Hello, I'm new here to Tulsa Now my understanding is that this forum area is for entrepreneur directed questions.
My 1st question: With many grocery stores and shopping companies, and coupon savings programs in Tulsa how do you spend your money? Where and why?
My 2nd question: How do you decide on what store(s) you will shop for the week and can another store on the other side of town draw you away from your normal store? If so then what are the factors.
Reasors, Wal-Mart, Food Pyramid, and Wharehouse Market seem to be the most popular stores..... Anyone....... :-\
Why are you asking? What purpose does your post have? You're not giving anyone a reason to respond.
I am doing research for my Marketing Class. The goal is to create a marketing strategy for an independent grocer in order to compete with the large chain stores.
Quote from: Empower Tulsa on July 28, 2010, 12:37:21 PM
Hello, I'm new here to Tulsa Now my understanding is that this forum area is for entrepreneur directed questions.
My 1st question: With many grocery stores and shopping companies, and coupon savings programs in Tulsa how do you spend your money? Where and why?
My 2nd question: How do you decide on what store(s) you will shop for the week and can another store on the other side of town draw you away from your normal store? If so then what are the factors.
1st: Reasor's and Sam's. Reasor's - Close to my home and positive customer service experience. Sam's - perception of savings.
2nd: I choose between the stores by my needs and what they carry...and by what my wife tells me to do. The only reason I switch to another store is due to a specific want or need that cannot be fulfilled by my usual places, ie. I'll shop at an international market due to availability of some produce.
Quote from: Empower Tulsa on July 29, 2010, 11:25:59 AM
I am doing research for my Marketing Class. The goal is to create a marketing strategy for an independent grocer in order to compete with the large chain stores.
I figured it had something to do with marketing. Don't mind helping out a student.
Most of my shopping is done at walmart neighborhood market because it's convienient. I do shop at reasors as well since they have better meat, and a few other items that I can't get at wal-mart. Of course I'm not thrifty enough to use coupons, or really compare prices though I should. As far as going to another part of town to shop, it would only be to get things that I could not get here, such as specialty foods.
Reasors for the most part had specialty produce that you just couldnt find anywhere else. And their meat was above average and that is why we went and have stayed with them. Not to mention the crazy 10 for 10 or that great meat sale promo's they are known for. Warehouse market back in the day when I shopped there had great low prices but the meat was sub par so I went to Hannover meats on Brookside for that. Albertsons(A.K.A.)Food Pyramid was just to high priced and the lay out of the items and trying to find what I was wanted was just to much for me to even go back.
I also just cant get a feel for Wal-Marts neighborhood markets. To me whats the point. They are already killing you at the Super Centers so why go to these stores.
I used to love the Consumers IGA here in Broken Arrow. They had great people that worked there and I knew most of them and the prices were always competitive and easy to find what I was looking for. Homeland was a disaster as far as I was concerned. Of course that could be my bias as to the way that Safeway treated my Mother after 20 years of service, when Homeland bought them out.
So as you can see, sometimes it is not an easy read as to why or where somebody chooses to Grocery shop. Hope that helps in some way.
Quote from: Townsend on July 29, 2010, 11:49:23 AM
1st: Reasor's and Sam's. Reasor's - Close to my home and positive customer service experience. Sam's - perception of savings.
2nd: I choose between the stores by my needs and what they carry...and by what my wife tells me to do. The only reason I switch to another store is due to a specific want or need that cannot be fulfilled by my usual places, ie. I'll shop at an international market due to availability of some produce.
Ok. So product not price is what causes you to visit another store?
Is Sam's more for Bulk items (Shopping for the month)
Do you (your wife) ever use sales ads/ coupons why or why not?
Townsend and I have about five or six grocery stores within a mile radius of the area we live in. When I'm going from home to the store it's usually Reasor's, Wal Mart Market, or Warehouse Market depending on what my main food needs are for the week.
I use Wal Mart Market, Reasors, Homeland, Warehouse Market, Save-A-Lot and Food Pyramid. I also shop specialty markets like Bodean's, Perry's, and Nam Hai.
