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Allow me to preface this review by stating upfront that Arena Produce is not your usual grocery store shopping experience. There are no shopping carts. There’s little signage. And really there aren’t even “aisles” so to speak. Being such a no-frills experience is probably the main thing that keeps Arena Produce as one of the best-kept secrets in Columbus. But if you’re willing to look beyond all of that, you’ll probably be surprised at what you can find here.
Arena Produce is located in a warehouse near the corner of Reynolds Avenue and St. Claire Avenue. If you’re familiar with the area, then you probably already know that it’s not quite the prettiest part of town. Being located just a mile east of the Short North does make it very easily accessible by most downtown neighborhoods though.
Signs along Reynolds Avenue will point you into their parking lot area, and a sign above the entry door reads “Cash & Carry” despite the fact that they also take credit cards. Upon entering, you walk into a room that is mostly empty except for the small grocery area tucked back to your left. There are several tables of non-refrigerated items such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, squash, nuts, yams, and other items du jour. Most items are available either individually or in bulk. Which is great if you need a 25-pound bag of onions on the cheap.
To the side there’s a caged-off room (presumably so it can be locked up at night?) filled with boxed and canned goods. Some quality brand name items can be found here, and some generic brands too. Some things are sold in bulk, and some are sold in standard-size quantities. There are also several refrigerators and freezers located here with a variety of block cheeses, frozen meats, and other products.
The first time Anne & I visited Arena Produce we almost overlooked the giant walk-in freezer, which is really the crown jewel of the place. It’s located just past the checkout counter, and can feel a bit strange to let yourself in for the first time. This is where you’ll find the bulk of the fresh fruits and vegetables kept chilled. Everything from collard greens to broccoli to lemons to jalapenos to grapes to avacodos to berries and more.
Since Arena Produce is a wholesale company, the vast majority of their items are cheaper than what you can find in your regular grocery store, and the quality is usually just as good. For example: yesterday I purchased a couple of firm avacados (among other things) at Arena Produce for 79 cents each and noticed later that day at the Brewery District Kroger that their similarly-sized, softer avacados were on sale for a dollar each. Usually they’re closer to $1.50 at Kroger when not on sale.
Of course, that’s just one example, and I’m sure there are instances where some items can be found cheaper elsewhere, but I’ve personally found it very easy to walk out of Arena Produce with a canvas bag filled with a week-or-two’s worth of produce for my family for $12-$15.
If you’re willing to give wholesale warehouse grocery shopping a try, Arena Produce is a great place to do it.
Arena Produce
875 Reynolds Avenue [Map]
Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-299-4571
Hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm, Sat 8am-12:30pm, Closed Sunday
I’ve never heard of this place, thanks for sharing! We’re moving to Short North this summer and that’s just a short trek from our new place, we’ll be sure to check it out.
Same here I’ll check it out…Thanks
I’ve been there a few times but never saw the freezer!
Its awesome, I’ve been shopping there for 4-5 years. Deals aren’t limited to what is “set out” or in the cooler. I frequently by huge bags of spring mix for 9 bucks (or so), Basil (still on the stem) for homemade pesto, rosemary sprigs – just ask. I also get supplies for homemade pizza there as well. Check out the Buffalo Milk Mozzarella and soprasetta too.
You have to “watch” some things the “deals” are on items that are about to expire, so, check quality and dates – but, the cost savings FAR outweight any quality concerns.
no kidding. how do I not know about this place. I’m excited to check it out.
Oh, wow! I thought you’d know about it Joe! It’s not far of a drive up St. Claire for those of us on the Near East Side. ;) Some of our neighbors are huge fans of the place. We love hitting it up when buying large quantities of items for parties or get-togethers.
Never heard of it either. Hmm, interesting…
Right off of St. Clair, it’s a skip and not even a hop from the KLD. I included this place in my neighborhood guide for Milo-Grogan. Haven’t been yet, though I did stop by Whale Fish Shrimp & Chicken. Good perch, but wasn’t crazy about the fries or white bread. I’ll have try the Italian goods at Arena.
Sounds like it’ll be busy this weekend… we’re all going to be there!!!
Ha! CU Grocery Shopping Meetup! :D
Went last week
10 bucks got me:
5lbs of Yellow Squash and Zucchini
5 Lbs of Carrots
1lb of olives
3/4 pound of Feta
2 Jalepenos
2 Large Onions
Nice! Who else made it over there this weekend? ;)
Wow! Thanks for letting me know. It just goes to show, you can live in a city like Columbus your whole life and not know where all the hidden gems are…
I hope to get down there this weekend!
Went there earlier today… I was pleased. The produce seems real hit or miss, but I understand (its leftovers or sorts). I was pleased with the refrigerated and frozen section. Got cheap sausage, pastrami, parmasean (sp?) cheese, sun-dried tomatoes. Definitely would go there again to support a local business. I’m guessing also that you’re better off not arriving right before they close… rather right when they open would be best!
Anne hit it up yesterday. Picked up a week’s worth of veggies for like $6.50. I agree that some things have been a bit hit or miss. The avocados lately have been a bit over-ripe. I think it may change with the seasons. Makes me wonder what day(s) they get their shipments in and which days are the best to hit. Might be worth investigating further.
Hey guys -
(This is Chris writing, I’m Nida’s husband from Thai on High.)
