Before there were natural grocery store chains, Tucson had the Food Conspiracy Co-op.
Started in 1971 as a buying club by local residents in a small storefront on Fourth Avenue, the co-op has expanded to more than three adjacent storefronts over the years.
The most recent expansion includes a new, east-side entrance at the rear of the store with a 33-space parking lot at 412 N. Fourth Ave.
Inside the store, cash registers have been added, the produce department has doubled in size and a hot bar and salad bar island offer meals, salads and sweets.
A customer shops in the expanded area of Food Conspiracy Co-op, which started in 1971 as a buying club by local residents in a small storefront on Fourth Avenue.
โSince we first opened in 1971, the co-op has always been committed to providing high quality natural and organic foods,โ said John Glennon, the project manager. โWhile our mission hasnโt changed, this project allows us to grow and thrive into the future as we continue to support organic agriculture, utilize sustainable business practices, and invest in our local farmers and vendors.โ
A new courtyard has adobe brick-adorned garden beds with a rainwater harvesting system for the edible gardens.
The new garden area in the back of Food Conspiracy Co-op is used to grow fresh produce.
There is also outdoor seating and a community stage.
In the early years, the co-op was run by 20 employees. Today, it is owned by about 3,000 local residents and is Tucsonโs only member-owned grocery store.
A grand opening celebration of the expansion will be held Feb. 3, in conjunction with the storeโs 53rd birthday.
A ribbon cutting from 10 to 11 a.m. will kick off the festivities, followed by live music from noon to 5 p.m.
Learn more at foodconspiracy.coop.
Shoppers walk by the organic salad bar inside of the newly renovated building at Food Conspiracy Co-op.