I'm not usually in the habit of using coupons, though I do browse through the weekly junk mail I get and see what specials Reasor's, FP, and Homeland have that week. That will get me in the door some of the time, other times it's simply which place I'm driving near.
Quote from: custosnox on July 29, 2010, 11:52:54 AM
I figured it had something to do with marketing. Don't mind helping out a student.
Most of my shopping is done at walmart neighborhood market because it's convienient. I do shop at reasors as well since they have better meat, and a few other items that I can't get at wal-mart. Of course I'm not thrifty enough to use coupons, or really compare prices though I should. As far as going to another part of town to shop, it would only be to get things that I could not get here, such as specialty foods.
The only store that i'm aware of the specialize in meat is Meat Market. Which I read through a previous chat. What is the difference with Reasors and Warehouse Markets Meat? I assume they are both local not sure if Wal-Mart is or not.
"Specialty Foods" are these can products, Produce.....
One other thing. The last Six Months or so. My Wife and myself print off online coupons and also clip them when we have access to a papers inserts.
Our grocery bill has went from 250 Dollars a week to now over 300. The coupons on a good shopping trip can save us the amount of the State tax. Not a bad trade off and not really that hard to do.
Quote from: DolfanBob on July 29, 2010, 11:54:28 AM
Reasors for the most part had specialty produce that you just couldnt find anywhere else. And their meat was above average and that is why we went and have stayed with them. Not to mention the crazy 10 for 10 or that great meat sale promo's they are known for. Warehouse market back in the day when I shopped there had great low prices but the meat was sub par so I went to Hannover meats on Brookside for that. Albertsons(A.K.A.)Food Pyramid was just to high priced and the lay out of the items and trying to find what I was wanted was just to much for me to even go back.
I also just cant get a feel for Wal-Marts neighborhood markets. To me whats the point. They are already killing you at the Super Centers so why go to these stores.
I used to love the Consumers IGA here in Broken Arrow. They had great people that worked there and I knew most of them and the prices were always competitive and easy to find what I was looking for. Homeland was a disaster as far as I was concerned. Of course that could be my bias as to the way that Safeway treated my Mother after 20 years of service, when Homeland bought them out.
So as you can see, sometimes it is not an easy read as to why or where somebody chooses to Grocery shop. Hope that helps in some way.
Does reasors tend to have the best Sales ads? The only stores you did not mention are Target and Whole Foods any thoughts on them?
Quote from: Conan71 on July 29, 2010, 12:03:00 PM
Townsend and I have about five or six grocery stores within a mile radius of the area we live in. When I'm going from home to the store it's usually Reasor's, Wal Mart Market, or Warehouse Market depending on what my main food needs are for the week.
I use Wal Mart Market, Reasors, Homeland, Warehouse Market, Save-A-Lot and Food Pyramid. I also shop specialty markets like Bodean's, Perry's, and Nam Hai.
I'm not usually in the habit of using coupons, though I do browse through the weekly junk mail I get and see what specials Reasor's, FP, and Homeland have that week. That will get me in the door some of the time, other times it's simply which place I'm driving near.
How much planning does it take when you are deciding what to purchase and where? Is it just your needs as you stated or any other factors?
QuoteOk. So product not price is what causes you to visit another store?
Correct.
QuoteIs Sam's more for Bulk items (Shopping for the month)
Yes
QuoteDo you (your wife) ever use sales ads/ coupons why or why not?
We rarely use the coupon sites. We consume very specific items and due to nutrition we don't switch.
Quote from: DolfanBob on July 29, 2010, 12:05:42 PM
One other thing. The last Six Months or so. My Wife and myself print off online coupons and also clip them when we have access to a papers inserts.
Our grocery bill has went from 250 Dollars a week to now over 300. The coupons on a good shopping trip can save us the amount of the State tax. Not a bad trade off and not really that hard to do.
I thought for a moment you were going to attribute your grocery bill increase from $250/week to $300/week to the use of coupons. Good thing no one edited your post and took you out of context.
