They will certainly have multiple locations, especially since they are smaller store.

I'm sure you're correct. They are opening 4 stores in the Denver/Boulder area in February on the same date.

I'm sure you're correct. They are opening 4 stores in the Denver/Boulder area in February on the same date.
....and only one (8th & Colorado) will have high point beer and wine, the rest may have 3.2 beer.

....and only one (8th & Colorado) will have high point beer and wine, the rest may have 3.2 beer.

Does Trader Joe's make 3.2 versions of their beers? I don't think they would sell Bud, Coors, Miller, etc.

Does Trader Joe's make 3.2 versions of their beers? I don't think they would sell Bud, Coors, Miller, etc.
I don't know, never been in one of them. They may not sell any beer at all in the other locations, there are other specialty brands which are available in 3.2. I guess I will find out after they open.

Did you guys see in Portland, a neighborhood fought to not have Trader Joe's in it? They are trying to keep gentrification from happening. WOW!

Trader Joe's pulls plug on Northeast Portland development after 'negative reactions' from community | OregonLive.com (http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/02/trader_joes_pulls_plug_on_nort.html#incart_m-rpt-2)

If they only knew how hard we are fighting to get just one!

I'll repost from the Edmond blog. In the Feb 4 Edmond Sun, (2013.....) It said that Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Natural Foods where all looking at possible Edmond locations per Price Edwards. The statement was in an article about residential construction near the end and talked about commercial construction. Check it out.

I'll repost from the Edmond blog. In the Feb 4 Edmond Sun, (2013.....) It said that Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Natural Foods where all looking at possible Edmond locations per Price Edwards. The statement was in an article about residential construction near the end and talked about commercial construction. Check it out.

If the article was from 2013, it wouldn't surprise me if there has been some changes since then. Last I read on these boards is that Whole Foods would not be opening a second OKC location in the immediate future. Trader Joe's looks like its going to Nichols Hills Plaza or somewhere near there. A year ago, there were reports of that deal being dead.

I wouldn't be surprised though to see a Fresh Market or Natural Grocers end up in the new Chisolm Creek development. According to Pete there is an "upscale" grocer interested that is not Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.

Does anyone know if TJ's Dallas distribution center is complete and online? Last time I was in a TJ's in Dallas in October the staff told me their Dallas distribution center needs to be completed before the expansion to Oklahoma could be a reality. Take it for what it worth.

Does anyone know if TJ's Dallas distribution center is complete and online? Last time I was in a TJ's in Dallas in October the staff told me their Dallas distribution center needs to be completed before the expansion to Oklahoma could be a reality. Take it for what it worth.

It's in Irving and was supposed to open by the end of 2013.

If not already complete, it certainly will be before a store in OKC is open.

The article in the Edmond Sun was a recap of residential construction in 2013 and talked about businesses and construction in 2014. They could have gotten the info wrong. Would not be the first time. I guess I was just hoping. Off topic, anyone hear anything about the west side of I-35 south of 33rd. There is a large tract of land sitting. Just south a lot of dirt was moved a few years ago, like something was in the works, then nothing.

A few details on the proposed sale of Classen Curve / Nichols Hills Plaza:

According to Glimcher Realty Trust's 4th quarter results:

In February 2014, the Company completed due diligence and has funds at risk related to a purchase agreement to acquire approximately 290,000 square feet of open-air retail properties in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for $51.8 million. The purchase includes three contiguous retail properties and approximately 12 acres of undeveloped land. The retail properties include Nichols Hills Plaza, Classen Curve and The Triangle @ Classen Curve. The Company expects to close on the purchase in the first quarter of 2014.

According to News9:

Glimcher tells News 9 it is too early to be discussing new tenants just yet. However, a company spokesperson says people should not to be surprised to see names the Glimcher already partners with -- such as Nike, The North Face, Brooks Brothers, Crate & Barrel and Madewell.

^

Interesting, especially the sales price.

By my very detailed calculations that I have been keeping for 8 years now, Chesapeake has at least $121 million invested in those properties, so $51.8 million would represent a massive loss.

That is not all that surprising; however, they can simply use the loss as a tax writeoff. They've made some sizable profits in some of their other land dealings (gas fields not commercial real estate).

The 12 acres of undeveloped land. That would be north of the Triangle up to 63rd Street & Grand, and east to the Chesapeake Treasury building?

