By Sherry Laskey
Eagle Guest Contributor
It’s often said in the African American Community we need to own our own, and buy from our own community. Turley Food Mart located at 506 & 508 E. 56 Street North has a new name and owner. The new name of the store is JPRM Food Mart (JPRM) and the new owner/operator is Kenneth Harris, Sr., who has always had a desire to own and operate a convenience store in Tulsa north, serving the community in which he grew up.
JPRM has a small deli area that serves fresh foods and a coffee bar to attract the early morning crowd as well as those working the night shift. The store will continue to function as a typical convenience store, but, Harris plans to update the premises with new fixtures and, equipment in the near future. He also hopes to have the store completely remodeled in the near future.
Harris understands the improvements will require additional funding and is open to the idea of interested and serious investors contacting him. He can be reached day or night at 918-282-5084. Harris would be happy to set up a meeting with the property owners.
The current building owner plans to auction the property through Bid Loud Auctions soon. However, the current business owner would prefer to find a financial strategic partner who is willing to work with Harris in a lease-to-own arrangement to help him fulfill his ultimate dream of not only owning the business, but the property as well; hopefully before the auction process begins.
The current asking price on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is $225,000. The Tulsa County Assessors Fair Market value as per Tulsa County Records is $82,200; however, true market value can only be determined with a current appraisal that would be completed before sale if financing is needed.
Harris Sr. is currently discussing his vision with potential Angel Investors who have contacted him recently, however he is open to looking at any and all options.
Harris has built a relationship of trust with the previous owners of not only this store, but other convenience stores located throughout Tulsa, and feels he has the necessary skills to make his store successful. “This convenience store over the years has averaged $250,000 to $400,000 a year net profit from what he has seen over the years,” said Harris. Harris said he has worked as a security guard on occasion and knows the business inside out.
Harris is encouraging everyone to support JPRM by shopping there.
