| Updated: 3/18 10:20 am |
Published: 3/17 10:17 pm
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The Shoppes on Peoria are one step closer to a promise made a few years ago.
The North Tulsa shopping center at Pine and Peoria celebrated another grand opening last week.
Just months ago the area was nothing more than a patch of land. Eventually, it became an idea on a slab of wood. Plenty of North Tulsans envisioned it, but like many projects it took time.
"This center was scheduled to open about 3 1/2 years ago and things didn't happen," said Tropical Smoothie Café owner, Tim Smallwood.
The area sat vacant and void of progress. Some might argue, options for food are scarce, especially healthy ones.
"If you notice on this side of town, or its mostly fried grease, burgers or fried chicken. we have a healthy option,” said Smallwood.
Smallwood couldn't wait to break ground. Concrete soon covered the vacant patch of land
"This is great for North Tulsa,” said City Councilor, Jack Henderson.
That was last April. Smallwood already has a Tropical Smoothie Cafe across town, but he wanted to come home and work. He's from North Tulsa.
"It's a start,” said Smallwood. “It's a start that hopefully continues throughout the area."
He figured he could provide a healthier option along with jobs for an area starving for employment.
"We've hired quite a few people here and all but two within a mile and a half of the store," said Smallwood.
Finally, his restaurant doors opened last Thursday.
"Even my kids get excited when we drive by," said shopper, Angela Williams.
Smallwood told FOX23 that a doughnut shop will open next month. UPS will open soon, as well as a shoe store.