;D
Quote from: Empower Tulsa on July 29, 2010, 12:09:42 PM
How much planning does it take when you are deciding what to purchase and where? Is it just your needs as you stated or any other factors?
I'm not a great meal planner myself, I may have one or two things in mind when I go to the store, and go from there. The only cooking I "plan" per se is usually weekends. I'll be going down an aisle and think of something that sounds good and get the ingredients for it. There's also certain staple veggies and fruit I like having around the house and some meats I like to have on hand at all times.
Quote from: Empower Tulsa on July 29, 2010, 12:06:55 PM
Does reasors tend to have the best Sales ads? The only stores you did not mention are Target and Whole Foods any thoughts on them?
I have a new Target that I get all my prescriptions from because of how fast they are and how I am treated. The Grocery part of Target is not even a thought for me because I see no savings and for the love of Gawd they dont sell beer....lol
I have no idea who Whole Foods is so I cant think they are advertising enough to get my attention.
Yes Reasors is and has always been a sales monster when it comes to weekly sales. Larry Reasor the founder had the greatest goofy commercials when I was growing up, so I can only imagine that is why they continue their weekly blitz. A Daddy knew best kinda thing.
Quote from: Red Arrow on July 29, 2010, 12:17:31 PM
I thought for a moment you were going to attribute your grocery bill increase from $250/week to $300/week to the use of coupons. Good thing no one edited your post and took you out of context.
;D
I can probably attribute it to Obama care. Not positive but it has taken the hike about Two Years. ;D
Quote from: DolfanBob on July 29, 2010, 12:05:42 PM
One other thing. The last Six Months or so. My Wife and myself print off online coupons and also clip them when we have access to a papers inserts.
Our grocery bill has went from 250 Dollars a week to now over 300. The coupons on a good shopping trip can save us the amount of the State tax. Not a bad trade off and not really that hard to do.
Do you use any of the coupon niche companies promoted by channel 6 and 2?
Quote from: DolfanBob on July 29, 2010, 12:20:39 PM
I can probably attribute it to Obama care. Not positive but it has taken the hike about Two Years. ;D
I think that Gas prices increased the price of all items.... Just a un researched thought.
Quote from: DolfanBob on July 29, 2010, 12:17:47 PM
I have a new Target that I get all my prescriptions from because of how fast they are and how I am treated. The Grocery part of Target is not even a thought for me because I see no savings and for the love of Gawd they dont sell beer....lol
I have no idea who Whole Foods is so I cant think they are advertising enough to get my attention.
Yes Reasors is and has always been a sales monster when it comes to weekly sales. Larry Reasor the founder had the greatest goofy commercials when I was growing up, so I can only imagine that is why they continue their weekly blitz. A Daddy knew best kinda thing.
Wonder if the commercials are still around... I'll check youtube and give them a call.
Quote from: Conan71 on July 29, 2010, 12:17:40 PM
I'm not a great meal planner myself, I may have one or two things in mind when I go to the store, and go from there. The only cooking I "plan" per se is usually weekends. I'll be going down an aisle and think of something that sounds good and get the ingredients for it. There's also certain staple veggies and fruit I like having around the house and some meats I like to have on hand at all times.
With No exact list are you able to stay within a certain budget?
Quote from: Empower Tulsa on July 29, 2010, 12:27:48 PM
Do you use any of the coupon niche companies promoted by channel 6 and 2?
Yes we do. The Money saving Queen's web site just leads you to a national coupon site, and the coupons are kind of sorted by your zip code. So far we have not had any problems with Reasors accepting them.
Quote from: DolfanBob on July 29, 2010, 12:46:07 PM
Yes we do. The Money saving Queen's web site just leads you to a national coupon site, and the coupons are kind of sorted by your zip code. So far we have not had any problems with Reasors accepting them.
Just read another post on the grocio site in it's start up stages. I visited it and it seems to not be ready yet waiting for a response from them. Does that compare at all?
Quote from: Empower Tulsa on July 29, 2010, 12:40:34 PM
With No exact list are you able to stay within a certain budget?
