CLAYTON, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation officially opened its first grocery store to the general public on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016 and supporters of the Choctaw Country Market in Clayton wasted no time becoming customers.
The crowd at the 10 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, made up of Choctaw Nation leaders, town and state officials, and excited towns people, began gathering early in front of the Choctaw Country Market, located at 121 S. Highway 271 (US Hwy 271 at OK Hwy 2) on the southwest end of Clayton.
"It is a part of the vision of this council,” said Chief Gary Batton at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. “We could not do this without their support. They want to make sure that our smaller communities thrive and do well. Without this, I don't know if Clayton would be here 20 years from now. This is making sure we keep Clayton alive, growing and prospering. To me Clayton is starting to be put on the map, and I'm glad to see that.”
Earlier, Tim Locke, general manager of the Clayton store, stated that “this is a brand new venture” and the first of what we hope will be more grocery stores.
Other important points were made by District 7 Councilman Jack Austin Sr. in addressing the gathering. “This is going to be a blessing to the Clayton community, the Choctaw people and everybody. It's a great store. Tim has a great staff. You walk in, get a smile and they're ready to serve you,” Austin said.
The much-anticipated Choctaw Country Market had a soft opening Aug. 3, and has by all accounts, done a booming business. In addition to the many shoppers visiting the store, Labor Day catering orders started being phoned in within a few hours after opening. The facility is an 11,000-square foot grocery store with a 10-pump, auto and truck fueling station (diesel fuel included) on site. Affiliated Foods supplies food and convenience products for the store, which will offer great service, affordable prices, a variety of fresh produce, made-to-order meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a deli with pre-packaged meals to-go. There is an on-site butcher preparing fresh-cut meats daily, including chops, steaks and ground meats.
Adding to the economic development of the area, 24 jobs were filled to open the store, with more positions anticipated.
Special amenities include a walk-in cooler, and comfortable 45-seat dining area to enjoy meals while surrounded by original murals depicting Choctaw heritage on the walls of the modern facility.
Store hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The Choctaw Country Market can be reached at 918-569-7577 and www.ChoctawCountryMarket.com.
The opening celebration will continue with the store offering chances to win $100 gift certificates, grills, and free milk for a year. Deadline to enter for the drawings is 3 p.m. Saturday Aug. 13, with the drawings later that day.
