OKC is so lucky to have them.


And for anyone who hasn't gotten to know Matt & Sara you really should make it a point to do so. Incredibly nice, sharp and motivated young couple.

I know for a fact that they are not only being recruited by almost every district in town, they have also been approached by several other cities (Chicago, KC, etc.). But for now, they plan to concentrate on just this one store.

Last weekend we prepared this recipe, Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos Recipe : Food Network Kitchen : Food Network (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/slow-cooker-pork-tacos-recipe.html), among others. In the olden days prior to Native Roots, we would have needed to drive to WF and buy large wasteful quantities of herbs, peppers, and spices. Now we walked a block and got ALL of them from native roots, in the exact quantity necessary. Not since we lived in Dallas could we walk in and ask for one cinnamon stick, four Ancho chiles, 4 Pasilla chiles, etc., rather than dig through the cabinet to find they had expired last year.

One of the many delights of urban living!

OKC is so lucky to have them.


And for anyone who hasn't gotten to know Matt & Sara you really should make it a point to do so. Incredibly nice, sharp and motivated young couple.

I know for a fact that they are not only being recruited by almost every district in town, they have also been approached by several other cities (Chicago, KC, etc.). But for now, they plan to concentrate on just this one store.

No kiddin - after Edge fills up, would they consider opening in midtown? Would be a home run for sure! Plus could capture the Saints lunch crowd too with sandwiches and ready-made foods from their deli which are oh-so-delicious. Echo the comments about their hummus above - I am freaking addicted to their chipotle and jalapeno hummuses. Can't imagine you can get anything even close to that elsewhere in OKC, and certainly not within walking distance. Several months ago I mentioned that I'm also addicted to Beanitos (go perfect with their hummus), and wa-la - a few weeks later they are well stocked with Beanitos - not only that but at a cheaper price than whole foods. DD is an amazing neighborhood now, but just wouldn't have been the same without NR.

I miss Native Roots in Norman, and hope they eventually open up a second store where they originally began. Closer to OU in or by Campus Corner would be preferred.

No kiddin - after Edge fills up, would they consider opening in midtown? Would be a home run for sure! Plus could capture the Saints lunch crowd too with sandwiches and ready-made foods from their deli which are oh-so-delicious. Echo the comments about their hummus above - I am freaking addicted to their chipotle and jalapeno hummuses. Can't imagine you can get anything even close to that elsewhere in OKC, and certainly not within walking distance. Several months ago I mentioned that I'm also addicted to Beanitos (go perfect with their hummus), and wa-la - a few weeks later they are well stocked with Beanitos - not only that but at a cheaper price than whole foods. DD is an amazing neighborhood now, but just wouldn't have been the same without NR.

Definitely too soon to open a store a mile and a half from their only store. Norman would be a natural add, back to their start.

A bit off topic, organic milk or any milk lasts longer if it is ultrahigh temp pasturized. It kills the milk sugars. I've tasted some of the organic milk that is UHT pasturized. Not as good as Kalonia organic low temp pasturized milk. It does not last as long but about the same as reg milk. It is not homiginized so it has cream on top and does taste sweet. Another difference is that they don't use all "factory cows" (Holsteins) The milk is sourced from Amish and Menionite farmers, who have a variety of cows. (Brown Swiss, Milking Shorthorn, Jersey, Gernsey) In mind its much better tasting. I've tasted another brand of non homiginized milk that was from Holstein cows and it was not as good. Just my two cents. And no I don't get paid by Kalonia. They do have a $2 off coupon on their website.

I will agree with a lot of others that it is expensive to do all of your grocery shopping here, but I have started to do some of mine here and I really enjoy it. The yogurt they sell here is off the charts, the best I have ever had, and you can also buy the same sourdough bread that the deli uses. I try to make it for lunch once a week for their deli sandwiches, which are excellent. I really want to see this place succeed and will continue to shop here frequently, much better experience than fighting Wal Mart and their unruly crowds.

Apparently they've completely redone themselves, and are being supplied/run by Uptown now and are more of a "real" grocery store. Read about it on Lackmeyer's chat today.