I don't really have a food budget per se, but it seems to run on average $40 to $60 per week, more if I'm doing one of my BBQ throw-downs or doing a special dinner for my GF and/or kids and their friends.
And in response to your other question:
I tend to eat more whole foods and very little processed food so I've got a pretty regular list of meats, veggies, fruits, and grains I tend to cook with. Very little of what I eat comes out of a box or can, it's generally just off the stalk or off the hoof.
Quote from: Conan71 on July 29, 2010, 12:17:40 PM
...some meats I like to have on hand at all times.
Must...resist...urge...Okay, momentary regression passed.
WalMart, Food Pyramid, and Aldi's get most of our business because they are closest to 111th & Memorial. WalMart is usually the least expensive but better meat and produce choice and quality often take us to the others. A shopping loop will allow shopping at all three for the best choice and price. Reasor's is out of the way for most purchases but they have things that other stores don't have, like buffalo meat, Campbell's Pepper Pot Soup, and pearled barley. Reasor's has a decent deli section including some prepackaged, difficult to find items like Prosciutto and Capicola (Italian hams) required for a real Philly Hoagie (not just a sub). For fresh sliced (or spiced rather than sweet Capicola), you have to go to Seigi's or Petty's. Seigi's is closer to us. That stuff is expensive so it's a treat rather than a regular purchase, as were the Amoroso hoagie/cheesesteak rolls that I had sent FedEx from Philly. I'm originally from suburban Philly and hadn't tasted a real hoagie in a L-O-N-G time.
Sam's is good for bulk purchases like toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, trash bags and some large containers of spices we use a lot. Meats like chicken (Tyson's cheapest) at Sam's usually have a lot of added salt so we check labels for sodium at Sam's.
Veggies are a mix of frozen or fresh depending on what looks good and isn't way too expensive. A trip down the produce aisle frequently determines dinner for a few days.
Coupons. Most of the ones I see aren't for things I would normally buy, at least not the brand. If one is readily available and I remember to take it with me, I will use coupons.
We are fortunate to be able to mostly put quality above price on food. For stuff that's the same everywhere like Yoplait yogurt, a stop at WalMart is usually in order, especially if there are some other national brand items to buy on that trip.
Quote from: Empower Tulsa on July 29, 2010, 12:04:23 PM
The only store that i'm aware of the specialize in meat is Meat Market. Which I read through a previous chat. What is the difference with Reasors and Warehouse Markets Meat? I assume they are both local not sure if Wal-Mart is or not.
"Specialty Foods" are these can products, Produce.....
Reasors, as far as the meat goes, seems to have fresher meat, and simply better quality. Not sure what their chain of supply is, but it is something that makes a noticable differance when prepared.
With the 'specialty foods' it varies. One thing that I pick up at Reasors is a chili mix that I like to scavange for it's spices. I'll also drive the extra distance to pick up produce on those often occasions when Wal-Mart does not have them. It's amazing how evertime I want to kick back with a Corona, that is when the Neighborhood Market runs out of limes.
There are also a few select things that can be picked up at Whole Foods that can only be found there, but it is costly enough that I generally is a rare trip to head out there. Beyond that specialties will really depend on what it is, such as asian from Nam Hai. But places like that generally require some specific need that I go there looking for.
We also shop at a combination of stores and spend 150-200 a week on groceries. We shop primarily at Target and Reasors and fill in with Sams and Whole Foods. Price is secondary to me to quality and service. I don't shop at Wal-Mart if I can help it because of a lack of both.
For price reasons we buy most non-food items at Target. We buy most of our produce at Reasors, it's less expensive, better quality and they have a larger selection. But I will go against the grain here and say that I am not always happy with the meat at Reasor's. I think the meat at Target is better and a little more expensive. If Target doesn't have what meat we want we will hit a meat market. Reasor's overall has a better selection than Target, especially in seafood and ethnic foods, but Reasors is overall a little more expensive. Both Reasors and Target stores are clean and the service is good. I really am happy with both stores.
