Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op has announced that the cooperative has signed a lease with Center in the Square to open a second location at the renovated storefront that was formerly home to Thomas’ Market. The group plans to open its location in Downtown Roanoke in March 2013.
“We’re excited to be in the position to grow our cooperative,” said General Manager Bruce Phlegar, “and the growth of Downtown Roanoke shows us that it’s the right place for us to be.”
Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op has operated out of four different locations since incorporating in 1975. The Co-op has been a landmark in Southwest Roanoke’s Grandin Village since the business moved there in 1978.
The store will be 1,225 sq ft and will carry a large variety of products from every department currently available at the Grandin location. “The store on Market Square will provide downtown residents and workers convenient access to many great natural and organic products,” Phlegar said. The Co-op’s store on Grandin Road will remain its flagship location.
In October, the natural foods grocer expanded their business model by starting Heritage Point, a cooperative urban farm in Northeast Roanoke. Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op is in the process of converting the property they purchased from the City of Roanoke into a 24.9 acre urban farm that will supply Co-op customers with fresh produce, honey and free-range eggs throughout the year.
Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op has served the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia since 1975, providing the community with nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products.