Yes, this has been the case for a month or two now and when I called them for some reason they wanted to keep it a secret.

This place is much more like a convenience store now. I love it.

Yes, this has been the case for a month or two now and when I called them for some reason they wanted to keep it a secret.

Is it a case of not wanting to appear like “selling out” by utilizing a larger chain to support their offerings?

They went with a local chain, it’s not like there are Walmart trucks delivering things there.

Now I kinda think they should just call themselves "Uptown Grocers" so people will think of them more of a grocery store rather than a specialty shop. I think they'd get more business.

Now I kinda think they should just call themselves "Uptown Grocers" so people will think of them more of a grocery store rather than a specialty shop. I think they'd get more business.

I was about to post this.

If they want people who may not have liked the original concept to give them another try, it would be smart for them to rebrand.

I was about to post this.

If they want people who may not have liked the original concept to give them another try, it would be smart for them to rebrand.

Yes, especially since people are still talking about how they don't serve the needs of customers, don't have things in stock that they should in a standard grocery store, etc., even though they've changed drastically now. They need to get rid of that negative image and not just by word of it trickling out on chats and message boards (although both have sizeable audiences). Not sure if they're actually owned/run by the Uptown Grocery/Buy4Less folks, though, or just supplied by them, so not sure if it's possible to rebrand.

I'm really happy about this change. Now we can actually afford to buy basic things like milk without needing to get in the car. They have a lot of convenience store items now, so I'm sure we'll be frequenting much more than before.

Should rebrand to “uptown bodega.” With the deli counter it really reminds me of an urban grocery. I haven’t had a sandwich there since they opened the counter though, all they had was white or wheat, 3kinds is cold cuts, yellow or white cheese, etc. Has it gotten better?

I know some business owners get really really attached to their brand. But even though I’m aware of it I never think about stopping there when I’m in the hood visiting my buddy at his brownstone down the block because of the original concept of farm to shelf.

Downtown's only grocery store to re-brand (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=482-Downtown-s-only-grocery-store-to-re-brand)

It was late 2012 when Native Roots opened in the Level apartment complex and it represented the fulfillment of a long-held goal of many downtown advocates: the first truly urban grocery store in Oklahoma City in decades.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptowndeepdeuce1.jpg


After some tinkering with the product mix, a few months ago patrons discovered a shift away from mostly unique, boutique and organic choices to selections typically found in most grocery stores, just in smaller quantities and selection to suit the smaller space.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/nativeroots031518c.jpg


It was soon revealed that Uptown Grocery Company was involved and using their supply network to adjust the product offerings.

Uptown opened its first store near Covell and Kelly in Edmond then followed with a location in the Village in February of 2016. Native Roots relocated from downtown Norman.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/nativeroots031518b.jpg


A recent visit to the Deep Deuce store at NE 2nd and Walnut shows that the layout is the same and the deli at the rear is still operating and thriving, but that the product mix is indeed more mainstream.

Now, plans have been submitted to the Downtown Design Review Committee which show the intention of completely removing the Native Roots signage in favor of Uptown Grocery.

As such items as signage are usually reviewed through an administrative process rather than a full committee vote, the change has already been approved by the body.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/nativeroots031518a.jpg


Employees at the store indicated that the change has been underway for some time.

The re-merchandising and name change also comes just as Homeland has finally commenced their thorough remodel and update to the next closest grocery store at NW 18th and Classen.

Read here (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=365-Homeland-to-start-2-million-renovation-on-18th-Classen-store) to learn more about that Homeland project.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/nativeroots031518d.jpg

Yea this only makes sense, this place is totally different now than it used to be. As mentioned in posts here a few months ago, the products are actually normal and convenient with prices that are close to regular store pricing.

A friend mentioned to me that his receipts from there have already had the Uptown branding for a couple months now, as well.

I couldn't get the Uptown people to return my calls over the last few weeks...

But I was told by an employee that Matt & Sarah (the original proprietors) are still involved.

If you live downtown you shop at Uptown downtown instead of driving to Uptown.

If you live downtown you shop at Uptown downtown instead of driving to Uptown.

