By John Dobberstein, Editor
When Reasor’s grocery store closed in New Orleans Square several years ago, the disappointment was palpable in Broken Arrow. Angry city officials said Broken Arrow deserved better and vowed to respond. Some residents blamed the city government and even called for a citizen to be fired.
But the frustration was overshadowed by a sense of joy and relief Thursday as the ribbon was cut on Reasor’s new 5,577-square-foot grocery store at 1914 W. Norfolk Drive, near Aspen Drive and Creek Turnpike.
Shortly after a giant pair of scissors cut the gold ribbon next to the front door, residents rolled their shopping carts through the aisles, sampled food and got some fresh air outside on a large patio where there was live entertainment and a playground nearby.
Executives and board members of Tyler, Texas-based Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) were on hand for the grand opening, as were city council members, elected officials and a crowd of shoppers eager to get into the store.
BGC purchased Reasor’s in 2021, shortly after the Reasor family announced plans to build a store in Aspen Ridge.
“Wow, I’ve been to a lot of these openings, but this is the biggest one ever,” said Brad Brookshire, chairman and CEO of BGC. “I’m very grateful for this store and the people who built it, and as I walked through the store I thought, ‘Wow, this is the best thing we can do!'”
Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee said the grand opening represents more than just a store opening, but “much-needed growth and innovation in South BA. While this opening is long overdue, it will be the catalyst for more jobs needed for business growth in South BA.”
“It’s incredible that five short years and a pandemic later, we have this incredible place of community,” said Vice Mayor Christie Gillespie. “I’m truly grateful to the Brookshire family and all they have done to create community.”
In addition to the grand opening, BGC donated to five Broken Arrow organizations: $2,500 each to Broken Arrow Neighbors, Broken Arrow Seniors and the Broken Arrow Public School Foundation, and $10,000 each to the Broken Arrow Police Department and the Broken Arrow Fire Department.
The groundbreaking for the grocery store took place 14 months ago, and during the construction period
Several fast-food restaurants and a Kum & Go have been built. Additional shops and an apartment complex are also being planned.
The Broken Arrow City Council recently approved a revised schedule for completion of the remaining projects in its agreement with Steve Easley and OakTrust Development. Across the street, a hotel and more retail are planned on a property near the Warren Theater that was recently sold by the city.
The Aspen Ridge project is one of several significant projects 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 will begin soon on a 100-acre innovation park west of the Aspen Ridge project.
Michael Spurgeon, Broken Arrow’s city manager, said economic development is “the second most important thing a city can do, next to public safety.”
“You have to create economic development opportunities that provide the fuel for the engine. And I can tell you that it has already created jobs. It will generate sales tax for all the businesses to my right and what you will see to my left, and probably for next year as well.
“And I think it’s all because of the Brookshire family’s commitment to Broken Arrow.”