For the other two stores, first off I will say I don't think that Whole Foods is really that much more expensive overall than other stores when comparing the same item. It's just that Whole Foods doesn't carry the less expensive non-Organic version and therefore seems much more expensive. They aren't at all convenient to where I live so we don't shop there much, only maybe once a month, but it's a really good store and they carry things that no one else does other than Petty's, and Petty's is truly expensive. As for Sam's, I won't buy any meats or produce from them, but we do go there maybe once a month for bulk items. They actually also have a decent cheese selection at really good prices. Service at Sam's is fine with regards to the employees but there are not enough people working the stores, they are often dirty and the lines are just simply ridiculous. If the service at Sam's was better, we would probably shop there more but it's just obvious that Wal-Mart Inc doesn't give a crap about their customers.
My wife loves to clip coupons, we have a whole drawer full in the kitchen, and we nearly never use them.
Quote from: swake on July 30, 2010, 09:48:09 AM
Price is secondary to me to quality and service. I don't shop at Wal-Mart if I can help it because of a lack of both.
Kind of like Wal Mart's "house" brand, Great Value.
It's neither.
Badda bing!
I use quite a few different stores. I don't usually shop to keep much of a fresh grocery inventory, we do keep a stock of some basics - milk and eggs type things, and dry goods and spices, but we do eat out a lot (about half the time). I often cook for groups on the weekends (I love my smoker). I use Homeland often because its close and they have great fresh tabouli - produce is sketchy (although generally I hate the place, it is easy to get in and out of in off-peak hours). I often use Braums market for milk, eggs, sour cream, limes(we use hella limes). I use Reasor's for the larger hauls and will buy meats for value. I stop at Aikens a lot for smaller items (Amy's frozen things for work, juice sweetened sodas) - its also very close. If I'm looking for quality bulk produce, I'll venture to Las Americas for great quality and price. Harvard meats for quality cuts (best rib eye I've had in my life came from here - need to go more often, but often go ahead and grab meat at Reasors with my other groceries). Haven't done Whole Foods in a while, but will go for specialty items, also utilize ethnic markets. Oh and of course depending on how my Friday night goes, I'll get up and do the Farmer's market on Saturdays for fresh veggies.
Quote from: jne on July 30, 2010, 02:19:12 PM
I use quite a few different stores. I don't usually shop to keep much of a fresh grocery inventory, we do keep a stock of some basics - milk and eggs type things, and dry goods and spices, but we do eat out a lot (about half the time). I often cook for groups on the weekends (I love my smoker). I use Homeland often because its close and they have great fresh tabouli - produce is sketchy (although generally I hate the place, it is easy to get in and out of in off-peak hours). I often use Braums market for milk, eggs, sour cream, limes(we use hella limes). I use Reasor's for the larger hauls and will buy meats for value. I stop at Aikens a lot for smaller items (Amy's frozen things for work, juice sweetened sodas) - its also very close. If I'm looking for quality bulk produce, I'll venture to Las Americas for great quality and price. Harvard meats for quality cuts (best rib eye I've had in my life came from here - need to go more often, but often go ahead and grab meat at Reasors with my other groceries). Haven't done Whole Foods in a while, but will go for specialty items, also utilize ethnic markets. Oh and of course depending on how my Friday night goes, I'll get up and do the Farmer's market on Saturdays for fresh veggies.
Las Americas? Who are they and what's there niche? You mentioned quality, quantity, and price bulk produce.
Quote from: Empower Tulsa on July 30, 2010, 04:35:11 PM
Las Americas? Who are they and what's there niche? You mentioned quality, quantity, and price bulk produce.
Las Americas is a chain of Hispanic grocery stores, there are five or six locations in North and East Tulsa.
Quote from: swake on July 30, 2010, 04:44:00 PM
Las Americas is a chain of Hispanic grocery stores, there are five or six locations in North and East Tulsa.
How do their prices and quality compare with Meats, produce and deli sections..Vs. the other stores that you shop?
