Courtesy of Roy Pope Grocery
Left to right: culinary director Bria Downey, owner-operator Chris Reale, store manager Abigaile Reale, and beverage director Mikey Riojas
After months of renovations, the reopening of the storied Roy Pope Grocery is finally in sight.
The nearly 80-year-old grocery store at 2300 Merrick St. on Fort Worth's West Side will reopen in May, according to a news release.
Former owners Bob and Renee Larance sold the store last year to a new ownership group that includes longtime restaurateur Lou Lambert, Lambert's protégé Chris Reale, real estate broker Rodger Chieffalo, and developer Mark Harris — the same group revamping Paris Coffee Shop on Magnolia Avenue.
Reale will serve as owner-operator of Roy Pope. Serving as culinary director is Chef Bria Downey, known in Fort Worth for her two-year stint as executive chef at Clay Pigeon Food & Drink, during which she became a 2020 semi-finalist for the renowned James Beard Awards. Downey plans to bring back popular Roy Pope classics like King Ranch chicken, macaroni and cheese, and beef stroganoff, as well as create a new menu of ready-made and ready-to-cook meals, soups, salads, and sandwiches. For those who'd rather eat at home, Downey will also offer recipes and cooking demonstrations on video.
Outfitted with a new, custom-made smoker/grill rig from Millscale in Lockhart, Texas, Roy Pope will also have specials like "steak night" and "barbecue feasts," according to the news release. Grocery offerings will include mostly Texas-made goods, breads, pastries, and artisan cheeses. The wine and beer department, overseen by certified sommelier Mikey Riojas, will be expanded. There are also plans for wine events and concierge services.
Along with the retail and restaurant components, the new Roy Pope will feature a coffee and wine bar, frozen custard stand, and floral department. Eventually, the store plans to add a catering operation, allowing customers to hire a chef out of Roy Pope for private events. The space also includes an outdoor patio designed by Austin-based architectural designer Jack Sanders, who himself is Fort Worth native.
Though an exact opening date is yet to be announced, Roy Pope will continue providing updates via Facebook (@roypopegroceryfortworth) and Instagram (@roypopegroceryfw).
