Uptown Oxford Will Soon Be Home To New Grocery Shop & Cafe

BY MOLLY NICHOLAS
Miami University journalism student

Fridge & Pantry is set to open Dec. 1 in Uptown Oxford at 35 E. Church St. The full-service cafe and market will offer a deli, beer and wine selections and same-day grocery delivery.

James Allen, a senior at Miami University, has been helping the owners with the opening -- painting, staffing and spreading the word about the new shop.

"There is no place like this in the Uptown area," Allen said. "It is surprising it has taken this long for someone to come up with this idea. Not everyone has car access so this will provide a great opportunity to buy anything you may need in walking distance."

Allen worked at Seaview Outfitters uptown, so he got the job through Seaview's owner Steve Thomas. Thomas and Cody Constanzo, along with other partners, own Fridge & Pantry.

What to expect

The market will be similar to what someone could purchase at Kroger or Walmart, according to Allen. It will have fresh meat and dairy. In addition to groceries, it will sell craft beer and wine, and offer sandwiches and smoothies at its cafe.

Allen noted that a majority of off-campus students will be within walking distance of Fridge & Pantry. But for students that don't want to walk or don't have a car, Fridge & Pantry offers same-day delivery.

"I'm excited to have the ability to get any of my grocery needs without having to go to my car. I can plan on buying food at night and cooking it immediately," Allen said.

Closer to opening day, the store can be reached at 513-523-6440.

Top photo: Fridge & Pantry hung its sign where La Piñata's sign used to be East Church Street. -- Photo by Molly Nicholas