and they haven't expanded into Oklahoma yet, they are just started to fully build out the DFW area a few years ago. I know my dad wishes they could get at least regular HEB stores up there, he liked the one down here in Austin that we go to. They are only in Texas and another division in Mexico, they had some stores in Louisiana (near Houston) but sold those off to another chain.

I shopped at the Simon-David store when I lived in Dallas 16 years ago which was a specialty market division of Tom Thumb (Dallas based), it was just better than the standard Tom Thumb that was in my neighborhood. After Tom Thumb was bought by Randall's (Houston based) they maintained the Simon-David stores but after they sold out to Safeway, they got rid of them.

Forget Whole Foods, I want Trader Joe's.

Forget Whole Foods, I want Trader Joe's.

I'd be happy with either one.

I have no direct source information, but this is what I hear about the whole foods deal. Selling high point beer and wine is a prime part of their business (One reason why all the other local stores mentioned pale in comparison and are so far from what whole foods is that they shouldn't be in the same conversation), and will not open new stores any place that they cannot feature these products. Therefore, our blue laws stifle from having something good, again. Although, trader joes and central market would definitely be gladly accepted as a close second. And to those out there who want to play the local card, I understand and believe oklahoma needs local support. However, whole foods goes to great lengths to feature local artists, school projects, and producers as a way of promoting their particular city. A place with the influence as great as whole foods would do great things for those who had a chance to be featured. Hopefully the quality food producers out there will here our cries someday.

It saddens me a little each time the Whole Foods topic pops up. I wish everyone would spend as much time supporting and promoting the already-existing businesses in OKC providing the same or similar goods and services. Bravo to those that mentioned Crescent, Native Roots, etc. It seems that most OKC folks are eager to bring in the latest national chain to the detriment of the locals who are already struggling to keep their doors open.

C'mon everyone. We've got to start thinking/shopping/acting more locally. Forget the chains. They only detract from our urban fabric.

Bravo!

gamecock, try shopping at Forward Foods and Native Roots in Norman as well as Crescent Market in Nichols Hills. Akins also carries a decent selection. While none are a Whole Foods, you can get many similar items.

Never heard of the two places in Norman but will check them out next time I'm there. Crescent Market is pretty good for a small place, but their prices (on some things) are outrageously high in my opinion. The same products in Whole Foods would sell for a lot less. Volume buying allows that, I know, but still, unless you are filthy rich, shopping at Crescent is not an option for many of us.

As far as Akins goes, well, they're OK, but their fruits and vegetable are pretty pathetic. Yeah, they offer organic stuff, but what good is it if it's sitting on the shelf wilted and half dead? Not totally their fault because if people don't buy it then it's just gonna sit there and decay. But they aren't half as bad as the Health Store off I-240. The fruit and vegetables in their refrigerated case is so bad sometimes I am tempted to report them to the health department. Disgusting!

If Whole Foods, or Trader Joe's, comes to OKC, they may hurt the local guys, but as far as I'm concerned, if the locals aren't going to offer a better product at a decent price, that's the price they'll have to pay.

I want to support the local guys as much as anyone else ( I shop OSU-OKC Farmer's Market, Prairie Thunder, Big Sky, Crescent (only source of Boar's Head deli meats as far as I know), Med Deli, and even make the trek from Will Roger's Park area down to NR and FF in Norman when on a mission. But. . .let's face it. . it's a TRIP to hit all these places every week. As some other posters have said. . . it's the variety and selection. . .including things the locals (small as in the list above. . or large as in Crest) don't have all in one place.

You can get Boars head at Falcone's and you used to at Gaetano's. There are a few other places that stock Boars Head and MidTown Deli will as well when it opens up.

You can get Boars head at Falcone's and you used to at Gaetano's. There are a few other places that stock Boars Head and MidTown Deli will as well when it opens up.

I've been to Falcone's and they didn't have the variety/selection that Crescent does. I'm anxiously awaiting MidTown Deli. . .and hoping they will have a great selection of domestic and imported cheeses (maybe something approaching FF?? wishful thinking??)

I agree foodie, the selection isn't as good, but wanted to inform the other poster that there are other places in the metro that carry Boars Head. I checked the MidTown Deli thread and indeed they are going to carry them:

http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-area-talk/15234-happy-new-year-midtown-deli-update.html

bill kamp's also carries a selection of boar's head products. -M

bill kamp's also carries a selection of boar's head products. -M

True, but. . . I went in last summer and he (BK's) was over $1/lb HIGHER than Crescent on the Peppered Turkey. . .haven't checked lately tho. It's interesting that Buy 4 Less on NW Expwy is about the same per lb as Crescent, but it's not Boar's Head and not nearly as tasty. . .you'd think that with their cooking classes and "deli to go" choices, they would want to have the best. . .and I imagine they would have the volumne to stay competitive. Can't wait for Mid-Town Deli. . .I can hit it on my way to/from PT!!

