Quality grocery stores in OKC

[Plutonic Panda]

But let's get real. What is "better" than some of those I posted when it comes to shopping for groceries? Do fancy wall hangings, fountains, chandeliers, really make for "better" groceries? We don't live in these places, we go their for groceries! I agree that just because some have nothing doesn't mean we can't want, but it adds a perspective to those who act like they are really destroyed because they don't have (whatever) at their grocery store. I guess I just don't get it. It reeks of snobbery and lack of gratitude that we already have many places to shop. Notice I said places - not palaces. To me, it's just more of the grass is always greener syndrome. It's always better if it's not here. Hyperbole is the theme of this thread and "suck ass" is hardly how I would describe most of the grocery stores I've been shopping in lately. Maybe this is a generational thing. I don't see a lot of us over 55 worrying about this.

I'll break it down for you. This is based off of my experiences from shopping at Ralph's, Costco, Gelson's, Tom Thumb, HEB, and Central Market stores.

Buy for Less, the majority of Crest stores, Homeland, Walmart, are half-rate stores.

Uptown Market is okay. It's small though. Doesn't have the selection of the ones I mentioned in my first sentence. The new Uptown Grocery on May might bigger than the one in Edmond, but it's still going to be small.

Sprouts, Natural Grocers, and Trader Joe's are specialty stores. Not full service grocery stores like Tom Thumb.

Whole Foods is a rip off. I wouldn't care to see them leave the OKC Market. To me, the only reason we are using using the term "high-end" grocery store is because they charge so much. The only comparable grocer I can think of is Gelson's which is pretty expensive.

Super Cao Nguyen is cool, but it needs a bad remodel inside. But it is a really cool grocery store and I'm glad OKC has it.

From what I've seen of WinCo, it's your typical shop in bulk grocery store.

Target is okay, again, it's more hassle than it's worth to do grocery shopping there seeing as like 60 or 70% of the store is clothes and other items besides food. Same thing as Walmart which is all Target really is, is a slightly better Walmart.

This isn't a grass is greener syndrome. Cabela's, REI, IKEA, that is a grass is greener syndrome. How many times a month are you going to go to one of those stores vs. a grocery store? Literally, OKC's grocery scene could be fixed with 4 things that are completely realistic and achievable. 1. Costco opening up two metro stores to compete with Sam's. 2. Homeland getting bought out by say Tom Thumb and their stores being extensively remodeled to the Tom Thumb standard or Kroger. 3. Crest remodeling their existing stores to their new Fresh Market standards and adding 3-4 stores to fill in the gaps between the Homeland's that were converted to Kroger. 4. A full sized downtown grocery store.

That is a not a lot to ask for, and quite frankly, that downtown grocer can wait another 3-4 years. But that is all it would take. Virtually every other city over half a million has that with the exception of a downtown grocer. Wichita has a Costco for crying out loud.

[corwin1968]

Zookeeper, I do agree with you in the sense of we should be thankful, but that doesn't mean just because there are 3rd world countries out there with people starving we can't want better for ourselves.

There are several things about Oklahoma City I don't understand. High airfare prices, the fact people here don't understand how to use the on ramps to accelerate to the posted speed limit, extreme rubberknecking, and why the grocery stores here suck ass. I mean Oklahoma City has to hands down have the worst grocery stores of any city over half a million people I've ever been to. Even Las Cruses, NM has a better grocer scene than we do. Little Rock, Kansas City, Lewisville, etc.... Hell, even the resort towns in Lake Tahoe along with Reno have better grocery stores than the average one in OKC. It's just bad man.

I also feel that it goes beyond OKC being a cash saver market, which seems not be true with the success stories of all these high-end retailers who have recorded some of their best openings and overall performances nationwide. I really feel Homeland has screwed up the game along with Walmart that seems to want to make OKC their test market for over-saturating a city with Walmart stores.

Let me say, I'm not against Walmart entirely by any means. Hell, I actually miss them in L.A. because if you're in West L.A., it's nearly an hour drive to the nearest one. Also, the Walmart stores in L.A. are much nicer than the ones in Oklahoma with exception of the new Edmond SuperCenter on I-35 which I hope is the standard they build their new ones in Norman and Southwest OKC to.

