The Store We're Building Together

A community-owned, full-service grocery for the Tri-Cities. Fresh produce, meat, dairy, bulk goods, and a place for neighbors to gather!

We're Bringing A Full-Service Grocery Store To The Tri-Cities

We’re building a full-service grocery store where you can do your weekly shopping. Fresh produce, meat and dairy, frozen foods, pantry staples, and bulk goods.

  • Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables, with priority given to Georgia farms and seasonal harvests.
  • Meat & Seafood: Quality cuts and sustainable options from regional suppliers.
  • Dairy & Refrigerated: Milk, eggs, cheese, and prepared foods from local producers.
  • Frozen: Convenient options for busy weeks without sacrificing quality.
  • Dry Grocery & Pantry: Everyday staples alongside specialty items that reflect our community’s diverse tastes.
  • Bulk Goods: Grains, nuts, spices, and herbs. Buy what you need, reduce waste.
  • Wellness: Personal care, supplements, and household essentials.
  • Grab & Go: Prepared foods and quick meals for busy days.
  • Café & Seating: Indoor and outdoor space to sit, meet, or work.
  • Community Space: Room for workshops, meetings, and neighborhood events.

The Road to Opening

We follow the Food Co-op Initiative framework, a proven model used by grocery co-ops across the country. Building a community-owned grocery store takes on average 10-12 years from organizing to opening day.

Completed

(2017-2022)

Stage 1: Convene & Prepare

We started with a question: Why can’t we have a good grocery store here? A community survey got 300+ responses. In 2018 we incorporated as a cooperative and elected our first Board. In 2022 we completed our feasibility study, and grew our owner base at farmers markets and neighborhood events. By the end of this stage, we had 300 owners and a clear mandate to move forward.

We Are Here

(2022-Present)

Stage 2: Grow & Plan

We’ve moved from organizing to planning. In 2023, we piloted our pop-up Mini-Market at the East Point Farmers Market, purchasing from 16 local businesses and directing 75 cents of every dollar back into the local economy.

In 2025, we opened Mini-Market 166 at Atlanta Utility Works, giving us hands-on retail experience, a way to support over 15 local vendors, and proof that our community shows up when good food is available. 

In 2026, now with 415+ member-owner we’re focused on three key priorities:

  1. Completing our updated market study.
  2. Updated strategic vision in partnership with seven roots group.
  3. Building volunteer capacity for key committees and activities. We can’t do it without you, learn more about getting involved!  

This stage ends when we’ve identified our site and finalized our business plan.

The Next Stage

Stage 3: Connect & Gather

Once we have our site, we launch the capital campaign. This is where we raise the real money: construction costs, equipment, opening inventory, and working capital. We’ll need community investment, grants, and loans to make it happen. The ownership base we build now is what makes lenders say yes.

Future Stage

Stage 4: Excite & Build

Hire our General Manager. As we prepare for opening day we will recruit and train staff from our community and further our mission by paying a living wage.

Grand Opening

Stage 5: Fulfill & Stabilize

Ribbon cutting! The community shops at a store they actually own. From here, the work shifts to stabilization as we improve sales, refine operations, and grow with our community!

Join Today!

Joining is the best way to help accelerate the opening timeline! 

Learn More & Join Today!