With the direction this is taking, maybe it should move to the Food Court??

I agree foodie, the selection isn't as good, but wanted to inform the other poster that there are other places in the metro that carry Boars Head. I checked the MidTown Deli thread and indeed they are going to carry them:

http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-area-talk/15234-happy-new-year-midtown-deli-update.html

Hopefully it will not just be on their sandwiches and they will have a "to go" case!!

Don't forget about the soon-to-open Sage Gourmet Deli and Market in Deep Deuce!

We would Chicken In The Rough if they carried the same seletions (type and quanity) as whole foods, I was in Native Roots 3--4 days ago, and their selection was very disapointing.

Native Roots and Forward Foods are both basically startup companies. Neither has been open much more than a year or two. They are both building their businesses, establishing their product mix, and trying to firm-up their loyal customer base. They need their customers to tell them what new items to bring in and help them grow. If we simply abandon them because they are not Whole Foods, we'll never benefit from their growth.

Whole Foods stores are very pretty and have an impressive selection. Their delis and bakeries are extremely nice, their produce is unsurpassed, and their meat is terrific. I know all the arguments in favor of Whole Foods. They do a good job. They are also a multi-billion dollar company with a massive corporate structure that cares little about you or your neighbors. They will drain money from our community and cause the closure of our locally owned stores.

It's not just Forward Foods or Native Roots. It's also Bill Kamps Meat Market, Big Sky Bread, Crescent Market, Health Food Center, etc. These stores are owned by locals. They use local services such as accountants, advertising companies, lawyers, etc. They buy from local producers and suplliers. They save their pennies in local banks.

Yes, living locally may be a bit less convenient for now, but living locally is a lifestyle that will lead to a stronger and more successful city. We cannot divorce ourselves from local businesses. We are an integral part of each other's success, and therefore, our community's success.

Quote from CIR: "They will drain money from our community and cause the closure of our locally owned stores. "

Granted they would be competition, but. . .Wild Oats/Whole Foods in Tulsa don't seem to have stopped locals from opening new stores/venues in Tulsa. . .I think it is "Central Market" (not the one out of Texas) that is a local operation that carries organic produce, meats, and Farrell's bread (whose main store is at Yale and 81st). They went in about a year ago. I think it will be a long time before OKC would get a "big" Whole Foods/Central Market, but what about something the size of WF in Brookside? They seem to be coexistsing well with the locals.

Hmm. . .a related thought, different product. . .how many of us shop and purchase at Best Buy, Conn's, Utlimate Electronics. . .instead of Harry's, Dick Christman's, Anthony's. The biggies are competition, but these locals have been in business a long time.

There's a huge difference between a one-stop-shop supermarket like Whole Foods and the handful of independent stores you would have to shop at to get the same variety of goods.

I'm all for independent stores, but I don't really want to drive to five different stores to put together a meal.

There's a huge difference between a one-stop-shop supermarket like Whole Foods and the handful of independent stores you would have to shop at to get the same variety of goods.

I'm all for independent stores, but I don't really want to drive to five different stores to put together a meal.
The only way those type of specialty/independent market type stores work well is if they are clustered together like you find in NYC, someplace like the Chelsea Market (http://www.chelseamarket.com/) would work in pretty much any decent sized city, if you could get the tenants lined up. Friedman's Delicatessen (http://chelseamarket.com/friedmansdelicatessen/) has some great pastrami, wish I could get it here.

The only way those type of specialty/independent market type stores work well is if they are clustered together like you find in NYC, someplace like the Chelsea Market would work in pretty much any decent sized city, if you could get the tenants lined up.

Very true. And this is another good argument for expanding Oklahoma City's urban living options. A dense community in at least one part of the city that can help support these establishments day to day would also benefit all residents as they would have a place to go and shop several small specialty stores within a short walk of each other, eliminating the need to drive 10 miles and park 6 times just to buy quality products from local merchants.