If you live downtown you shop at Uptown downtown instead of driving to Uptown or The Village or Edmond for Uptown.

And you'll soon go to the old Uptown Theater which is in Midtown unlike the Tower Theater which is in Uptown.

If you live downtown you shop at Uptown downtown instead of driving to Uptown or The Village or Edmond for Uptown.

And you'll soon go to the old Uptown Theater which is in Midtown unlike the Tower Theater which is in Uptown.

:lol2:

A friend mentioned to me that his receipts from there have already had the Uptown branding for a couple months now, as well.

They had taken over operations and were evaluating the location, but not committed to it. I haven't any new insight other than that, but to me the sign application is a good indication that they are now 100% in.

They had taken over operations and were evaluating the location, but not committed to it. I haven't any new insight other than that, but to me the sign application is a good indication that they are now 100% in.

This is pretty much what the employee at the counter told me.

This is very much a step in the right direction. Native Roots has/had an image problem and given the change in business model, rebranding is necessary. Most people still think of Native Roots as the specialty store that it used to be.

I think people will be much more inclined to drive an extra block east to Walnut as they drive home from work and grab a few items with this new signage and branding. Definitely a step in the right direction for them.

Cool - interested to see how this goes. We used to be regular customers at NR but rarely go there of late, despite it being a 30 second walk from home. Maybe time to give it another shot! Happy that Matt and Sara are still involved.

Will Native Roots return to Norman? I liked their selections and the specialty store they used to be.

^^^^^^
I don't believe so. Every bit as much as they were missing some traditional grocery business in downtown, their biggest problem was probably the mainstreaming of organic options. Back when they were very successful in Norman there were very few options in the metro for the type of products they sold, so they had a very loyal customer base from far and wide. At this point that market segment has been eroded terribly by the arrival of Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Sprouts, and even the expansion of organic options within mainstream supermarkets.

Even the remodeled Homeland on Classen plans to increase their organic offerings.

Even the remodeled Homeland on Classen plans to increase their organic offerings.

Haha obviously the worst possible example of a grocery store in your opinion. You could barely spit out the words into your keyboard!

That store has been so bad it made me feel worse about being an Oklahoman. How could such a place even exist in this day and age?

I'm pretty close to feeling the same way about almost all the area 7-11's.

That store has been so bad it made me feel worse about being an Oklahoman. How could such a place even exist in this day and age?


No competition. If OKC had quality grocery chains like Reasor's, Kroger, Ralph's, Harris Teeter, etc, there's no way it could have stayed in business. If the store wasn't basically the only full-service grocery store in the urban core, it also probably wouldn't have made it. Also, if you think that store pre-remodel was bad, Whitaker's on NW 10th is much worse.

No competition. If OKC had quality grocery chains like Reasor's, Kroger, Ralph's, Harris Teeter, etc, there's no way it could have stayed in business. If the store wasn't basically the only full-service grocery store in the urban core, it also probably wouldn't have made it. Also, if you think that store pre-remodel was bad, Whitaker's on NW 10th is much worse.

This is why I'm still surprised that they're going through with the remodel, now that the gold dome grocery option is donezo. Their attitude towards improvement seems to only be 'if somebody better is going to threaten the location.'

There is WAY more competition in just the last few years:

Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Aldi, Winco, Natural Grocers, Sprouts, etc., etc. Even Walmart is stepping up their game with their automated pick-ups and more.

I meant competition in the immediate vicinity. Just based on the May & Britton location, they did a huge overhaul right before Whole Foods opened on the other side of Nichols Hills. Then another decent touch up right before Uptown opened two blocks north.

I meant competition in the immediate vicinity. Just based on the May & Britton location, they did a huge overhaul right before Whole Foods opened on the other side of Nichols Hills. Then another decent touch up right before Uptown opened two blocks north.

I was referring more to bchris's post about the general state of OKC grocery stores.

http://newsok.com/uptown-market-in-deep-deuce-not-quite-a-done-deal/article/5588846?custom_click=columnist

This article still states that there aren't enough people living downtown to support a grocery store. Is this still the case in 2018? The population of downtown was around 5000 or so in 2010. You would think it would be substantially larger now given how much housing has been built downtown since then.

