New Marquette Food Co-op breaks ground

The future home of the Marquette Food Co-op is one step closer to opening it’s doors after breaking ground at the new downtown location.

It’s the culmination of two years spent finding the proper venue, gathering the necessary funds, and implementing customers’ needs into the new floor plan.

“Being a member-owned organization means that we are truly here to serve the needs of our members,” noted Matt Gougeon, General Manager of the Marquette Food Co-op. “Our members reciprocate our service by investing. They invest in themselves. They invest their money and time into the Co-op. But, specifically, our members wanted a full-service deli, a meat counter, they wanted wider aisles, they wanted ample parking. This facility will provide all of that for us. We’ll be bringing a wider selection of organic and natural products to the shelves of our store. Much more in the line of local products as well.”

The Co-op’s dynamic is unique in that way; adhering to the wants and needs of its members. They play an active role in every aspect of the operation. Miriam Hilton embodies that effort, as the fourth charter member in the co-op’s history.

“I though it was only fitting that Miriam be the first to scoop a load of ceremonial dirt,” Gougeon added.

The Co-op anticipates six months of construction ahead of their move to Washington Street, with a grand re-opening set for sometime in late March or early April. If they pull it off right, they may only be closed down for about two days during the transition.