When is the market going to open?
Our timeline for opening depends on a handful of factors, including how quickly we can get new Owners to join & the feasibility of site options. Cooperatives take time and a lot of hard work, since they’re created by community members, not a private business owner. On average, food co-ops open 5-7 years after incorporation; Market 166 incorporated in 2018. This timeline is an estimate and can change – obviously, the sooner, the better!
In order to ensure long-term success, Market 166 is working closely with the Food Co-Op Initiative (FCI) and following their three-phase co-op development model. This model is based primarily on Owner numbers, not timeline. Cooperatives are owned by and created for the community, so a critical indicator of the co-ops eventual success IS community buy-in. FCI’s model has a track record of success with start up food co-ops when followed. In early 2022, we progressed from Stage 1, “Organizing”, to Stage 2(A),”Feasibility”, which was defined for Market 166 by reaching 300 initial Owners. The remaining stages and Ownership benchmarks for each are:
- Stage 2(A) Feasibility: Conduct a market study and business pro forma. Ownership milestone = 450 Owners to move to next stage
- Stage 2(B) Planning: Find and secure a store location. Ownership milestone = 600 Owners to move to next stage
- Stage 3 (A): Pre-Construction: Ownership milestone = 800 Owners to move to next stage
- Stage 3(B): Construction and Pre-Opening: Ownership milestone = 1000 Owners to move to next stage
Does the Market have a location yet?
According to FCI’s guidance, it is a bit too early for us to start looking at locations. However, we have had some early conversations with property managers who’ve reached out to us, in order to start exploring options and building those relationships now. As we enter Stage 2(b), we will start an Owners-only Site Search Committee – Email info@market166.com to get plugged in.
We DO have Mini Market 166: recognizing our community is hungry for fresh, local food NOW, we launched Mini Market 166 in the spring of 2022. This is a stepping stone on our pathway to open a full-service grocery store, and we are thrilled to be able to buy local & connect community through food even before our store opens. Come see us at the East Point Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 4-7pm to get local groceries like coffee, rice, beans, snacks, and more.
I became an Owner, but I am not getting any emails. What do I do?
Our emails might be going to spam or a promotions tab in your inbox; it’s also possible we don’t have the best email address on file for you. The best thing to do is search your email inbox for “info@market166.com” and then mark us as a safe sender or add us as a contact. If you’re not seeing any emails from us, we likely do not have your correct email address. Please email info@market166.com letting us know we need to update your email address on file, and we will do so.
How can I get involved?
There are a bunch of ways you can get involved with Market 166 as an Owner and non-Owner! Visit our Get Involved Page for the most up to date opportunities.
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