The 12 acres of undeveloped land. That would be north of the Triangle up to 63rd Street & Grand, and east to the Chesapeake Treasury building?

Yes, and probably the old Kings Court condos south of NH Plaza and perhaps the old Kensington Apartments parcel as well.

^

Interesting, especially the sales price.

By my very detailed calculations that I have been keeping for 8 years now, Chesapeake has at least $121 million invested in those properties, so $51.8 million would represent a massive loss.

But OKC still wins in getting some older, Class C buildings rehabbed into Class A quality, and then local developers getting them for a bargain price, not to mention the local sellers who made bank, hopefully some investing it back in the local economy.

....and only one (8th & Colorado) will have high point beer and wine, the rest may have 3.2 beer.

The wine/beer operation is physically separated from the food. They share a wall with windows but you have to go outside and back in after getting food to get the wine/beer. Both entrances front Colorado Blvd with the food area off the parking lot and the beer/wine area off 8th.

These are nice enough stores but I still prefer a larger grocery store with a meat /fish counter, more varieties of brands and a larger selection of non-food items (paper towels, napkins, etc). They are good for an occasional trip for specialty items, or if you live nearby they are convenient because of their small size.

Any updates on a possible Trader Joe's announcement for OKC?

Just got back from TJ's in Woodmere, Ohio. They've got green-themed food for St Pat's; the olive oil flavored popcorn is amazing. Big bag for $2. Got a six pack of oatmeal stout for $5.99. The latter part of this goodness probably won't be heading to OKC.

If/when Trader Joe's ever comes to OKC its a shame they won't be able to sell beer/wine. 46 out of 50 states allow strong beer sales. Oklahoma needs to come into the 20th Century.

I would expect an announcement soon about them going into Nichols Hills Plaza, now that the sale has been officially closed.

Similarly, I think we'll hear something official about Ruth's Chris going into Classen Curve.

It will be interesting to see how Ruth's Chris does here. It does very well in many other cities but OKC in particular has such good local options for steak I can't see any reason to go to a chain over something local.

As for Trader Joe's I think it will be an instant hit.

It will be interesting to see how Ruth's Chris does here. It does very well in many other cities but OKC in particular has such good local options for steak I can't see any reason to go to a chain over something local.

As for Trader Joe's I think it will be an instant hit.

Trader joes will do well, but I still want one closer to downtown. There's Sprouts and WF right there, so they might be undercutting their potential somewhat.

It will be interesting to see how Ruth's Chris does here. It does very well in many other cities but OKC in particular has such good local options for steak I can't see any reason to go to a chain over something local.

As for Trader Joe's I think it will be an instant hit.

And Ruth's Chris will do great if they open.

If/when Trader Joe's ever comes to OKC its a shame they won't be able to sell beer/wine. 46 out of 50 states allow strong beer sales. Oklahoma needs to come into the 20th Century.

Hang on...you mean in grocery stores, right? 46 states allow strong beer sales in grocery stores?

Hang on...you mean in grocery stores, right? 46 states allow strong beer sales in grocery stores?

Yes. There are more states that don't allow wine, but 3.2 beer today is unique to only Oklahoma, Kansas, Utah, and Minnesota. Colorado once had similar laws but they seem to be relaxing their laws in recent years.

If/when Trader Joe's ever comes to OKC its a shame they won't be able to sell beer/wine. 46 out of 50 states allow strong beer sales. Oklahoma needs to come into the 20th Century.

Keep in mind they can only sell wine in 1 of there 3 Colorado locations

It will be interesting to see how Ruth's Chris does here. It does very well in many other cities but OKC in particular has such good local options for steak I can't see any reason to go to a chain over something local.

As for Trader Joe's I think it will be an instant hit.

Ruth's Chris will be very successful bc people here like feeling like they're part of the Dallas avant garde. Whatever Plano has, we gotta has.

A lot of people love chains, for whatever reason. And for people in the NH area, it's closer than the Ranch, Mahogany or Red Prime. The Metro has a great filet, but its not specifically a steak restaurant - which is why I like it. But I agree that Ruth's Cris will likely be very successful.

The best thing about big-money chains like Ruth's Chris is they usually make a big investment in their buildings, and you can count on a large, nice bar area:

http://media.culturemap.com/crop/82/87/600x450/Ruths-Chris-Houston-steak-cutting-July-2013-bar-lounge_085525.jpg

So...Trader Joe's.

just back bacl from san francisco and napa. in response to an earlier post about tj and wf being near each other, the napa trader joe's and whole foods were separated by two small shops (coffee shop and some other shop) in the same strip mall.