As a former Tulsan, when I lived in Tulsa there was not one particular grocer that I went to. I shopped Warehouse Market, Albertsons, (I moved from Tulsa in '98) Price Mart, and on occasion Wal-Mart. Like many others that have posted, coupons are not the driving factor. In the 12 years that I have been in the Phoenix metro area I have shopped in the past with the former Mrs. dback, and continue to this day in places that have what I am looking for. When it comes to day to day food, lunch meat, cheese, frozen foods, coffee, creamer, sweetener, and the other basics any of the stores will do. When it comes to meat wether it be beef, chicken, or pork I have a meat market that I go to. Also there are a lot of farmers markets for produce, as a matter of fact sweet corn is being harvested here right now. But back to part of the original topic, the past of shopping the same grocery store all the time like my mom did, wether it be Sipe's, Safeway, Humpty Dumpty or Piggly Wiggly, doesn't exist anymore. I will go to Von Hansens for my steak, Fresh and Easy for four cheese mac and cheese, and a local vendor for corn on the cob grown locally, for a dinner with friends.
When I lived in Tulsa I would visit Conrow's at 21st and Memorial for steaks, Hatfields bewtween Joplin and Neosho for babyback and spare ribs, and a place on North Lewis I think for beef ribs. So even if I lived in Tulsa now I would not fit the stereotypical shopper of the the same grocer all the time, and I don't fit the coupon user profile.
Just my $.02
Now to throw in an extra bit here, I do know one person that uses coupons extensivly. She writes manufactures, prints coupons from online, and spends a lot of time going through the mailers and newspaper cliping coupons. She shops anywhere something is on sale, and takes advantage of any chance to use double coupons. She hits just about every grocery store that she can to get a good deal.
Quote from: dbacks fan on July 30, 2010, 11:11:53 PM
As a former Tulsan, when I lived in Tulsa there was not one particular grocer that I went to. I shopped Warehouse Market, Albertsons, (I moved from Tulsa in '98) Price Mart, and on occasion Wal-Mart. Like many others that have posted, coupons are not the driving factor. In the 12 years that I have been in the Phoenix metro area I have shopped in the past with the former Mrs. dback, and continue to this day in places that have what I am looking for. When it comes to day to day food, lunch meat, cheese, frozen foods, coffee, creamer, sweetener, and the other basics any of the stores will do. When it comes to meat wether it be beef, chicken, or pork I have a meat market that I go to. Also there are a lot of farmers markets for produce, as a matter of fact sweet corn is being harvested here right now. But back to part of the original topic, the past of shopping the same grocery store all the time like my mom did, wether it be Sipe's, Safeway, Humpty Dumpty or Piggly Wiggly, doesn't exist anymore. I will go to Von Hansens for my steak, Fresh and Easy for four cheese mac and cheese, and a local vendor for corn on the cob grown locally, for a dinner with friends.
When I lived in Tulsa I would visit Conrow's at 21st and Memorial for steaks, Hatfields bewtween Joplin and Neosho for babyback and spare ribs, and a place on North Lewis I think for beef ribs. So even if I lived in Tulsa now I would not fit the stereotypical shopper of the the same grocer all the time, and I don't fit the coupon user profile.
Just my $.02
You might be surprised to know that Conrow's is no longer. It IS still a meat store, but it's now called Mid-Town(?). Haven't been yet but I'm getting ready to buy a slew of rib eyes, and I'd rather not go to a big box store (even Reasor's; last time I got ribeyes there they were a big FAIL). Like to know if anyone on here has been since the name change (which likely indicates ownership change).
Dont let your meat loaf...!!!!
I appreciate you all giving me this helpful information the two questions I have is where are the farmers markets located and can I get a little more information on Las Americas is it only Latina Hispanic type foods as well as the prices and quality on both stores?
I shop mostly at the Harp's store at 31st and Garnett. They have a butcher that will special cut the steaks and they have excellent "five for $25" meat specials and "three for $5" vegetable specials.
I also have been going to the new grocery at Pine and Peoria. It is amazingly clean and there is never a long line at the cashier. They have very good prices (on the things I know prices) and I love the selection of Mexican staples.
I sometimes go to Whole Foods, but the prices are much higher. I have gone to Nam Hai for spices a few times lately. I have also been buying produce from farmer's markets all summer.
