By Bailey Coyle, FOX23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — A new grocery store is opening its doors in downtown Tulsa, giving residents and workers a new option for fresh food, prepared meals and everyday groceries.
Oasis Fresh Market will begin welcoming customers Monday, Sept. 21, at 119 E. Sixth Street, Suite 100, on the ground floor of the ARCO apartment building near Sixth Street and Cincinnati Avenue.
The opening comes after downtown Tulsa went more than a decade without a full-service grocery store.
For Oasis founder and owner Aaron “AJ” Johnson, bringing the store downtown is an extension of the company’s original mission.
“Oasis Fresh Market is by definition a refuge, safe place, shelter where we want to be seen, safe and heard,” Johnson said.
Oasis opened its first location at Pine and Peoria in 2021, focusing on communities Johnson describes as underserved and food deserts. The company has since expanded to three Tulsa locations, including the new downtown store.
Johnson said the downtown location is intended to give people access to fresh produce, meats and prepared food without having to leave the area.
“Everyone, no matter where they live, deserve fresh and healthy access,” Johnson said.
The store will offer groceries along with prepared meals, including salads, sushi, salmon, hot entrees and pizza. Customers will also be able to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner and coffee.
For downtown workers and residents, Johnson said convenience is a major part of the store’s purpose.
Oasis plans to offer grocery delivery through Instacart and Uber Eats, allowing nearby workers and residents to order groceries without making a separate trip to the store.
Johnson said the goal is to give people some of their time back.
“What we can do is be intentional with our time,” Johnson said. “And Oasis gives everyone that opportunity.”
Johnson said the store is expected to serve people who live, work, play or pass through downtown Tulsa.
The store’s opening schedule will start with limited hours as the business begins operations.
Oasis will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, through Thursday, Sept. 24. On Friday, Sept. 25, the store will offer lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The store will be closed Saturday and Sunday before regular hours begin Monday, Sept. 28.
Beginning Sept. 28, Oasis Fresh Market will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, inside the store.
Johnson said the store’s purpose goes beyond selling food.
“People that walk in any of our stores for the first time, we have greeters that the first thing they say is, welcome to Oasis,” Johnson said.
The company says its mission is to make fresh food more accessible while creating a welcoming environment for customers.
Oasis also operates The Oasis Projects, its nonprofit arm, which works with community partners on areas including housing assistance, financial education, workforce development and health resources.
Johnson said food plays a role in many major moments in people’s lives, from celebrations to difficult times, and he hopes Oasis can be part of those experiences for people across Tulsa.