If/when Trader Joe's ever comes to OKC its a shame they won't be able to sell beer/wine. 46 out of 50 states allow strong beer sales. Oklahoma needs to come into the 20th Century.

That's the problem, Oklahoma is in the 20th century. Care to join the majority in the 21st?

Bchris02,
It's been three years since I was there, but in Littleton, Co., 3.2 was all I could purchase in the grocery stores.
C. T.
Yes. There are more states that don't allow wine, but 3.2 beer today is unique to only Oklahoma, Kansas, Utah, and Minnesota. Colorado once had similar laws but they seem to be relaxing their laws in recent years.

That's the problem, Oklahoma is in the 20th century. Care to join the majority in the 21st?

Oklahoma is in the prohibition era of the 1920s. It needs to join the second half of the 20th century before it can join the 21st.

Bchris02,
It's been three years since I was there, but in Littleton, Co., 3.2 was all I could purchase in the grocery stores.
C. T.

Colorado changed their law. Now 1 chain location in the state can sell wine/ high point beer.

BoulderSooner,
One chain? In other words, KingSooper and Safeway are not the "chosen" one(s)? I believe those are the two stores that I purchased beer from. Actually, I know one was Safeway, not sure the other was KingSooper. What chain is it? And why would they pass a law like that? It seems the government has given a competitive edge to one chain.
C. T.
Colorado changed their law. Now 1 chain location in the state can sell wine/ high point beer.

Only 1 location of a chain. Ie the whole foods in boulder sells wine the Other Colorado locations do not The Denver trader joes is the only 1 of the 3 to sell wine.

BoulderSooner,
My mistake, I mis-read your comment. It takes a while, just type slower next time, I'm old!
C. T.
Only 1 location of a chain. Ie the whole foods in boulder sells wine the Other Colorado locations do not The Denver trader joes is the only 1 of the 3 to sell wine.

The liquor store lobby has a similar stranglehold on Colorado as it does Oklahoma. The 1 store per chain law is pretty lame and pretty much only Denver benefits (and Boulder with Whole Foods). It would be interesting if OK had this same law which stores would be the "chosen ones" in the state. All would likely be in the OKC and Tulsa metros since there are so few small chains left in rural Oklahoma.

Yes. There are more states that don't allow wine, but 3.2 beer today is unique to only Oklahoma, Kansas, Utah, and Minnesota. Colorado once had similar laws but they seem to be relaxing their laws in recent years.

Fair enough. I was just wanting to make sure that you weren't suggesting you COULDN'T GET strong beer in Oklahoma at all, which if of course not the case. I figured you were more astute, but nevertheless lots of people believe this about beer in Oklahoma.

If/when Trader Joe's ever comes to OKC its a shame they won't be able to sell beer/wine. 46 out of 50 states allow strong beer sales. Oklahoma needs to come into the 20th Century.

You might want to note that, in addition to the 3.2 states, there are 7 states that do not allow ANY alcohol sales in grocery stores. And some of these states, I might add, are liberal bastions.

Rhode Island
Pennsylvania
Alaska
Delaware
New Jersey*
North Dakota
Wyoming

*Some locales in New Jersey are allowed to sell beer in grocery stores, but that is VERY few and far between.

When I was in Boston a few years ago they still had the package store concept, the Whole Foods by our hotel (right by Mass General) had no alcohol at all.

As others have stated, except for the one licensed location 3.2 beer/malt beverage is all you can get in grocery/convenience stores. In many ways the liquor laws between Oklahoma and Colorado are very much the same.

One place where Colorado laws are much better (though OK recently improved): craft brewery tasting rooms.

One place where Colorado laws are much better (though OK recently improved): craft brewery tasting rooms.
Yep...but it has slowly transitioned as well. Much slower than the huge craft beer sector has liked.

One place where Colorado laws are much better (though OK recently improved): craft brewery tasting rooms.

Oklahoma is slowly changing that. HB 1341 passed last year allows limited tasting at craft breweries. There just aren't that many yet outside of a few in OKC (Coop, Mustang), Tulsa (Marshall) and Krebs. Colorado has them everywhere with Denver having a microbrewery or two in just about every neighborhood and numerous ones downtown.

