Our History

We are proud to be part of the long tradition of the consumer cooperative movement which began in Rochdale, England in 1844. The Rochdale Equitable Pioneer Society sought to stop inequitable business practices by placing ownership of businesses in the hands of the patrons. It is truly a case of "the customer is the company."

Good Foods Co-op was first organized as a buying club in November of 1972. Members met in each others' homes to prepare orders and to divide up bulk shipments. “Good Foods” included organic and other unadulterated, minimally processed whole foods. 

Within a few months, the Co-op had outgrown people's living rooms, and in 1973, it moved downtown to the third floor of the YWCA on North Mill Street. This was the first of six moves for our Co-op which included our next move to a service garage on Ashland Avenue. The Co-op evolved into a small retail operation during the five years on Ashland Avenue.

After our move to the Short Street location in 1978, working in the store became optional for members and a discount for working members was instituted. The growing store staff reorganized as a Coordinators Collective and the officers were replaced by a Directive Collective.

Members chose a site in Woodhill Shopping Center in 1981 after we received notice that the Short Street building was to be demolished. The new site was inconveniently located for members and prices were raised to cover new costs. In 1984, in an effort to boost sales, the Co-op was opened to non-members. With dwindling sales and membership, it was unclear whether the Co-op would survive.

In 1986, after two years of searching, we finally found a site at 439 Southland Drive that was affordable and in a great location. Sales and membership grew on Southland Drive and the Co-op thrived. 

The Co-op was bursting at the seams. In 1999, the Co-op moved to our current location. A full service deli and a community room delighted the membership. 

We Own It!  In 2002, our members voted to become a true cooperative. We dissolved our Kentucky non-profit corporation, incorporated as a Vermont cooperative and sold our first share on January 2, 2003.  Good Foods Café opened in 2002 and has become a community gathering spot.

Good Foods introduced a new logo, a new operating name (Good Foods Market & Café) and new store colors in 2003.  In 2004, Chapter 2, a satellite café, opened at the Main Branch of the Public Library.

In 2008, Good Foods began expansion planning. We raised over $450,000 in owner loans to help pay for the expansion. The 2009 expansion was completed on time and under budget and we celebrated with a Grand Reopening in February 2010. The renovated store features an artisan bakery, more produce, expanded grocery selections and a beautifully renovated Café with larger bathrooms.  
Good Foods is a dynamic cooperative today because of our dedication to serve our growing and changing ownership.