My wife goes to Super Target for most of her shopping.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on July 31, 2010, 10:36:21 AM
I shop mostly at the Harp's store at 31st and Garnett. They have a butcher that will special cut the steaks and they have excellent "five for $25" meat specials and "three for $5" vegetable specials.
I also have been going to the new grocery at Pine and Peoria. It is amazingly clean and there is never a long line at the cashier. They have very good prices (on the things I now prices) and I love the selection of Mexican staples.
I sometimes go to Whole Foods, but the prices are much higher. I have gone to Nam Hai for spices a few times lately. I have also been buying produce from farmer's markets all summer.
My wife goes to Super Target for most of her shopping.
Farmers Market Where are they and what times?
http://www.okgrown.com/markets/
The OKGrown website leaves out one of the Tulsa Farmers Markets:
Brookside
Food Pyramid Parking Lot (northwest corner of lot)
41st & Peoria
Wednesdays 8am-12pm
May 5-October 20
I like to shop this market - I pick up stuff on the way into the office.
Back to the original question-I choose mostly on quality and convenience. Price is a secondary consideration.
My major grocery shopping is done at Reasor's. Overall, I like their selection and quality, and I've found they have good customer service. Plus, they are Oklahoma-owned, and I believe in supporting local businesses. On a side note, I am soooo glad they are now carrying Topeca coffee.
I will shop at Whole Foods about 1-2 times per month for seafood and specialty items I can't get at Reasor's. They also have the best cheese selection in town. I order my Thanksgiving turkey from them, and often order Christmas and Easter meats from them.
I sometimes shop at Petty's for specialty items I can't get elsewhere. They carry Siegi's sausage (so I don't have to fight South Tulsa traffic) and frozen soups from the Soup Guy (AKA the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld). While they are by far the most expensive, they also have the best meats in town, bar none. I once ordered a beef tenderloin roast from them for Christmas that was simply out of this world.
Every once in awhile I'll make a quick dash into Food Pyramid to pick up a few items if I'm also shopping at Whole Foods and don't feel like paying Whole Foods prices. I never, never, never shop at Walmart-I abhor their business practices and do not want my money being spent on union busting and employee repression.
Summertime I'm at the Farmers Markets for my produce. Mostly I shop at the Brookside market, sometimes Pearl.
I shop at Reasors on Cherry Street and the one on Brookside and Whole Foods. I like to go to the Cherry Street Farmers Market so I hit that up for my seasonal veggies. I think Reasors is the best chain grocery store that Tulsa can offer but the selection is still VERY limited from what I am used too. So I hit up Whole Foods a lot or buy things on Amazon for boxed items. I hate Wallyworld and go about once a year if that. It's not really about savings for me as much as freshness and quality. If there was a Trader Joes (better than Whole Foods and cheaper) here that would be my main grocery store as that used to be my main store but I think the closest one is in TX and I am not driving that far.
I cook a lot of ethnic food, Caribbean, Asian Indian, Lebanese and Turkish foods as those are my favs and what I was brought up to eat so Food Pyramid and Walmart really don't have those types of food. Mostly get my seasonings and boxed items online or Whole Foods. I have limited my shopping to Whole Foods recently since the Farmers Markets opened and the fact that they no longer sell Salt Fish or Bacalhau and that is one of my staples for a true Caribbean breakfast. Plus once I found out that Reasors sold bison meat I didn't have to go to Whole Foods just for that, but I do go there for their dairy products, and hormone free meats, plus there ready to go meals are awesome and I love getting my naan from there when I am too lazy to make it on my own.
Quote from: m2violin on July 31, 2010, 12:54:07 PM
The OKGrown website leaves out one of the Tulsa Farmers Markets:
Brookside
Food Pyramid Parking Lot (northwest corner of lot)
41st & Peoria
Wednesdays 8am-12pm
May 5-October 20
I like to shop this market - I pick up stuff on the way into the office.
That's actually not a Brookside Farmers Market. That is Cherry Streets Farmers Market at Brookside. Cherry Street Farmers Market has two locations on different days.
http://www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com/