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5 Shocking Things You Didn't Know About Doc's Country Mart Bixby OK After The Harps Acquisition

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The landscape of local grocery shopping in Bixby, Oklahoma, has undergone a significant, fresh transformation, with Doc's Country Mart at the center of the change. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the beloved community market is operating under a new corporate umbrella, a development that has local patrons curious about the future of their favorite store. This iconic establishment, known for its community-centered charm and impressive range of products, has been a staple in Bixby for years, but recent business maneuvers and internal upgrades have made it more relevant and talked-about than ever. This deep dive explores the current status, the surprising history, and the unique features that make the Bixby location a must-visit, even as it transitions into a new era.

The transition is part of a larger, sweeping acquisition that impacts multiple Oklahoma communities, promising both continuity of the local feel and the introduction of new efficiencies and offerings. For Bixby shoppers, understanding the recent changes—from the upgrade in digital shopping to the preservation of its legendary meat department—is key to appreciating the store’s role in the local economy and culture.

The Legacy of Doc's Food Stores and the Harps Acquisition

To truly understand the Bixby location, one must appreciate the history of the parent company, Doc’s Food Stores Inc., which operated the store for decades. The company, based in Bixby, Oklahoma, was a prominent independent grocery retailer across the state. The family legacy is deeply rooted in the Bixby community.

A History of Community-Centric Ownership

  • Founder: The history is tied to Jim Brown, who became a respected figure in the grocery industry and was inducted into the Oklahoma Grocers Association Hall of Fame.
  • Family Roots: Jim Brown’s children, including Courtney Brown, who became the President and CEO of Doc's Food Stores Inc., and Ava Brown Shell, grew up working in the Bixby store, cementing its status as a true family business.
  • Banners: Doc's Food Stores operated under several banners across Oklahoma, including Country Mart, JB's Market, Apple Market, Price Mart, and Cox Cash Saver.
  • The Bixby Store: The Doc's Country Mart Bixby OK location was often seen as the flagship or at least a key anchor in their operations, reflecting the company’s commitment to quality, particularly in its fresh departments.

The Major Harps Food Stores Deal

The biggest news impacting the Bixby market is the major acquisition by Harps Food Stores. This deal, which was finalized in late 2023 or early 2024, saw Harps, an employee-owned company based in Arkansas, purchase 10 Doc's Food Stores locations across Oklahoma.

The Doc's Country Mart in Bixby was one of the key stores included in this transaction. This move marks a significant shift in the ownership structure, transitioning the store from a long-standing local family operation to a regional, employee-owned entity. The acquisition also included stores in other Oklahoma towns like Collinsville, Coweta, Fairview, Glenpool, Newkirk, Okmulgee, Oologah, Sapulpa, and Watonga.

Five Unique Features That Keep Bixby Shoppers Loyal

Despite the change in ownership to Harps Food Stores, the Bixby location has retained several unique features and departments that keep it a beloved, community-centered shopping destination. This blend of traditional, local charm and modern offerings is what sets it apart from large national chains like Walmart Neighborhood Market.

1. The Award-Winning Meat and Deli Department

Perhaps the most famous feature of the Bixby store is its meat and deli section, which has achieved regional acclaim. The store’s meat department, under the operation of Doc's Food Stores Inc., was recognized for its excellence, winning an award from the Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG).

  • Signature Sausage: The store is legendary for its house-made products, particularly its signature sausage and andouille. This local favorite is a major draw, with long-time customers hoping the quality and recipe remain unchanged under the new ownership.
  • Gourmet Offerings: The deli allows customers to put together a gourmet meal without the hassle, offering a wide range of meats, cheeses, and prepared foods.
  • The Blend Promotion: Doc's Food Stores also participated in innovative promotions, such as 'The Blend' campaign from the Mushroom Council, which encourages mixing mushrooms with meat for healthier, flavorful meals.

2. The "Upgraded" Shopping Experience

Long-time residents have noted that the Bixby store has undergone significant improvements. One customer mentioned that since the Doc's Country Mart in Bixby upgraded, they preferred shopping there over other regional competitors like Reasor's. This upgrade reflects a commitment to modernizing the physical store and enhancing the overall customer experience.

3. Seamless Digital Shopping Integration

In a move to compete with larger retailers, Doc's Food Stores had already invested heavily in its digital presence before the acquisition. The Bixby grocer partnered with eGrowcery to upgrade its online shopping platform, allowing patrons to order groceries online for pickup or delivery in select locations. This focus on technology ensures that Doc's Country Mart remains a convenient option for busy Bixby families.

4. A Treasure Trove of Local and Unique Products

The store is often described as a place that aligns with Bixby's diverse taste preferences, featuring a range of products not always found in standard chain stores. Shoppers can find unique and thoughtful items, from specialty grocery goods to gift and greeting cards, making it a one-stop-shop for more than just pantry staples.

5. The Pricetag Reality Check

While the store is beloved, recent customer reviews from early 2024 offer a candid perspective: it is a "great little place" with a "decent selection," but it can be "expensive!" This higher price point is often the trade-off for the superior quality of the fresh departments, the personalized service, and the convenience of a smaller, locally focused market compared to bulk retailers.

The Future Under Harps Food Stores

The transition to Harps Food Stores is the most critical element of the Bixby store's current narrative. Harps, known for being 100% employee-owned, has a strong regional reputation, and their acquisition of Doc's Food Stores is intended to expand their presence in the Oklahoma market.

The key question for Bixby residents is whether the beloved local features—especially the award-winning meat department and the famous signature sausage—will be maintained. Historically, when regional chains acquire local favorites, they often aim to preserve the most popular aspects to retain the existing customer base. The store’s success hinges on its ability to blend the efficiencies of a larger company with the community feel and quality of the former Doc's Country Mart.

As of December 2025, the store continues to serve the 74008 zip code, remaining a vital part of the Bixby community's commercial landscape. The focus on quality, the updated digital platform, and the strong reputation of its fresh departments position it well for continued success, regardless of the new name on the corporate letterhead. Shoppers are encouraged to check the weekly ad and visit the store to see the ongoing evolution of this Bixby institution.

5 Shocking Things You Didn't Know About Doc's Country Mart Bixby OK After the Harps Acquisition
doc's country mart bixby ok
doc's country mart bixby ok

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