If I had a choice, I would fix this problem over probably any other problem discussed on this website!!!

[Questor]

But let's get real. What is "better" than some of those I posted when it comes to shopping for groceries? Do fancy wall hangings, fountains, chandeliers, really make for "better" groceries? We don't live in these places, we go there for groceries! I agree that just because some have nothing doesn't mean we can't want, but it adds a perspective to those who act like they are really destroyed because they don't have (whatever) at their grocery store. I guess I just don't get it. It reeks of snobbery and lack of gratitude that we already have many places to shop. Notice I said places - not palaces. To me, it's just more of the grass is always greener syndrome. It's always better if it's not here. Hyperbole is the theme of this thread and "suck ass" is hardly how I would describe most of the grocery stores I've been shopping in lately. Maybe this is a generational thing. I don't see a lot of us over 55 worrying about this.

The things that bother me: not being able to find very fresh looking fruits and vegetables in the majority of the stores here (you're going to say I am crazy... But my counterpoint would be I wish you could see the same product in Texas or California for comparison). Fish that is absolutely disgusting even from the deli counter. Not being able to find things like grape leaves or caviar or really good olives or specific kinds of cheese except in a very few stores here. Never being able to find the "major trends" products for years after the rest of the country has them shelved. Always having to wade through the most unhealthy, deep fried, whatever stuff. Having a million choices of that and Monster drinks but not good brands I'm looking for. Finding a brand I'm looking for but not that one product, which is the most popular in the country, but after checking with a store manager somehow not stocked here. I can't think of the number of times I have tried to follow a recipe from food network and literally could not find one of the ingredients without going to an uber-specialty store or just settling for a frozen or canned version of something that would have been commonplace elsewhere.

Not trying to whine, although I know it sounds whiny. I am just trying to explain what other than store decor a more modern store could offer us.

[Questor]

Isn't Sprouts really a mid-range? They seem to be doing really well.

I do like Sprouts and they are way better than many other options. But they are sort of a value centric organic grocer. Their company motto is "healthy living for less!" That's not a bad thing at all, but again they sort of position themselves in a value market. It just kind of reiterates my point I think.

[Plutonic Panda]

The things that bother me: not being able to find very fresh looking fruits and vegetables in the majority of the stores here (you're going to say I am crazy... But my counterpoint would be I wish you could see the same product in Texas or California for comparison). Fish that is absolutely disgusting even from the deli counter. Not being able to find things like grape leaves or caviar or really good olives or specific kinds of cheese except in a very few stores here. Never being able to find the "major trends" products for years after the rest of the country has them shelved. Always having to wade through the most unhealthy, deep fried, whatever stuff. Having a million choices of that and Monster drinks but not good brands I'm looking for. Finding a brand I'm looking for but not that one product, which is the most popular in the country, but after checking with a store manager somehow not stocked here. I can't think of the number of times I have tried to follow a recipe from food network and literally could not find one of the ingredients without going to an uber-specialty store or just settling for a frozen or canned version of something that would have been commonplace elsewhere.

Not trying to whine, although I know it sounds whiny. I am just trying to explain what other than store decor a more modern store could offer us.

+1

[Plutonic Panda]

Sprouts and Trader Joe's are great examples of stores that are nice, nothing too fancy, however are above and beyond what you'd see at Homeland, with helpful employees, nice & fresh selection, and good prices.

[ljbab728]

Whole Foods is a rip off. I wouldn't care to see them leave the OKC Market. To me, the only reason we are using using the term "high-end" grocery store is because they charge so much. The only comparable grocer I can think of is Gelson's which is pretty expensive.

I have been to the Gelson's on Santa Monica numerous times because it's only two blocks from where my brother lives. I agree that it's expensive but I certainly wouldn't compare them to Whole Foods. It's a totally different shopping experience and hardly what I would call "high-end" other than its price.

[bchris02]

To me, it's just more of the grass is always greener syndrome. It's always better if it's not here.

I understand what you are saying. Compared to what people in many third world countries have access to, the 18th and Classen Homeland would probably be heaven and we don't have the right to complain.

