Walk into the Remke Markets Harrison OH location on a Tuesday morning and you’ll notice something immediately. It doesn't feel like those massive, sterile warehouse clubs where you need a GPS just to find the milk. There is a specific kind of quiet here. It’s the sound of a neighborhood grocery store that has survived economic shifts, corporate buyouts, and the sheer gravitational pull of the Kroger Marketplace down the street.
Honestly, a lot of people thought this place was a goner years ago.
When the news broke back in 2017 that Remke was being sold to a company out of Findlay, Ohio, the rumor mill in Harrison went into overdrive. People were convinced it would shutter within months. But here we are in 2026, and the storefront at 10501 New Haven Road is still kicking. It’s a survivor.
The bigg's Legacy and the Harrison Identity
To understand why Remke Markets Harrison OH matters, you have to look at its DNA. This wasn't always a Remke. Back in the day, this was a bigg's. For those who didn't grow up in the Tri-State area, bigg's was the king of the "hypermarket" concept. They were doing the whole "everything under one roof" thing long before it was cool.
In 2010, Remke—then a family-owned powerhouse from Northern Kentucky—stepped in and bought seven bigg's locations that were slated for the chopping block. Harrison was one of them. It was a massive gamble.
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The transition wasn't just about changing signs. It was a culture clash. You had this huge, sprawling floor plan designed for a hypermarket being managed by a company that specialized in intimate, service-heavy neighborhood shops. Eventually, they dropped the "bigg's" name entirely around 2013, but if you look at the ceiling height and the wide aisles, the ghosts of the old hypermarket are still there.
Why Locals Still Shop Here (When They Could Go Anywhere)
Let’s be real. There is a massive Kroger Marketplace just a few minutes away. It has everything. It has jewelry. It has clothes. It has those fancy digital screens on the freezer doors that everyone on Reddit seems to hate.
So, why does Remke Markets Harrison OH still have a loyal following?
- The Meat Department: This is the big one. Remke started as a meat market in Covington back in 1897. That heritage is still visible. Their butchers actually talk to you. You can get custom cuts without feeling like you're bothering someone.
- Speed: You can get in and out in fifteen minutes. Try doing that at a Supercenter on a Saturday afternoon. It’s impossible.
- The "Local" Vibe: Even though it's owned by Generative Growth LLC and managed by Fresh Encounter, it still feels like a Cincinnati-area staple.
The store layout is quirky. It’s big, but not overwhelming. There’s a certain nostalgia in the air that you just can't manufacture with corporate branding.
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The 2017 Ownership Shift: A Turning Point
When Fresh Encounter took over management on behalf of Generative Growth, it saved the store. At the time, the Remke family—led by Bill and Matthew Remke—realized that to stay competitive, they needed more buying power. They needed the scale that a larger management group could provide.
It worked.
The Harrison location stayed open while other regional grocers folded. They leaned into technology like DoorDash delivery and SNAP EBT integration early on, which kept them relevant to younger families moving into the New Haven Road area.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Prices
There’s a common misconception that "independent" or smaller chains are always more expensive. While you might find a better deal on a 24-pack of toilet paper at a big-box store, Remke’s weekly ads are surprisingly competitive on perishables.
Their produce section is often cited by locals as being more "manageable." You aren't sorting through mountains of bruised apples to find a good one. It’s curated.
Navigating the Store Like a Pro
If you’re heading to Remke Markets Harrison OH for the first time, or if it’s been a while, here is how you actually shop it effectively.
Don't just wander. Head straight to the back for the proteins. That’s their bread and butter. If you’re looking for specific local Cincinnati favorites—think Grippo’s, Glier’s Goetta, or Husman’s—they usually have a better "in-stock" rate for these than the national giants who prioritize their own private labels.
Parking is also a breeze. The lot is huge because it was designed for that old bigg's traffic flow, so you’re never fighting for a spot near the door.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit:
- Check the Digital Circular: They run "three-day sales" that are often better than anything you'll find at the competitors.
- Use the Service Counter: If you need a specific deli tray or a custom cake, they are much more flexible with last-minute requests than the larger chains.
- Watch the Hours: They typically run 6 am to 11 pm daily, but it’s always smart to check their website for holiday shifts.
- Download the App: They’ve modernized their coupon system significantly over the last two years.
Remke Markets Harrison OH isn't trying to be a world-beater. It’s trying to be a solid, reliable grocery store for the people of Western Hamilton County. In an era where everything feels like a massive corporate machine, there is something deeply refreshing about a place that just wants to sell you a good steak and get you home in time for dinner.
Next Steps for Harrison Shoppers:
To get the most out of your next trip, check the current weekly ad on the official Remke website before you leave. If you’re short on time, use the DoorDash app to see if they offer delivery to your specific neighborhood, as their delivery radius has recently expanded to cover more of the Harrison-Bright area.