I have no direct source information, but this is what I hear about the whole foods deal. Selling high point beer and wine is a prime part of their business (One reason why all the other local stores mentioned pale in comparison and are so far from what whole foods is that they shouldn't be in the same conversation), and will not open new stores any place that they cannot feature these products. Therefore, our blue laws stifle from having something good, again. Although, trader joes and central market would definitely be gladly accepted as a close second. And to those out there who want to play the local card, I understand and believe oklahoma needs local support. However, whole foods goes to great lengths to feature local artists, school projects, and producers as a way of promoting their particular city. A place with the influence as great as whole foods would do great things for those who had a chance to be featured. Hopefully the quality food producers out there will here our cries someday.

Tulsa has one . . . They are in Pennsylvania as well.

I make it a point to hit that store every time I'm in Tulsa, ten or twelve times a year at least. Though not as large as a typical Whole Foods like the ones in Denver mentioned by t3h, IMO t's way better than any other food store in Oklahoma. And Whole Foods is way better than Wild Oats was.

It's hard to stock up for a month, but I always bring back plenty of fresh fruit and veggies along with a few quarts of Low Fat Hagan Daz and Ben & Jerry's . . . my fav is Cherry Garcia FroYo . . . almost impossible to find in OKC. Good cheese selection too. They have a house brand . . . 365 . . . that is very competitively priced and offers a good selection of canned and packaged items.

Actually, I saw plenty of FroYo (even Cherry Garcia) at the SuperTarget in Edmond on 2nd and Bryant yesterday. Saw Steve there too! :congrats:

I'm told that Whole Foods in New York and New Jersey does not offer wine or liquor due to laws in those states. They do sell good beer there, though.

The same little birdy that told me about Half Price Books coming to OKC a few months back (and the location) is now talking about a full-pitch for Whole Foods at the old CompUSA location next to Half Price Books. A stone's throw from Akin's.

Very true. And this is another good argument for expanding Oklahoma City's urban living options. A dense community in at least one part of the city that can help support these establishments day to day would also benefit all residents as they would have a place to go and shop several small specialty stores within a short walk of each other, eliminating the need to drive 10 miles and park 6 times just to buy quality products from local merchants.

That is the problem with OKC's current situation with its local markets. One Whole Foods in downtown could solve a lot of those issues and be another 'destination' downtown. If not Whole Foods then something similar, like Cosentino's in downtown Kansas City: Cosentino's Market In Brookside (http://www.cosentinos.com/)

http://rewebportal.com/powerandlight/images/stories/renderings/12_Cosentinos.jpg

http://rewebportal.com/powerandlight/images/stories/renderings/12_Cosentinos.jpg


Now you're talkin! That's the way it oughtta be.

Now you're talkin! That's the way it oughtta be.

You're right, of course. But we would never hear the end of the apoplectic whiners screaming about THE PARKING.

people need to realize that in downtown areas, especially ones that are growing like ours, walking is, gasp, NORMAL. we probably wouldn't be one of the fattest cities if more people started walking a bit more.

That design is awesome btw.

You're right, of course. But we would never hear the end of the apoplectic whiners screaming about THE PARKING.
There probably is an underground parking garage.

There probably is an underground parking garage.

I'm not sure if there is or not, I've never been to it but would love to see it next time I'm in KC. From an urban standpoint it is a great design: entrance on the sidewalk at the corner, large windows along the sidewalk, quality materials that blend with the surroundings (no EIFS!), and either no new parking or concealed parking in an adjacent garage or underneath the building. If KC can do it like that there is absolutely NO reason we can't in OKC!

OK - not a whiner, and I am a very fit WALKER... but I do have to shop for a small army every week.

How would I shop at a downtown Whole Foods-type market as pictured in the rendering in an earlier post? I can't carry $300 worth of groceries to the car. Having always been a suburban girl, I wonder how those in NYC or other dense urban environments do it. Do they have to shop several times a week?

The stores in LA have immediately adjacent parking -- even the more urban locations.

WF would never build a location in OK where you couldn't easily get your groceries to the car.

The stores in LA have immediately adjacent parking -- even the more urban locations.

WF would never build a location in OK where you couldn't easily get your groceries to the car.

The coolest thing I've seen (this was in Spain) was underground parking beneath the grocery store with extra wide escalators for shopping carts. In OKC I would be happy if the main entrance was on the street for those walking/biking to the store and those parking on the street, and then a secondary entrance at the back to either a surface lot or better a garage that is shared w/ other businesses and shielded from view.

The coolest thing I've seen (this was in Spain) was underground parking beneath the grocery store with extra wide escalators for shopping carts. In OKC I would be happy if the main entrance was on the street for those walking/biking to the store and those parking on the street, and then a secondary entrance at the back to either a surface lot or better a garage that is shared w/ other businesses and shielded from view.

The flagship store in downtown Austin has underground parking with extra wide escalators to bring you up and into the store.