There are few relationships in this life more special than the one we share with the person behind the counter at our local bodega: the one who’s seen us at our 7 AM Red Bull, our hangover Diet Coke. Through the highs, the lows, the break-ups and the break downs, our local bodega owners stand witness.
Ron Johnson of Urban Provisions is no exception. In fact, his role as the de facto bartender of the Jefferson Park neighborhood is his favorite part of the job. The relationships he nurtures with his community provides a third-space connection that Denver desperately needs – and gives him the insider knowledge he utilizes to keep Urban Provisions the premier supplier of veteran and rising local brands.
Urban Provisions Market: Origin Stories
By way of Florida and then Texas, Johnson came to Denver in 2000 as a sommelier with a steakhouse concept. As he continued planting roots in Denver as an industry expert, he noticed what Denver lacked, seeking to fill the neighborhood grocery-shaped hole in the city.
Urban Provisions is that filler. A bodega in the truest sense of the word, Urban Provisions stocks more than just the essentials, offering high quality groceries, from ready-to-eat staples to a wide range of artisanal ingredients, craft beer and spirits, infused ice cream and other treats (most locally sourced).
Johnson takes pride in stocking local and in supporting his community in his day-to-day interactions. He’s quickly become a pillar in the Jefferson Park community, fostering meaningful relationships with his regulars by offering a listening ear and a quick laugh.
“I’m almost a bartender sometimes,” Johnson shared. “There are certain people that come in here to actually vent.”
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As Urban Provisions grows, Johnson dreams of expansion, including a speakeasy concept for on-premise consumption. But no matter how much the bodega grows, he’s committed to remaining community-centered space, with plans to host chili cook-offs in the summer, Saturday morning yoga and neighborhood events where the Jefferson Park community can gather and connect.
Curated Suppliers, Community Roots
Sometimes, it’s Johnson’s role as de facto bartender that most supports his role as business owner. From these daily conversations, Johnson bolsters earnest operations, by making by-chance connections with up-and-coming business owners.
Above all else, he’s committed to stocking his shelves with local brands as much as possible. Oftentimes, that mission means taking a chance on a new product, potentially changing the life of the supplier behind it.
“We are supporting a young lady who has a line of salsas that lives, call it 200 feet away from our front doors,” Johnson shared, speaking of Mama Salsa.
And the salsa is just one example of Johnson’s commitment to bringing rising local artisans to the Jefferson Park neighborhood: “We were the first retail space for Raquelita’s Tortilla Chips.”
Add those items to the scroll of local ice creams, spirits and other pantry staples, and Urban Provisions is a real-life rolodex of hometown heroes and Johnson’s curated favorites. The market’s shelves are a poetic manifestation of what makes community collaboration both vital and beautiful: intentionally crafted, culturally diverse and miles away from faceless big brand superficiality.
The Future According to Ron Johnson
Johnson admits, nurturing his community translates into mutual benefit for his bodega’s livelihood. Actually, that’s kind of the whole point.
“We need more cooperation between small producers and local retailers to beat out and compete with the big guys,” Johnson shared. “What goes around comes around.”
It’s through supporting each other that local business owners can thrive. It’s through both the small interactions with his regulars and the bigger decisions to give a local artisan some shelf space that Johnson pours genuine care into that mission daily. Ultimately, Urban Provisions runs on community spirit.
Denver Dive Speed Round: The Staples
Take it from someone who knows: Johnson shared his favorite local suppliers and underrated Denver hot spots.
Local Supplier in Urban Provisions: LiqCrème – Alcohol Infused Ice Cream
Denver Restaurant & Dish: “Sleeper is the Agedashi dōfu from Hapa Sushi.”
Dive Bar: The Hound
Drink (At Any Bar): White Negroni
Place to Shop: TJ Maxx or Marshalls
Hidden Gem: H-Mart (“Specifically the one on Parker Road.”)
Urban Provisions Market is located at 2031 Bryant St., Denver, CO 80211. The market is open Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM; Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM; and Friday/Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM.
Urban Provisions Market does not have a website or social media channels. The best way to support Ron Johnson and Urban Provisions is visiting the market and purchasing from a local brand. Tell him that Dive sent you.
Article assembled in collaboration with Dane Chromzak.
