By John Dobberstein, Editor
When the Reasor’s grocery store in New Orleans Square closed several years ago, the disappointment in Broken Arrow was palpable. Angry city officials said Broken Arrow deserved better and vowed to respond. Some residents blamed city administrators, even calling for someone to be fired.
But the frustration was washed over with a feeling of celebration and relief Thursday when the ribbon was cut on Reasor’s new 60,000-square-foot grocery store at 1914 W. Norfolk Drive, near Aspen Drive and the Creek Turnpike.
Not long after giant scissors cut the golden tape near the front door, residents were rolling their shopping carts through the aisles, taking food samples and getting fresh air outside on a large patio with live entertainment and a playground nearby.
Executives and board members from Tyler, Texas-based Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) were on hand for the grand opening, along with city councilors, elected officials and a throng of shoppers eager to get inside.
BGC purchased Reasor’s in 2021, shortly after the Reasor family announced it would be building a store at Aspen Ridge.
“Wow, I’ve been to a lot of these grand openings, and this is the biggest ever,” said Brad Brookshire, chairman and CEO of BGC. “I’m very thankful for this store and the folks that put it together, and as I walked through the store, it was like, ‘Wow, this is the best that we can do!'”
Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee said the grand opening means more than just a store opening, but for, “much-needed growth and innovation in south BA. While long overdue, this opening will launch the catalyst for more jobs needed to promote business growth in south BA.”
“It is amazing that five short years and a pandemic later, we have this amazing place of community,” said Vice Mayor Christie Gillespie. “I really appreciate the Brookshire family and everything you’ve done to create community.”
In addition to the grand opening, BGC donated to five organizations in Broken Arrow: $2,500 each to the Broken Arrow Neighbors, Broken Arrow Seniors and Broken Arrow Public School Foundation, and $10,000 each to the Broken Arrow Police Department and the Broken Arrow Fire Department.
Ground was broken for the grocery store 14 months ago, and while it was being built,
several quick-serve restaurants and a Kum & Go have gone up. Additional retail and an apartment complex are also in the works.
The Broken Arrow City Council recently approved an amended timeline in its agreement with Steve Easley and OakTrust Development for the remaining projects to be completed. Across the street, a hotel and more retail is expected on land near the Warren Theater recently sold by the city.
The Aspen Ridge development is one of a several significant developments announced for the city’s south side in the past year. A few miles to the east, a $71.5 million luxury outdoor amphitheater is under construction, and infrastructure work is about to begin for a 100-acre innovation park just west of the Aspen Ridge project.
Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon said economic development is “the second most important thing a city can do besides public safety.
“You must create economic development opportunities which provide the fuel to drive the engine. And I can tell you this has already created jobs. It will create sales tax from all these businesses to my right and what you will see to the left and probably later next year.
“And I believe it’s all because of the Brookshire family’s commitment to Broken Arrow.”
Leave a Reply