And for those of you that don't understand this, try finding really good seafood for sale at Eley's.

In that case... Avalon, Gulfport, G&R, Super Cao Nguyen, and that one at 23rd and Meridian....

So you would rather waste all that gas going to 6 different stores driving all over town? Some of us don't have the time or the inclination to do that JUST to day we shop at Eley's. Those stores serve a purpose, but the convenience of finding it at the general grocery store is something absent in OKC. I'm not married to Whole Foods but OKC needs another chain of grocers that is not a "low-value," low service, bag it yourself type of place. Many of us want something nice and clean that has high quality seafood and a high quality butcher.

I'ts a mega chain concept behind a socially-responsible face... swallowing competitors.

Then it's doing something right. If they are attracting more customers than the other guys and able to make money, that sounds like a good thing, to me.

'nother thought. . .put a WF/CM between a high income and on-the edge area. . .and see how/if the on-the-edge revitalizes. . .I'm bettin' on it!!

Companies like this dont make a habit of trying to revitalize areas or locating somewhere speculating it will get better. They go to the places that are already better.

So you would rather waste all that gas going to 6 different stores driving all over town? Some of us don't have the time or the inclination to do that JUST to day we shop at Eley's. Those stores serve a purpose, but the convenience of finding it at the general grocery store is something absent in OKC. I'm not married to Whole Foods but OKC needs another chain of grocers that is not a "low-value," low service, bag it yourself type of place. Many of us want something nice and clean that has high quality seafood and a high quality butcher.

I guess I just don't find it a waste of time supporting the mom and pops. I think that considering Whole foods "high-value" is matter of opinion. I truly think fancy packaging and make many sheeple... err people think something tastes better as well.


Then it's doing something right. If they are attracting more customers than the other guys and able to make money, that sounds like a good thing, to me.

LOL... I guess that's 'fair' true in our capitalistic society... but I suspect when it come these matters you and I are on two different planets.

Didn't you see Wall-E??!?!?! Megalomart?!?!?!

... sometimes you downright scare me!

I am not a Whole Foods hater, though I preferred Central Market when I had the opportunity to choose. The main problem is we don't have the choice of an upper-scale grocery. I moved her from Dallas and took the stores for granted. Having to pick between Homeland, Buy-4-less and Walmart Market is like picking which pile of turd I want to sleep in. Sure, it will keep me warm, but my friends will make fun of me when they see where I sleep.

Whole foods provides a great cheese selection, olive bar, homemade sausages, fresh seafoods and pre-made foods (when I just don't have the energy to cook). When I got Homieland, I get hepatitis-C in the parking lot, a belly of indigestion from the deli foods and a decent processed cheese fridge.

I don't understand why a grocer won't move into this area. Mesta Park, Crown Heights, Putnam Heights, etc.. seems there is plenty of money to support ONE upscale grocer.

Companies like this dont make a habit of trying to revitalize areas or locating somewhere speculating it will get better. They go to the places that are already better.

. . .ah, yes. . .but I posed this more as a "what if". . . .than a "why don't they"??

I love all the ready to eat food. They have awesome soup and their salad/hot bars are awesome! The bakery and other hot food ready to eat areas are great too.

Their produce is top notch too.

I like Central Market more, but it is like a maze getting around it. At least the one in Houston I used to go to was.

As others have expressed, it is really just baffling that we don't have a single good option anywhere in the entire metro...in nearly any other metro area in the country there are at least some upscale grocery stores to choose from, and you do take them for granted because they are so common...Albertson's was reasonable option, but not a great one...and since they left town, the situation is even worse...

From what i've seen Wholefoods does alot of speculation when building a new store, thinking more long term than immediate. I am just curious how the store in Tulsa opened if the booze laws are what's keeping them out of okc.

Crescent Market is an upscale grocery store in Oklahoma City, although not a Whole Foods type. But they have some very nice brands and a fair amount of variety for the size of the store, as well as a true butcher shop.

If you look in previous posts in this thread Whole Foods in Tulsa came about when they bought out Wild Oats, a chain which already had a store in Tulsa.

From what i've seen Wholefoods does alot of speculation when building a new store, thinking more long term than immediate. I am just curious how the store in Tulsa opened if the booze laws are what's keeping them out of okc.

Ok - for the last time - its not liquor laws that are keeping Whole Foods out of OKC. In Colorado - the unmistaken mecca for hippie foodies that go to Whole Foods and also home to one of the Whole Foods corporate offices - you can't purchase liquor in the stores.

As others have expressed, it is really just baffling that we don't have a single good option anywhere in the entire metro...in nearly any other metro area in the country there are at least some upscale grocery stores to choose from, and you do take them for granted because they are so common...Albertson's was reasonable option, but not a great one...and since they left town, the situation is even worse...

