The wait is over, West Siders.
The nearly 80-year-old grocery store at 2300 Merrick St. — threatened to shut down for good, purchased by a new ownership group, and later closed for months as it underwent a complete facelift — is finally back in business.
Roy Pope Grocery is reopening Tuesday, showcasing a fully renovated space that includes a revamped kitchen, coffee and wine bar, and outdoor patio.
Roy Pope is now in the hands of owner/operator Chris Reale, who redeveloped the store with partners Lou Lambert, Rodger Chieffalo, and Mark Harris. Chef Bria Downey of Clay Pigeon fame is serving as culinary director, with Mikey Riojas as sommelier. Expect a store stocked with a mix of Texas-made goods and national brands, along with a full food menu of Roy Pope classics like King Ranch chicken and new items crafted by Downey.
This story has been updated from a previous version.