Co-op Listening Session Recap
On January 21, approximately 40 dedicated co-op members and staff gathered for a listening session with General Manager Marcie Wilde, who shared exciting plans for the future of our co-op. The discussion focused on our current financial capacity and long-term growth opportunities.
In short, the co-op is exploring a plan to relocate the current Quincy kitchen to an offsite location. Moving the kitchen into a larger production space would allow us to expand our offerings, create additional jobs, and better serve our community. With the kitchen relocated, the Quincy store would gain increased retail square footage.
Marcie shared that the co-op’s financial position is strong. Our debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.3, indicating capacity for growth and investment. In addition, over $175,000 is held in a CD account designated for expansion. The co-op ended 2024 with a profit, and 2025 is also projected to be profitable. Our deli department alone grew nearly 15% last year, with continued demand for expanded options.
A property located just steps from the back door of the Quincy store—237 Lawrence Street—has been identified as a strong candidate for the new kitchen. The building is a large shop-style space with the potential to be remodeled into a commercial kitchen, and the current owner is open to working with the co-op on flexible loan and repayment terms.
Several questions were raised during the session, including a recurring one: Why not build a brand-new (possibly steel) building instead? After consultation with a local contractor, the cost comparison was clear—new construction would approach $1 million, while remodeling an existing building is estimated at $450,000–$500,000.
The general consensus that was gathered after this session is that the membership supports this expansion, with some offering to support the project financially. The Board of Directors is carefully reviewing all available options and will make a decision on next steps in the near future.
For more information, please pick up an Expansion Information Sheet available at both store locations, or contact Marcie Wilde at MWilde@featherriver.coop.