My speculation is keeping the Native Roots brand has hurt them. Also, if they can hold on until October, being able to sell real beer/wine should give them quite a boost.

^

I'm sure that is all a subterfuge as a reaction to my story yesterday because they weren't quite ready to get the news out. I had spoken to the Uptown people months ago and they asked me to wait until January, then stopped returning my calls.

Why on earth would you file detailed design plans and have them approved if you weren't planning on moving forward? That type of approval only takes a few days.

Regardless, this part...

"this is the grocery you've been asking for. Use it, or lose it. "

...is spot on. If we do not use this store we will lose it. And if we lose it, we will have an even harder time convincing a larger grocery store to make the move downtown. We will for years hear "but Uptown couldn't even make it work".

^

Sorry, but I don't agree.

First of all, if this fails (and it's been highly subsidized by the landlord) then doesn't that tell you that almost no one shopped there anyway? So, what exactly will we be losing? This is like the common practice of bemoaning a place closing then admitting you haven't been in years.

I'd hate to see this place go but the market has to speak.

And for all we know, a better located, easier access, larger grocery could not only open downtown but that process might actually be accelerated if this one goes out.

It's really time OKC moves out of this small town mentality. All the people involved here seem to be very nice with great intentions, but when a journalist openly roots for a business they are in effect rooting against their direct competition -- present and future -- and that's completely inappropriate.

Don't get me wrong, _I_ think a better located, easier to access store will succeed (e.g. in Midtown where it will pull HH/MP residents for sure). But I'm saying if this one fails, regardless of the reasons, it's what will be pointed to as to why we can't do it bigger/better.

Don't get me wrong, _I_ think a better located, easier to access store will succeed (e.g. in Midtown where it will pull HH/MP residents for sure). But I'm saying if this one fails, regardless of the reasons, it's what will be pointed to as to why we can't do it bigger/better.

I'm sure anyone who would consider doing an urban grocery would understand why this one didn't succeed (if that proves to be the case) and probably learn from it.

In any event, it is absolutely not the job of a journalist to pick winners and losers regardless of your personal feelings.

^

Sorry, but I don't agree.

First of all, if this fails (and it's been highly subsidized by the landlord) then doesn't that tell you that almost no one shopped there anyway? So, what exactly will we be losing? This is like the common practice of bemoaning a place closing then admitting you haven't been in years.

I'd hate to see this place go but the market has to speak.

And for all we know, a better located, easier access, larger grocery could not only open downtown but that process might actually be accelerated if this one goes out.

It's really time OKC moves out of this small town mentality. All the people involved here seem to be very nice with great intentions, but when a journalist openly roots for a business they are in effect rooting against their direct competition -- present and future -- and that's completely inappropriate.


This is what I have been thinking for a long time now, NR has been like a bandage over a bullet hole. Maybe it is preventing a larger picture solution.

However, I will admit that over the last 3 months I have been using NR almost weekly since they got normal products. They don't fulfill my entire shopping needs like a Walmart or Target would, but for convenience type items, I now spend money there that would have gone to my full store trips.

I really, really hope they make it but a business succeeds or fails on its own merits and that absolutely does not mean others can't succeed with a competing concept and a different model and approach.

They are closing in the next couple of weeks per the Oklahoman:

https://oklahoman.com/article/5656067/downtown-okcs-lone-grocery-store-set-to-close

They are closing in the next couple of weeks per the Oklahoman:

https://oklahoman.com/article/5656067/downtown-okcs-lone-grocery-store-set-to-close

Wonder if the recent weirdness around the Binkowskis contributed? Susan has Lyme disease, they've moved out of state, the Uptown-to-be on NE 36th/Kelley was found to need major work and major permits, none of which are happening...

Behind a paywall, but this is shocking to me. Does it mention anything about a replacement in the same spot?