Believe me, I am intimately familiar with the tasting room situation in Colorado.

You might want to note that, in addition to the 3.2 states, there are 7 states that do not allow ANY alcohol sales in grocery stores. And some of these states, I might add, are liberal bastions.

Rhode Island
Pennsylvania
Alaska
Delaware
New Jersey*
North Dakota
Wyoming

*Some locales in New Jersey are allowed to sell beer in grocery stores, but that is VERY few and far between.

I was about to post the same thing. Colorado also doesn't allow full strength beer in the majority of its stores. At least the stores we stopped at on the way to Breckenridge last week didn't.

Sshhh... ...you'll spoil the narrative that we are unique in our backwardness...

I was about to post the same thing. Colorado also doesn't allow full strength beer in the majority of its stores. At least the stores we stopped at on the way to Breckenridge last week didn't.

How I understood it from a person in New Jersey is they have a small liquor store right next to the grocery store that is not connected but sells liquor.

How I understood it from a person in New Jersey is they have a small liquor store right next to the grocery store that is not connected but sells liquor.

This is how they do it in a lot of states. In Oklahoma, the fact that liquor stores must be sole proprietorships and must be owned by somebody who has been an Oklahoma resident for at least ten years prevents chain stores from opening up their own liquor stores.

Any updates on this?

The buzz about Trader Joe's being interested in the OKC area started back in 2012 yet here we are half way through 2014 and nothing.

They are going into NH Plaza.

I'm sure Glimcher is wrapping up the lease.

This is how they do it in a lot of states. In Oklahoma, the fact that liquor stores must be sole proprietorships and must be owned by somebody who has been an Oklahoma resident for at least ten years prevents chain stores from opening up their own liquor stores.

And I believe they can only own one store which is why we don't see chains like Spec's in Houston.

And I believe they can only own one store which is why we don't see chains like Spec's in Houston.
Yes, Colorado is similar to Oklahoma with only one store but they do not have the residency requirement. That is why the Trader Joe's at 8th & Colorado is the only one with liquor as is the Whole Foods in Boulder and the King Soopers in Glendale.

In Texas a person can hold up to five liquor licenses, "family members" (by blood or marriage) can pool their licenses together to form an operating company which is how the chains exist in Texas. The Austin area Spec's are licensed to a husband and wife of the family so they could have up to 10 stores. Then beer and wine is licensed for grocery stores more like the 3.2 beer is Oklahoma and Colorado. There was a lengthy article on all of that in the Austin Chronicle (their version of the Gazette) when Spec's first entered the Austin/Central Texas market.

Yes, Colorado is similar to Oklahoma with only one store but they do not have the residency requirement. That is why the Trader Joe's at 8th & Colorado is the only one with liquor as is the Whole Foods in Boulder and the King Soopers in Glendale.

In Texas a person can hold up to five liquor licenses, "family members" (by blood or marriage) can pool their licenses together to form an operating company which is how the chains exist in Texas. The Austin area Spec's are licensed to a husband and wife of the family so they could have up to 10 stores. Then beer and wine is licensed for grocery stores more like the 3.2 beer is Oklahoma and Colorado. There was a lengthy article on all of that in the Austin Chronicle (their version of the Gazette) when Spec's first entered the Austin/Central Texas market.

BTW...Spec's Rocks! Especially the downtown Houston store!

BTW...Spec's Rocks! Especially the downtown Houston store!
We have some similar (large, single) liquor stores here in the Denver area but I do miss Spec's and some of the foods they carried as well as the beer selection. We would go to the one at Mopac & Ben White in South Austin when we lived there. It was a former Academy Sports store after they relocated to a former Home Depot down Brodie.

Love love love Spec's

If/when Trader Joe's ever comes to OKC its a shame they won't be able to sell beer/wine. 46 out of 50 states allow strong beer sales. Oklahoma needs to come into the 20th Century.

I would assume that most Oklahoma legislators do not drink, so why expect them to take any interest in doing what it takes to get together and reform Oklahoma's drinking laws. It will take citizens doing something like circulating a petition to vote on reform. But probably too few citizens are interested in doing that.

I would assume that most Oklahoma legislators do not drink, so why expect them to take any interest in doing what it takes to get together and reform Oklahoma's drinking laws. It will take citizens doing something like circulating a petition to vote on reform. But probably too few citizens are interested in doing that.

Why would you assume that? I would assume that the majority of them do in some form.