Others will argue that we have X store, and Y store, and Z store and these combined equal Whole Foods (or a similar store). They do not. While I do not mind dropping by some of the local gourmet shops, or Market-C type places, I'd like to see much of this under one roof, so I don't have to drive all the way to Forward Foods in Norman, then Market C, then Crescent just to pick up what I could pick up in one stop to WF or a similar place.

It is sad that whenever my wife and I go on vacation or trip we have to see where a WF will be so we can make a stop and stock up for awhile. Maybe the local specialty groceries could some how partner together to offer a more unique grocery store that offered the things that WF offers.

This really is different from getting a Hard Rock or even a Dave & Busters, IMO. This is an area where we are severely and noticeably lacking and it may be keeping people away and certainly is contributing to people wanting to move elsewhere.

Ok - for the last time - its not liquor laws that are keeping Whole Foods out of OKC. In Colorado - the unmistaken mecca for hippie foodies that go to Whole Foods and also home to one of the Whole Foods corporate offices - you can't purchase liquor in the stores.

I will second that. Just moved from CO a few months ago and the huge new Whole Foods they built down the street had no liquor.

Just an FYI - groceries are a big issue everywhere. Albertson's just closed more stores in Denver and will be closing their distribution warehouse there. They just can't compete with the other chains + Wal Mart and SuperTarget. However, I have always put Albertson's on equal footing with Homeland as far as quality, choice, spaciousness and clenliness.

Colorado is hardly a fair comparison, as there are NINETEEN Whole Food's already there and many do have wine and beer.

The liquor laws are not the only reason they aren't in OKC but it's certainly a consideration when trying to decide between here and other places to put their limited expansion dollars and resources.

Beer & wine have big margins and it defies common (and business) sense to think a store doesn't look at that when evaluating locations.

However, I have always put Albertson's on equal footing with Homeland as far as quality, choice, spaciousness and clenliness.

I will assume you haven't shopped at the Homelands in the non-suburbs then.

Try the Homieland on 39th and Penn. Then try the Homeland on 18th and Classeen. Then see how they compare to any other grocery chain. It is appalling. Walmart Market at 23rd and Penn does well, so we have no other choice but to support Walmart.

Colorado is hardly a fair comparison, as there are NINETEEN Whole Food's already there and many do have wine and beer.

The liquor laws are not the only reason they aren't in OKC but it's certainly a consideration when trying to decide between here and other places to put their limited expansion dollars and resources.

Beer & wine have big margins and it defies common (and business) sense to think a store doesn't look at that when evaluating locations.
Most of those Colorado locations were previous Wild Oats locations since Wild Oats was based in Boulder.

The Whole Foods in Boston does not have beer or wine as well, they still have a "package store" type of restriction like Oklahoma but no 3.2 beer law.

There was an article in the Austin paper a few weeks ago about the liquor store licensing issue, we have chains like Spec's due to a "pooling" of licenses by family members. Spec's (http://www.specsonline.com/) is much more than just a liquor store, the one here in South Austin went into a former Academy location and has a deli/cheese department and other foods, it is a very good store even for the non-drinker like my wife.

Colorado is hardly a fair comparison, as there are NINETEEN Whole Food's already there and many do have wine and beer.

The liquor laws are not the only reason they aren't in OKC but it's certainly a consideration when trying to decide between here and other places to put their limited expansion dollars and resources.

Beer & wine have big margins and it defies common (and business) sense to think a store doesn't look at that when evaluating locations.

What gives you that idea? Colorado is a 3.2 beer state.

What gives you that idea? Colorado is a 3.2 beer state.

I had no idea that Colorado was a 3.2 beer state. I thought OK was the only one... for real.

What other states have this stupid law?

I think Utah is 3.2

just announced on channel 9 a location will open within 18 months in okc somewhere

Channel 9 just reported and said it was confirmed that a Whole Foods would open in the next 16 months. They said that they didn't know the location yet.

Is it true that Whole Foods will be going in Nichols Hills Plaza where Crescent Market is? I heard that McClendon bought up the whole plaza and that is where it will be going in?

Crescent Market space cannot possibly be big enough to be replaced with a Whole Foods, even were it to wrap around to the drugstore. McClendon bought the Plaza several years ago, but I don't think that means Whole Foods is going in there. There are parking issues at the Plaza, and I'd be shocked if Whole Foods didn't put in a freestanding store, although the Western/Classen area would be a good location. McClendon was originally going to add lots of parking at the Plaza, including underground parking, but I think Classen Curve has gotten a lot more of his attention lately.