They are closing in the next couple of weeks per the Oklahoman:

https://oklahoman.com/article/5656067/downtown-okcs-lone-grocery-store-set-to-close

Maybe its just me but there appears to be an increase in failed restaurants and other unique type retail ( beyond the normal closures due to any number of reasons) in OKC. Not sure, but is this reflective of a larger existing economic problem? Just doesn't seem the city can accommodate (especially in the DT Core) the number of food options

Maybe its just me but there appears to be an increase in failed restaurants and other unique type retail ( beyond the normal closures due to any number of reasons) in OKC. Not sure, but is this reflective of a larger existing economic problem? Just doesn't seem the city can accommodate (especially in the DT Core) the number of food options

In economics I believe this is called competition. Supply and demand are also pertinent.

Seriously though, a tremendous number of high quality restaurants and entertainment options opened in the last 10-15 years where there was certainly a void in the market. Eventually, that demand has been filled and only some are thriving. What has happened recently is pretty good for OKC: decent options are folding because of competition. It's a good problem.

It's disappointing to see this concept close because it did not really have much competition in the core. However, it's always important to realize that not all businesses close just because of economic failure.

Maybe its just me but there appears to be an increase in failed restaurants and other unique type retail ( beyond the normal closures due to any number of reasons) in OKC. Not sure, but is this reflective of a larger existing economic problem? Just doesn't seem the city can accommodate (especially in the DT Core) the number of food options

I know there are likely multiple reasons why businesses close. But my simple answer is that our city has grown so much thus as a percentage its not out of the norm.

Another way to look at it. How many have opened on the past 1 year compared to how many opened 5 and 10 years ago. Since more opened then its normal for more to close. I would think closures (within a range) are a close percent to historical.

Look at traffic we have so much more traffic than 5 and 10 years ago. And look at wrecks we have so many more. But I would guess the wreck rate per miles travelled or cars on road is similar to 5 and 10 years ago.

The more food places opened means more will close all other things being equal.

I have no stats to back this up its an educated guess.

The surrounding apartments all have high occupancy rates so I would assume the only grocery store in the area would thrive. That really is too bad.

The problem is it isn't like an ordinary grocery store with selection. They have the same basic stuff, but at very high prices. The only stuff that didn't seem to be inflated was the alcohol (may be price restricted by the vendors?).

I live in DD and used Native Roots basically for anytime I needed a specific item (chips, alcohol, a baking ingredient, mixers, etc.) But when it comes to needing a full cart of groceries, the Homeland on Classen or the Walmart on 23rd are the go-to options.

Is it possible Native Roots would have performed better in Midtown?

Is it possible Native Roots would have performed better in Midtown?

i was always curious why they left Norman. everytime i went in there (which was at least once a week and sometimes more) there was always 3-4 other people there shopping. i never went in was the only one.

The problem is it isn't like an ordinary grocery store with selection. They have the same basic stuff, but at very high prices. The only stuff that didn't seem to be inflated was the alcohol (may be price restricted by the vendors?).

I live in DD and used Native Roots basically for anytime I needed a specific item (chips, alcohol, a baking ingredient, mixers, etc.) But when it comes to needing a full cart of groceries, the Homeland on Classen or the Walmart on 23rd are the go-to options.

Because people living downtown are still frequently in their cars (to/from work, tons of other reasons) so it's just as easy if not easier to stop at a supermarket than to walk to the small corner store which isn't going to have everything you need anyway.

And the percentage of people living downtown within easy walking distance of this spot is small.


Really hate to see them go, though.

Because people living downtown are still frequently in their cars (to/from work, tons of other reasons) so it's just as easy if not easier to stop at a supermarket than to walk to the small corner store which isn't going to have everything you need anyway.

And the percentage of people living downtown within easy walking distance of this spot is small.


This is key. Every new apartment development downtown has included enough parking for at least one car per unit, IIRC... I'd bet 80-90% of these renters have and use cars and go to stores with greater variety and lower prices. And that's not even taking grocery delivery into account.

I hate it, too. Like I said it was used as a convenience store for me. Grabbing some beer or mixers was a breeze. I think if they made this spot an actual quick stop store (alcohol, tobacco, maybe a Subway in the deli spot) They could make it work money wise.

This place reminded me of Forward Foods when they were on Western Ave just south of the I-44 ramps. I loved their selection but there wasn't a ton of foot traffic at the time. I wish they were still around here in the city.