Local co-op is expanding to a brick-and-mortar shop.
Hudson Grocery Cooperative (HGC) knows the kind of void the closing of a local grocery store leaves in a community. The idea for the co-op itself took root during a conversation between local parents and neighbors about the closing of Econofoods, the historic downtown Hudson grocery store.
This time, instead of history repeating itself with another closing, it will rhyme.
On November 25, HGC announced via press release that it is purchasing Fresh and Natural Foods (FNF), a family-owned natural food grocery store in Hudson, Wisc. The store will continue its operations under HGC leadership, in partnership with the Larson family.
“Kerry Larson, he wanted to retire, and he wanted the Hudson Grocery Cooperative to take his store into the future,” says board member Clarence Malick in an announcement video by Evoke Films. Over the next few months, business will continue as usual, but a gradual transformation will take place in the form of remodels, rebranding and technology upgrades.
“I’d like to thank the Hudson community for their support of [Larson] and Fresh and Natural Foods all these years,” says FNF president Kris Larson via the press release. “It was a labor of love for him, and I’m sure he’d be pleased with the bright future for the store.”
HGC president Joe Rouleau says that he is grateful to partner with the Larson family and see thousands of volunteer hours and efforts come to fruition. “This strategic move aligns with our vision of a locally-owned grocery store that offers diverse food and product choices including organic, sustainable and regionally sourced options for our community,” Rouleau says.
Hudson Grocery Cooperative is a community-owned organization that looks to foster a sense of community through food. Learn more at hudsongrocery.coop
Hudson Grocery Cooperative
1701 Ward Avenue #200, Hudson, WI; 715.377.9913
Facebook: Hudson Grocery Cooperative
Instagram: @hudsongrocerycoop
