New Grocery Store In NE OKC To Open Wednesday

In less than 24 hours a new grocery store will open on the northeast side of Oklahoma City, an area that has been considered a food desert.

Thanks to the Market at Eastpoint the northeast OKC will now have access to fresh produce for the first time in almost two years.

The store is owned by the nonprofit Restore OKC, but they will get operational help from the grocery chain Homeland.

"We pay Homeland to operate, bring in the grocery expertise," said Executive Director for Restore OKC Caylee Dodson. 'But we've been able to do some really creative things, subsidize certain categories of food."

As the finishing touches are added, and even before the doors officially open it's obvious how much the store and cafe inside means to the community.

"One lady got off the bus and walked by and just burst into tears," said Dodson.

Inside and outside the legacy and history of the community is celebrated through signs and small details.

"We want the individuals that come and shop in the market to see familiar faces," said Director of Jobs for Restore OKC Jonathan Veal.

That's something Restore OKC focused on when filling the dozens of positions needed.

Everyone involved is hoping this is an invitation to come see the store but also the northeast side.

"I'm just happy to be a small part of the process of the northeast side renaissance taking place," said Veal.

The grand opening will be Wednesday at 9 a.m.

The store hours moving forward will be Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Eastside Eatery will be open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

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