With that said, OKC is a metro area of 1.4 million people and its frustrating how virtually every other metro area in the country over 500,000 people has a better grocery scene than OKC. It's not the end of the world but its still frustrating. Also, unlike IKEA and Nordstrom, grocery stores are an everyday amenity. As Questor said, it's not only about a more pleasant shopping experience and nicer decor, though that is certainly something that comes with modern stores. It's also about cleanliness, selection, and the quality of the product. It's also not about price, as PluPan said, the quality grocery stores in other cities are no more expensive than and sometimes cheaper than Homeland, but offer a better quality product and a much better, cleaner shopping experience. I don't think it's too much to ask for OKC to have the kind of grocery scene that people in Wichita, Tulsa, Omaha, Little Rock, etc, etc..name virtually any other city...take for granted.

As PluPan said, all that would be needed to fix OKC's grocery scene is for Homeland to be bought out by a company that would actually invest in their stores. It doesn't matter if its Kroger, Albertson's, Safeway, Publix, or even Reasor's. Virtually anybody would do a better job than Homeland. In addition, stores like Uptown Market and Crest Fresh Market are great and compare well with what's considered a "standard" grocery store in other cities, but they need more locations throughout the metro. Living downtown, I am not going to drive to SW 104th and May or to Covell in Edmond to buy groceries. Do this, plus add a downtown Uptown Market or Crest Fresh Market, and I would consider the grocery scene fixed.

[Plutonic Panda]

I have been to the Gelson's on Santa Monica numerous times because it's only two blocks from where my brother lives. I agree that it's expensive but I certainly wouldn't compare them to Whole Foods. It's a totally different shopping experience and hardly what I would call "high-end" other than its price.

I haven't been that one but I've been to the one on Van Nuys a few times. I usually shop at Ralph's and TJ's however.

[zookeeper]

I appreciate all the posts that were obviously well thought-out. I understand some of these things, but honestly think it's not nearly as bad as some make it out to be. It's not like I haven't lived in other cities, traveled to other cities, and have somehow not seen what others have. I've been to Ralph's, Kroger, and many of the others. I honestly think that we have stores that compare. Not a lot, but as an example, I would put the Homeland at May & Britton up against many of these other mainline stores. Have any of you been inside lately? We have more and more grocery options (compare to just 5 years ago) and I truly don't feel my family is lacking for options. There are some nice stores in this city. There are some bad stores in this city. But I don't think we lack anything of real significance in this sector. And as soon as we had a Kroger or pick-your-store, they would be forgotten and we would move on to other things we need to have that ______ has.

[ljbab728]

I appreciate all the posts that were obviously well thought-out. I understand some of these things, but honestly think it's not nearly as bad as some make it out to be. It's not like I haven't lived in other cities, traveled to other cities, and have somehow not seen what others have. I've been to Ralph's, Kroger, and many of the others. I honestly think that we have stores that compare. Not a lot, but as an example, I would put the Homeland at May & Britton up against many of these other mainline stores. Have any of you been inside lately? We have more and more grocery options (compare to just 5 years ago) and I truly don't feel my family is lacking for options. There are some nice stores in this city. There are some bad stores in this city. But I don't think we lack anything of real significance in this sector. And as soon as we had a Kroger or pick-your-store, they would be forgotten and we would move on to other things we need to have that ______ has.

I think a lot of the issue with many people isn't the lack of any good options, it's the lack of good options near where they live, especially for those in central OKC. There isn't much that can't be purchased in the way of quality standard day to day groceries here for those who don't mind driving a ways.

[Thomas Vu]

Sidebar: Central Market? Come on. The baggers also take your cart out to your car! Doesn't deserve to be listed as "average"

[Plutonic Panda]

Sidebar: Central Market? Come on. The baggers also take your cart out to your car! Doesn't deserve to be listed as "average"

Crest and Uptown Grocery will take your bags out as well. I believe I've seen workers take out bags at Whole Foods on occasion.

[TheTravellers]

I'll chime in and agree with what Questor says in post 602 100%. It just baffles me that stores will stock 18 slots of the exact same kind of Bush's baked beans, but not a single slot of Amy's beans (for example), produce at Crest (on 15th/Santa Fe) is pathetic, we had better produce in Illinois, etc. Homeland at Britton/May is one of the better stores around, as is Whole Foods, and the Sprouts and Natural Grocers are helping, but ljbab's right - we don't want to drive all over the city to 4 different places just to do one "shopping trip" that we used to be able to do at one store in other cities we've lived in.

