New Downtown Fort Worth Grocery Opens for Business

Neighbor’s House Grocery is first new tenant to go live at First on 7th project 

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 21, 2019 – Downtown Fort Worth residents and office workers now have a full-service grocery store within walking distance that also features a wine bar, a bistro and plenty of workspace for multi-taskers.

Neighbor’s House Grocery at 500 West 7th Street is the first new ground-floor retail outlet to open in the First on 7thredevelopment project. Though the new space is sleek, modern and airy, husband-and-wife owners Kyle and Ashlee Cowan say their business model is as much down-home as it is downtown.

“Our vision is based on the tradition of knocking on your neighbor’s door to borrow a cup of sugar or anything else that may complete the family meal,” said Kyle Cowan, a chef whose resume includes his role as executive chef at the acclaimed Water Grill in Dallas. “We want to serve the downtown/West 7th community with that friendly neighborhood feel, and provide assurance that if we don’t carry that special item you’re looking for, we will exhaust all resources to get it in your hands.” 

The First on 7th project (originally First National Bank of Fort Worth) is a 21-story tower that features the uncluttered, geometric lines typical of classic mid-century modern architecture. Designed by New York’s Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and associate architect Preston M. Geren of Fort Worth, the building was completed in 1961 and is set off by a modernist outdoor sculpture by famed designer Isamu Noguchi. A major update to the complex, led by Red Oak Realty, began in December 2018. Neighbor’s House Grocery is among several retail outlets that will occupy street-level spaces in the building. 

Amenities at Neighbor’s House include a fully outfitted kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as The Proof Bakery, an in-house sourdough bakery. Patrons also can choose from a wide selection of craft beers, and a wine collection featuring 400 labels. Grab-and-go meals are available for those on a tight lunch schedule. 

Shelves are stocked with locally sourced and affordable food options, a selection of recognizable household brands, bottled-in-house pressed juices and specialty products. Among the local vendors partnering with Neighbor’s House is TCU’s Rollin’ n Bowlin’ Acai Bowls & Smoothies, which emphasizes offerings that are both tasty and healthy.

“A lot of hard work and dedication over the last year has resulted in a space that is truly beautiful and has exceeded our expectations,” said Red Oak Realty President Jack Clark. “The timing is just right, as downtown is now well-established as a residential destination. Because that population continues to grow, the need for a store like Neighbor’s House has become essential.”

Neighbor’s House is a contemporary space bathed in natural light and offering 70 seats with window views of the cityscape. The business, which employs 30 people, faces 6th Street on the north side of the First on 7th building. Ample free parking is available in the garage across the street. “We look forward to meeting all of our new neighbors and developing close community relationships,” Ashlee Cowan said.

The store is open Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.

Media Contact:
John Kent
682-360-5542