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Co-op History

41 years and counting

Our History

The Co-op's story began in 1979. At that time, it was called Crossroads Consumer Services Co-op. It all started with a few dedicated people looking for democratic control of their food supply. The store, mostly run by volunteers, opened in a small house on South Wallace Avenue.

In the spring of 1984 the Co-op legally changed its name to Community Food Co-op, Bozeman and moved to a larger space near Montana State University. By 1990, the business had grown to three paid employees and 120 volunteers. It was this year that the Co-op bought its first computer.

In 1992, sales had reached $1 million in annual sales and the Co-op had outgrown its space, moving to the current location at 908 West Main. In 2002, the store underwent a major expansion, doubling its retail space. Funded by member owner loans, the project resulted in the building you see today.

By 2006, the deli had also outgrown its space. To help keep up with demand, the Co-op opened the Central Kitchen, an off-site kitchen, bakery and warehouse. Located down the street from the store, it began to provide hot and cold deli food, pastries and bread. The facility also paved the way for the opening of Co-op Downtown.

In April 2011 the Co-op opened its second retail outlet, Co-op Downtown, located in the heart of Downtown Bozeman. The store, specializing in prepared foods, features an extensive salad and hot bar, supplied in large part, by the Central Kitchen. In addition, customers can find a wide selection of organic grocery items, produce, cheese, spirits and more.

Today, Co-op West Main is a full service grocery store with more than 22,000 member owners. The store specializes in organic foods and Montana-produced meat and vegetables. It also offers a full service meat and seafood counter, a wellness department, bulk department and espresso/juice bar.

Co-op's 40th Anniversary

1979
Crossroads
Crossroads
1984
College Avenue
College Avenue
1992
908 West Main
908 West Main
1992
Clubhouse
Clubhouse
1940
Co-op Downtown Location
Co-op Downtown Location
2011
Co-op Downtown
Co-op Downtown
2017
Co-op West Main
Co-op West Main
2019
Co-op West Main
Co-op West Main
2020
Co-op West Main
Co-op West Main