[Questor]

Amy's is a great example. I especially like their salad dressing because it tastes so much less... artificial? than the major brands. You don't see that much other than at WF, NG, and Sprouts, and they are a fairly mainstream brand now.

[Plutonic Panda]

Per the planning commission schedule on the 14th, it looks like there is a new grocery store going at May and Danforth. If it is another Walmart I'm going to go crazy.

[d-usa]

Per the planning commission schedule on the 14th, it looks like there is a new grocery store going at May and Danforth. If it is another Walmart I'm going to go crazy.

That's just right outside my neighborhood.

Now I hope it's something worthwhile since it would be really convenient. But with it being on the outskirts of town I'm not holding my breath...

[Filthy]

I'm curious to see the interior design of the new Sprouts being built at 122nd/Macarthur. The only 2 other Sprouts locations that I have seen, were both retro fits from pre existing buildings/businesses. I'm not sure if Sprouts has a corporate "cookie cutter" design that they utilize, but they have an opportunity to knock it out of the park, with a completely new build. They already do a little bit better job with fresh produce/organics than "most" grocers in the metro, so if they can nail down an incredible interior design that is inviting, and aesthetically pleasing...we should have a recipe for success. Just curious to see what they can do with a completely blank slate.

[Filthy]

That's just right outside my neighborhood.

Now I hope it's something worthwhile since it would be really convenient. But with it being on the outskirts of town I'm not holding my breath...

As I understand it, it will be a Dollar General, but with produce. Basically a small Aldis. As, It will also be flanked by a liquor store, and pawn shop on either side, and a huge parking lot out front, for used cars to be sold.

[Pete]

Per the planning commission schedule on the 14th, it looks like there is a new grocery store going at May and Danforth. If it is another Walmart I'm going to go crazy.

It's just a rezoning for commercial development.

Where are you seeing the grocery component?

[Swake]

I'm curious to see the interior design of the new Sprouts being built at 122nd/Macarthur. The only 2 other Sprouts locations that I have seen, were both retro fits from pre existing buildings/businesses. I'm not sure if Sprouts has a corporate "cookie cutter" design that they utilize, but they have an opportunity to knock it out of the park, with a completely new build. They already do a little bit better job with fresh produce/organics than "most" grocers in the metro, so if they can nail down an incredible interior design that is inviting, and aesthetically pleasing...we should have a recipe for success. Just curious to see what they can do with a completely blank slate.

The Spouts locations in the Tulsa area are new builds and are nothing special at all. Just a box with bland paint, stained concrete floors and EIFS walls with little to no decorative elements. Not very different from a Walmart Neighborhood Market, just maybe a little less cramped inside.

Here's the one in Bixby:

[Pete]

The Sprouts on NW 63rd & May is a good indicator of what is to come in future area stores, as they recently did a major remodel.

It's not luxurious but bright, open, neat, clean and very pleasant IMO.

[foodiefan]

The Spouts locations in the Tulsa area are new builds and are nothing special at all. Just a box with bland paint, stained concrete floors and EIFS walls with little to no decorative elements. Not very different from a Walmart Neighborhood Market, just maybe a little less cramped inside.

Here's the one in Bixby:

. . . .ah. . but the "goods" inside are what count!!

[Filthy]

The Spouts locations in the Tulsa area are new builds and are nothing special at all. Just a box with bland paint, stained concrete floors and EIFS walls with little to no decorative elements. Not very different from a Walmart Neighborhood Market, just maybe a little less cramped inside.

Here's the one in Bixby:

Gotcha. I had never seen a Sprouts before, that had been built originally as a Sprouts. I guess I was hoping for something similar to Uptown Grocery, in regards to aesthetics. (And yes, I understand that a nice interior design doesn't make the food taste any better, or more nutritious. But sometimes it makes for a better shopping experience.)

[Pete]

The outside of stores like this are almost completely down to the developers, not Sprouts itself as they are generally tenants, not owners.