Pullman Good Food Co-op could open next year

The Pullman Good Food Co-op is entering a pivotal moment in its development, and needs the community’s support to establish a store.

Andy Jacobs, incoming chairperson of the co-op’s Board of Directors, said it’s been “frantically fundraising” to secure a property on Bishop Boulevard that could meet all the store’s needs. Jacobs is replacing Justin Peters as chairperson.

He said its goal is to raise half a million dollars in three weeks to put a down payment on the former Unify Family Dental location, and finance other immediate costs.

Jacobs said the co-op is offering several different fundraising options to meet this goal, including donations, membership investments, member loans and a variety of sponsorships.

This Wednesday, it held an open house as part of the fundraising campaign, where the community toured the space and asked questions about the venture.

Co-op leadership expressed interest in the building last fall, and announced plans of signing a purchasing sale agreement. The 8,000-square-foot property costs $3 million, Jacobs said, and requires a down payment of $270,000 before July 8.

He said the co-op has spent more than five years searching for a location. In that time, he added, it reviewed more than 25 sites across Pullman.

The property “checks all the boxes” and has plenty of potential, Jacobs said. It comes equipped with around 45-60 parking spaces, loading docks for food delivery trucks and plenty of space for a start-up co-op, he added.

It’s also highly accessible, he said, because the location is on one of Pullman Transit’s routes, and it is near the Bill Chipman and Wil-Ru trailheads.

The store anticipates opening in late 2025 after a 12-month construction period, Jacobs said. The business would be complete with a meat department, bakery, wellness section, beer and wine section, cafe, prepared deli foods and community space, he added.

The shop would place a heavy emphasis on selling locally sourced products and goods, he said.

Before the co-op can begin renovating the space, it needs to raise funds and garner more members. Jacobs said its goal is to gather 1,500 owners before opening, and currently has more than 800.

While anyone can shop at the co-op, owners receive special benefits. Unlike conventional grocery stores, Jacobs said co-ops are owned and directed by its members.

It takes a buy-in to become an owner at the co-op. Options include $200 for a one-time payment lifetime membership, or $25 recurring payments for a quarterly membership, according to its website.

Jacobs said there are many advantages to being a member, including discounts on items sold at the co-op and other local businesses, and opportunities for dividends at the end of the year.

Diane Cornelius, of Pullman, who attended the open house, said she’s been following along with the co-op’s journey and has been a member since the beginning. She said she’s most excited for a community space that will act like a hub for Pullman residents.

“We need something in Pullman to draw people together,” Cornelius said.

Greg and Virginia Colvig, of Pullman, visited the open house to get a sneak peek at the facility. Virginia said they’d seen signs for the co-op and were curious what it might look like.

She said the co-op seems like a good thing for the community, adding that it would keep money local and support farms in the area.

John Dahlin, of Clarkston, said he’s a big supporter of co-ops and drove up to see the space’s potential. He said there currently are no co-op options available in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, and that he would be willing to drive up to Pullman for some of his groceries.

“The quality is just so much better,” Dahlin said.

To learn more about the Pullman Good Food Co-op or view membership options and fundraising efforts, visit pullmangoodfoodcoop.com.

Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com.