Whole Foods to Open in Oklahoma City

Posted: Aug 28, 2009 11:15 PM CDT Updated: Aug 28, 2009 11:15 PM CDT

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Whole Foods Market has plans to open a location in Oklahoma City in the near future.

An Whole Foods employee confirmed the timeline, but a location has not yet been revealed.

Whole Foods already has a location in Tulsa.

My money is on:

1. Memorial Road
2. North Edmond
3. Nichols Hills
4. Downtown/Classen Area
5. Norman near OU

Classen Curve. Thats gotta be where they're looking at.

I had no idea that Colorado was a 3.2 beer state. I thought OK was the only one... for real.

What other states have this stupid law?

There are five states where any retailer outside a liquor store can carry only 3.2 beer... Oklahoma, Utah, Kansas, Colorado and Minnesota.

The 3.2 law is not as stupid as the no cold beer in a liquor store law, imo.

That's great news

But, here's the whole story:

Whole Foods to Open in Oklahoma City
Posted: Aug 28, 2009 11:15 PM CDT Updated: Aug 28, 2009 11:15 PM CDT

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Whole Foods Market has plans to open a location in Oklahoma City in the near future.

An Whole Foods employee confirmed the timeline, but a location has not yet been revealed.

Whole Foods already has a location in Tulsa.

Whole Foods to Open in Oklahoma City - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=11012251)

Exactly what time line was confirmed? In the near future? That not a time line. "An Whole Foods Employee", who? A sacker at store in Tulsa? The CEO?

Poor grammer, no named source and no information other than they want a store here in the future, which they have said for a long time if you e-mail them. This is very weak.

Hi everyone! I'm the new guy, but this thread is custom made for me.
I have been waiting for a Whole Foods for years. When I e-mailed them a few years ago, they curtly told me that they don't divulge information regarding future store construction or placement. I have a "pretty good" source that tells me it'll be near Belle Isle.
I've only been to the one in Austin, and it was spectacular!

Belle Isle area.
Betcha a dollar and a beer.

The 3.2 law is not as stupid as the no cold beer in a liquor store law, imo.

When 3.2 law was enacted in Oklahoma you could consider it a progressive drinking law. It just hasn't been updated with the times. It was a way around the Volstead act.

We're hoping for it to be in the Edmond area. After being to the one in Tulsa, I think Edmond could support a similar store without any issue.

I keep hearing that Oklahoma is going to be voting for REAL beer (6.0) instead of watered down beer (3.2).. any truth to this?? My sources were not reliable at all, just a couple of buddies that drink like fish... it was probably just wishful thinking on their part.

Classen Curve area. This is becoming the biggest worst secret ever. But the powers that be want to announce it on their timetable ...

An Whole Foods employee confirmed the timeline, but a location has not yet been revealed.

A high school student has better grammar than whoever posted this article.

Classen Curve area. This is becoming the biggest worst secret ever. But the powers that be want to announce it on their timetable ...

I was just guessing. Those are the areas where their customer base already shops.

That area would certainly make the most sense.

Glad to hear this is coming together.

I agree that this is the most logical location. It's very centrally located, and definitely has the population to support a store like this. I'd love a grocery store downtown, but it doesn't have to be a Whole Foods to make me happy.

Doesn't CHK own the properties between Grand and Western and I-44, other than Deep Fork, or at least most of that wedge? I think directly north of Deep Fork would be a great spot--right off the interstate and the back of it could probably have a sign with interstate visibility. There would probably be room for some extra retail space to accomidate some other exclusive stores that would draw on eachother.

I think Classen Curve would be a great location but I question the parking situation. I seriously doubt Edmond will be the location because (to me) it seems like they don't have the right demographics there. Plus they would be alienating the rest of the OKC Metro by putting it in Edmond.

I doubt this would be in Classen Curve... Probably just south of there on other CHK owned property (shown in yellow below):

http://mysite.verizon.net/res17zef/5600western.jpg

I wonder what the plans are for the old Hahn-Cook, Street & Draper Funeral Home...

Steve, on the master plan CHK released about a year ago, that property was shown as future office space for their campus.

I wonder if master plans change ...

It sounds like this is more than just a question. :)


It would make a lot of sense at that location, to give their employees easy walking access as well as be an anchor for the rest of the proposed development bounded by Classen on the south, Grand on the west and Western on the East.

Also, it would provide traffic to the adjacent Classen Curve and the redeveloped NH Plaza.

We're hoping for it to be in the Edmond area. After being to the one in Tulsa, I think Edmond could support a similar store without any issue.

Naah. . .Edmond had their chance several years ago with Pratt Foods. When it first opened up it was very close to WF or CM.