I’ve been involved/working/rehabbing in this part of M-G for several years. I own 760 St. Clair, which (IMHO) is an *extremely cool* building, pretty much directly across St. Clair from Arena Produce. I bought 760 to gradually rehab and make into something…? Perhaps a bikestop/cafe/bar, since it’s along the eastside pathway, or a clubhouse (would CU like a clubhouse?), or a spa, an artworks & gallery, or even residentals condos or apts. There’s many possibilities.
As far as I’ve been able to surmise, it was built and served as a railroad worker’s quarters or railroad office building, back in the day. You should see the view from the rooftop!
During my time over there, I’ve gotten to be friends with the owner of D#1 Happy Family Bar, which is actually, and extremely intersting and successful – and generally safe and peaceful – bar. I also know the owner of Badurina Construction, who owns pretty much the entire block across Reynolds from AP. I’ve also met Tony Arena himself. His family runs the produce business and he also has Arena Motors, which is next door. He specializes in classics & muscle cars, which I don’t drive, but they are fun to look at. Next time you shop at AP, visit to his shop/car showroom next door, it’s like visiting a mini auto show or museum. At the other (west) end of Reynolds, is what we call “Gordon’s Welding”. If you ever need something welded, he’s extremely helpful and reasonable. Then there’s the Reynolds Transfer Station (the solid waste compacting facility). They are a very efficient location to take construction debris… far easier than hauling all the way to Frank Road landfills. Unfortunately, two years ago they cut back on letting us smaller, rehab guys from hauling to there because we kind of interfer with the big trucks and because of liability concerns.
Geographically, I find M-G to have a lot of hidden potential. I see it as much more sparely populated and therefore possibly a bit safer than at least some parts of the near east side and it’s within easy striking distance to the Short North, Discovery District, Bronzeville/NoBo, and Downtown. It can be a cheap, cheap, cheap area to buy housing, but of course the housing stock is more modest than other areas so close to downtown, but really not much different than much of Italian Village. Historically, (from what I’ve read) it was a real part of the actual Italian Village, as much of the residental areas east of High all the way to Joyce were inhabitied by Italian immigrants. In fact, the Happy Family was owned by Italians before the existing owner, James Wimbush, bought it.
If anyone’s interested, I’d be happy to show out the inside and roof top view at 760 St. Clair. It’s quite cool.
M-G/St. Clair Ave is important link between NoBo/Old Town, and the Short North. Especially the southern part of it, along 2nd Ave. (and there’s the whole M-G/elementry school/art colony thing too.)
cheers (sorry for the long post).
Thanks for the extra details about the neighborhood. Would love to check out your building sometime. :D
Great find! I stopped in today and walked out with two bags of produce + a huge tub of peeled garlic for $20 total. For those of you who are concerned about such matters, it is worth nothing that I didn’t see any organic produce available. But that’s okay; here is a list of the “safest” (least pesticide-contaminated) conventional produce: http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php
Bill, the sales manager who rang me up, said that they do try to stock from Ohio farms when possible, which means that you’ll find fresh local produce when it is in season. Otherwise, they sell products grown in or imported from California and Florida. At the farthest, your food has come from Mexico or South America (sorry, that’s just how it has to be if Midwesterners want their honeydew melons in the middle of winter)!
Happy shopping to everybody. CU, thanks for the tip on this place.
Wow, This place is great. We had a big party over the weekend and went to Arena Produce to see what they had to offer, before we went shoping elsewhere.
We were pleasantly surprised!!! They have a large selection of fresh produce. It all looked really great. They always have a great supply of really fresh stuff ” in the back” if you don’t see what you are looking for.
There is even a “BARGAIN AREA” where you can buy less than perfect products at extremely low prices. Like… 5 lb. bags of tossed salad mix for $1.00, 3 lb. bags of apples for $1.00, Milk Gallons for 2 bucks, 3 lb. bags of zucchini & yellow squash for $1.00, and much, much more.
They also specialize in Italian Specialty Items as well as a great selection of Deli meats and cheeses. The prices on these items are VERY LOW compared to anywhere else you go in Columbus.
Most natural cheese are about $4.00/lb. Their hard Italian cheeses like, Parmesan, Romano and Asiago were 3-4 dollars per pound cheaper than Carfagna’s or the North Market.
We saved about $125 on the supplies for our party!! We are making Arena Produce our first stop for produce and staple grocery items from now on. The guys that run the place, Bill and Rick are very knowledgable and friendly.
I suggest calling them for directions, as the place me be difficult to find for some. Their number is 614-299-4571. You can see them from 670 near the leonard Ave. exit.
We went there today, and here’s what we got:
8 lbs of bananas (our toddlers eats them like candy)
1 huge, clean head of romaine lettuce
1 bag of parsnips
1 bag of pre-peeled radishes
1 huge cucumber
10 lbs of onions
1 bag of trail mix
Grand total? $10.48.
We could not be happier. All of our produce looks totally fresh and clean. They had napa cabbage for $.19 a pound. Seriously, $.19? We’re going to live on napa cabbage now. They also had (which we didn’t buy) prepeeled garlic garlic (a tub of maybe 50 cloves) for a dollar. As peeling, crushing and chopping anything is the bane of my husband’s existence, I’m sure that when we run out of our current garlic supply, we grab that, too.
The owner was super nice, telling us that we can call ahead to see what’s in, and even make order or requests for milk, dairy and other produce products.
We’ve definitely added Arena Produce to our Saturday morning stops.