Organic living fuels business move
For decades, the Crow Wing Food Co-Op in Brainerd has been the little shop that could.
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For 24 years it has been a colorful presence along Washington Street hugging a city corner and thriving with the determination of a roadside wildflower. Now the little shop with its organic foods and locally grown produce and Minnesota foods is making a big move even if the distance isn't a large one.
Thursday a customer suggested setting up one large line to pass inventory from one hand to another to facilitate the move. It would be possible although stopping Washington Street traffic would be an issue. But by April 1, the Co-Op, which is located on the north sided of Washington, expects to be open in the former Country Time Cafe, which was once the Deli Station, at the corner of Washington and Eighth streets on the south side of the street.
Tomatoes filled a basket at the Crow Wing County Food Co-Op in Brainerd. The store is cooperatively owned and offers natural and local foods. The Co-Op is moving to a larger space at the former Country Time Cafe on Washington Street in Brainerd this spring.
Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
The move is one the Co-Op has long sought.
"We are very excited," said Jessy Taylor, Co-Op assistant manager.
The Co-Op was established in 1979. Even the limited parking on Washington Street couldn't deter loyal customers. Inside, staff members readily share a passion for healthy living, creative cooking and organic foods. They offer meal ideas and assistance for customers who are looking for a healthy option but who find the path to scratch cooking versus microwaving meals unfamiliar territory.
Leonard Wheeler has been a customer for years. Thursday he brought in a loaf of bread he made as a gift. Taylor marveled at its shape, color and aroma. Wheeler said he keeps coming back because of the store's warm atmosphere and the unique things he looks for on the shelves.
The Country Time Cafe, which recently closed and now sits idle just down the street, is visible from the Co-Op's large front windows. The move will provide about twice the retail space.
Jessy Taylor, Crow Wing Food Co-Op assistant manager, received a gift of a loaf of bread from a customer.
Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
"It will allow us to have a lot more local produce in the summer," Taylor said, noting the store will be able to allow growers to have farmer's market offerings everyday in addition to those specific days markets set up in Brainerd and Baxter.
Plans are to create raised produce beds outside that will be both visually pleasing and allow for a lunch snack with lettuce, herbs and even carrots growing there. The drive-through window will allow customers a chance to order a gallon of milk and pick it up on the way home. The store includes frozen food, meats, fresh vegetables, packaged foods. There are foods for vegetarians and those seeking gluten free products. There are sodium free products and yeast free offerings. An expansion area is seen in offering organic makeup. Additionally, the store has green-eco gifts.
Taylor said they'll be able to double the store's bulk selection. Just beyond the store's front shelves, there are bulk bins of wheat, oats, brown rice, beans, nuts, cornmeal, popcorn, dried mangos, granola, lentils, cane sugar, bran. There are bins of flour - rye, whole wheat, gold 'n' white, soy, and pastry. Herbs and seasonings line another wall.
Jessy Taylor (right), Crow Wing Food Co-Op assistant manager, unpacked a fresh shipment with employee Steven McKnight. The Brainerd store offers locally and naturally raised meat, eggs and produce, bulk grains, herbs and spices, gluten free products and organic snacks along with organic, natural and fair trade coffee and tea and eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
The bulk bins are popular because customers can pick the exact amount they need, thus saving money, Taylor said.
"One of our biggest assets is our ability to buy bulk organic products and spices," Taylor said.
Another strong seller comes from the fair-trade organic coffee, which is roasted in Minnesota. Other product lines include Cedar Summit Farm from New Prague and chips from the city of Welcome and the Off the Farm line of products from Milaca and bread from the Positively 3rd Street Bakery in Duluth.
Taylor said they are looking forward to designing the new space using environmentally friendly shelving and doing it all on a budget.
"That's kind ow where we thrive," Taylor said. "We're excited to meet that challenge."
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.