Austin is ground zero for the explosive interest in natural grocery stores that has developed nationwide over the last two decades. Whole Foods was founded here and its flagship store takes up a city block in old west Austin.
The demand for organic, pesticide free produce, recycled paper products, natural personal care and quality foods that gave rise to Whole Foods spawned a variety of natural grocers in Austin, each with their own particular flavor.
Wheatsville Co-op
Wheatsville Co-op offers a unique opportunity for shoppers to become owners. Established in 1976, it is the only grocery cooperative in the state of Texas. For a one time fee of $70 anyone can join Wheatsville’s community of 11,000 investors.
Not all shoppers choose to buy into the co-op, and that’s fine. Non-members enjoy the same prices as members for the most part. There are some weekly “owner deals,” as well as owner appreciation events offering savings of 10 percent. It wouldn’t take long for a regular shopper to recoup the initial $70 investment.
Wheatsville offers all the services we’ve come to expect from a grocery store. They have a deli that offers breakfast tacos in the morning and ready-made sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch. In addition to the salad bar, olive bar and “hot bar” (ready to eat entrées), they serve organic free trade coffee and a selection of unique signature dishes like the Tempeh Chili Frito Pie and the Popcorn Tofu.
According to Brand Manger, Raquel Dadomo, “the one thing that sets us apart is that we are part of the community.” For Wheatsville, this means carrying inventory from local organic farmers, ranchers, and dairies; selling Texas wines and beers; and also giving back. Every month the co-op donates a portion of their revenues to a local charity.
Central Market
Central Market is a homegrown product of Texas. Like national chain Whole Foods, it was born in Austin in 1994. An offshoot of HEB, it was designed to serve the growing demand for healthy, pesticide free, organic foods and personal products.
Both the original location on North Lamar and its South Lamar sister offer a produce selection about twice the size of the average grocery store, plus a gelato bar and an in-store restaurant. The grab & go case features easy, chef-prepared dinners for two. There is also a soup bar, a dip and salsa bar, an olive bar, and a case of ready to eat foods for those who want to assemble their own meal. The dessert case has something to please even the most particular patron.
Central Market is one of the few places in town that still offers bulk food shopping for candy, coffee, nuts, beans, dried fruit and many other items – 600 in all. They have a catering department and offer online shopping. They even have cooking classes and culinary themed spring break camps for kids.
Sun Harvest/Sprouts
Local favorite Sun Harvest recently merged with national chain Sprouts Farmer’s Market. The South Lamar location (across the corner from Central Market South) still offers a great selection of well-priced organic fruits and vegetables, bulk foods, and quick deli meals. They’ve also kept “Double Ad Wednesdays.” On Wednesday, the weekly specials change, but for that one day shoppers can get the deals for both weeks.
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