Chesapeake probably isn't going to be needing any additional office space in the foreseeable future with gas at a seven year low.

Hope this happens.

Classen Curve area. This is becoming the biggest worst secret ever. But the powers that be want to announce it on their timetable ... I bet your right on this one. I saw last weeks building permits for OKC and it showed permits taken out by Smith and Pickle for retail permits for $2.5 million and $1.5 million in the 5800 block of N. Grand. I'll bet money that this is where the store is locating.

5800 NW Grand is Classen Curve and I'm sure WF will not be going in there.

Those permits were likely for build out of CC tenants.

What about the vacant spot that held Linen's 'N Things at Belle Isle? Probably not likely with Wal-Mart so close, but its an idea.

When 3.2 law was enacted in Oklahoma you could consider it a progressive drinking law. It just hasn't been updated with the times. It was a way around the Volstead act.

I know.

Again, I don't think it's as stupid as no cold beer in a liquor store, because that effectively means that you can not buy cold beer in excess of 3.2 AT ALL in the state.

What about the vacant spot that held Linen's 'N Things at Belle Isle? Probably not likely with Wal-Mart so close, but its an idea.


Wal-Mart and Whole Foods are not in competition with each other.

I keep hearing that Oklahoma is going to be voting for REAL beer (6.0) instead of watered down beer (3.2).. any truth to this?? My sources were not reliable at all, just a couple of buddies that drink like fish... it was probably just wishful thinking on their part.

It's been floating around. Yah.

6 point beer the way you think of it isn't really 6% alcohol.

Beers are weighed by weight and volume.

Oklahoma beer is actually by WEIGHT and not by VOLUME. “6-point” beer is measured by volume. So our 3.2% by weight can’t be anything less than 4% by volume. So we trick ourselves into believing that the beer we buy in Texas is actually twice as strong. Their actually not that much different in real alcohol content.

Anyway, some people are wanting to change the law simply because people are spending their money across the boarder, even though there isn't much of a difference in the beer strength.

It's been floating around. Yah.

6 point beer the way you think of it isn't really 6% alcohol.

Beers are weighed by weight and volume.
...
Anyway, some people are wanting to change the law simply because people are spending their money across the boarder, even though there isn't much of a difference in the beer strength.

That is a silly argument, even if you are splitting hairs between weight and volume. Beers drinker, like myself, enjoy craft beers or micro brews, which often times have up to 8% alcohol by volume. These will certainly never make their way into the grocery store and be sold cold. That is the main point.

Whole Foods has a HUGE beer selection, cold and ready to go. They can't do that here.

...and THAT is the point of the 3.2 OK law. It isn't about which Keystone Light is stronger. It is that we prefer beer that is better (and stronger by fact) then Keystone and Bud Light.

On game day, I get off work and head to a friends house for the PPV, I just can't stop off at the store @ 9:15 and buy a six pack ofMaudite (http://www.unibroue.com/products/maudite.cfm) and it certainly isn't stay cold in my car all day. I bet if I kept it in my car all day, I would be breaking some obscure law.

Just look at all the beers we can't buy because they are over 4.5% alcohol (by volume). Makes a grown man cry. (http://www.beer100.com/beercalories.htm)

Beers drinker, like myself, enjoy craft beers or micro brews, which often times have up to 8% alcohol by volume. These will certainly never make their way into the grocery store and be sold cold. That is the main point.

Whole Foods has a HUGE beer selection, cold and ready to go. They can't do that here.

...and THAT is the point of the 3.2 OK law. It isn't about which Keystone Light is stronger. It is that we prefer beer that is better (and stronger by fact) then Keystone and Bud Light.
Just look at all the beers we can't buy because they are over 4.5% alcohol (by volume). Makes a grown man cry. (http://www.beer100.com/beercalories.htm)

Husband was saying pretty much exactly the same thing, recently.

My money is on:

1. Memorial Road - possible, but I'd see it only if they couldn't get their first location choice

2. North Edmond - not central enough. They want to maximize the demo, so will put it within reach of more of the population.

3. Nichols Hills - see #4, below. If McClendon is at all behind this deal, my guess is he doesn't want to hurt Crescent as a long-time established market in this community. NH Plaza not nearly big enough to handle it.

4. Downtown/Classen Area - Possibility.

5. Norman near OU - see #2, above. Again, not enough population density within a specific radius.

They want to keep it centralized so people from all areas of the metro would be more likely to visit. If you plan a WF, not too far from Penn Square Market, which draws from all parts, you'd be betting on people coming up from Norman and coming down from North Edmond to shop.

The people on the outskirts will drive centrally to shop. The reverse is rarlely true.