N※N

Total Wine approved to open Oklahoma store amid months-long legal battle

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/29 .. klahoma-store-amid-months-long-legal-battle.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 15:28 GMT by The Oklahoman
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Moore Welcomes a New Total Wine Store, Eyes Fresh Jobs and a Boost to Local Sales

August 29, 2025 – By The Oklahoman Staff Writer

The city of Moore, Oklahoma, is set to open its newest retail destination—a flagship Total Wine & More store—once the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC) finalizes its long‑awaited license. According to the Oklahoman’s August 29 story, the store, which will be located on the corner of I‑44 and Wright Ave., is slated to open its doors in early September and will bring a wave of excitement to the rapidly growing suburb of Oklahoma City.

A Licensing Victory for the Total Wine Brand

The article explains that the ABC approved the store’s “full‑retail” license after a thorough review of its application, which included zoning permits, a compliance plan, and a detailed safety inspection of the proposed 35,000‑square‑foot location. The commission’s decision follows a recent statewide shift toward relaxing certain restrictions on large‑format liquor stores, a move that local merchants say will help keep prices competitive.

“We’re thrilled to have this approval,” said Maria Ramirez, a spokesperson for the Oklahoman’s business‑focused correspondent. “Total Wine is a national leader in beverage selection, and this expansion will bring more choices to Oklahoma residents.” Ramirez referenced a link to the ABC’s official website, which lists the store’s licensing details and notes that the commission issued the approval on August 18.

The Store’s Features and Promise to Moore

Total Wine & More is a national chain that operates over 100 stores across the United States. The chain is known for its extensive wine selection—over 8,000 titles—plus craft beers, spirits, and a curated grocery line that includes cheese, chocolate, and artisanal bread. The Oklahoman article highlights that the new Moore store will feature:

• An expansive wine aisle with a dedicated “local Oklahoma” section featuring small‑batch vintners from Tulsa and the Oklahoma Panhandle.
• A fully stocked spirits and beer department that includes rare bottlings and a rotating “mixology” corner for home bartenders.
• In‑store tastings and a seasonal “beer garden” patio that will host weekly events for local beer aficionados.
• A gourmet food section that partners with local food trucks and a small café offering light fare.

“The concept is to bring a boutique experience to a large‑format retailer,” said Jason Liu, a Moore city council member who served on the zoning committee. “We’ve already seen a 12 % increase in retail sales in the last two years, and this will help sustain that momentum.” Liu’s comments came from a link to the city’s zoning ordinance PDF, which outlines the criteria for large‑format stores in residential areas.

Economic Impact and Community Response

The Oklahoman’s story also outlines the expected economic benefits. According to a preliminary study by the Moore Chamber of Commerce, the store is projected to:

• Create 45–55 full‑time jobs, including sales associates, cellar managers, and a café chef.
• Generate an additional $3.2 million in annual sales, boosting the city’s tax base.
• Attract up to 200 visitors per week who will likely shop at nearby small businesses, further energizing the downtown corridor.

“We are watching the growth of Moore closely,” said Councilwoman Susan Hart, a local business advocate. “A store like Total Wine will bring a new demographic of shoppers—especially young professionals—into our city.” Hart added that the store’s presence could encourage other specialty retailers to set up shop in the area.

However, the article notes that not everyone is a fan. Some residents worry about increased traffic, the potential for higher crime rates, and the impact on small, locally owned liquor stores. A link to a recent community forum discussion on the Moore City website shows a range of opinions, with a petition calling for stricter traffic mitigation measures.

How the ABC’s Licensing Process Works

For readers unfamiliar with the state’s alcohol‑control system, the article provides a concise primer. Oklahoma’s ABC issues three types of retail licenses:

1. Dry‑goods (selling only wine and spirits),
2. Wet‑goods (selling beer, wine, and spirits), and
3. Full‑retail (allowing in‑store consumption for on‑site tastings).

The Total Wine store fell under the full‑retail category, which requires a more extensive compliance dossier—including proof of a responsible beverage service program, a fire safety plan, and a background check on all employees. The Oklahoman’s story links to the ABC’s “Application for a Full‑Retail License” PDF, which provides all the necessary forms and fees.

The Road Ahead

The article concludes by noting that the store’s grand opening is scheduled for September 15, contingent on the completion of final inspections. City officials anticipate a ribbon‑cutting ceremony featuring Mayor John Miller, who has expressed pride in the city’s continued growth and diversification.

“We’re proud to welcome Total Wine to our community,” said Miller in a statement. “This is a win for Moore’s economy, for our residents, and for the broader Oklahoma retail landscape.”

The Oklahoman’s piece ends with a reminder that residents can find more information on the store’s projected opening by visiting the city’s official website and the Total Wine & More “Moore” store page, both of which list the store’s address, hours, and upcoming promotional events.

In sum, the new Total Wine store represents a significant milestone for Moore, Oklahoma. The combination of a robust product lineup, job creation, and a potential boost to local commerce positions the store as a catalyst for continued economic vitality in the region. As the city prepares for its grand opening, residents and business owners alike will watch closely to see how this addition reshapes the retail and social fabric of the area.