(Oshkosh, Wis.) – The Oshkosh Food Co-op, which will occupy the first floor of the new Brio Building at 155 Jackson Street, will soon look like a co-op grocery store.  The project, eight years in the making, begins construction this week on a well-crafted architectural plan for a full-line member-owned grocery store.  

(Oshkosh, Wis.) – The Oshkosh Food Co-op, which will occupy the first floor of the new Brio Building at 155 Jackson Street, will soon look like a co-op grocery store. The project, eight years in the making, begins construction this week on a well-crafted architectural plan for a full-line member-owned grocery store.

Greenfire Management Services is leading both the Brio Building construction and the Oshkosh Food Co-op buildout. Thomas Design, Inc. is providing architectural services. Retail Planit is leading store layout, equipment selection and décor planning. Seven roots is consulting on prepared foods. Project completion is targeted for late summer/early fall 2021.

“Wall framing is completed,” said Kevin Hansen, senior project manager. “Tons of equipment and materials are ready to place and install. It’s an exciting project for me; a unique atmosphere and I can’t wait for them to be open.”

The 6,800 sq. ft. food co-op, the first in Northeast Wisconsin, will include a full line of produce, packaged groceries, dairy, meats, cheeses as well as a grab ‘n go deli with prepared foods, indoor and outdoor seating areas, a “Chatty Checkout” lane and more.

“Taking this next step represents a real high point for the Co-op,” said Jeffrey Thouron, general manager, Oshkosh Food Co-op. “We continue to attract new member-owners to the project. It’s encouraging to have so many in the community support this project.”

With an emphasis on healthy food that meets both the needs of the community and neighborhood it serves, the Oshkosh Food Co-op aims to source 20% of its products “locally” – from Wisconsin or within 100 miles of the store.

Nearly a dozen Oshkosh Food Co-op member-owners have volunteered for the Site Team and its Prepared Foods Sub-Team, including Marlo Ambas, Brian Binder, Adam Carlson, Mike Ford, Brenda Haines, Erik Larson, Bobbi Jo Merten, Lizz Redman, Ryan Rasmussen and Jon Weigandt. Menomonie Market Food Co-op General Manager Crystal Halverson has served as a volunteer mentor to the project.

About the Oshkosh Food Co-op
The Oshkosh Food Co-op is a community-led effort to open a full-line grocery store in the heart of Oshkosh, available to all shoppers. Modeled after member-owned grocery stores in Wisconsin and nationwide, Oshkosh Food Co-op organized in 2013. Individuals and organizations from throughout the region are invited to help the Co-op realize its vision — to strengthen local economies, promote health, and build communities — by purchasing ownership shares. An ownership share costs $180, payable all at once or in 18 $11 monthly installments. The Oshkosh Food Co-op is a member of National Co+op Grocers. To learn more, and to become a member-owner, visit www.oshkoshfoodcoop.com
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