Linden Hills Co-op move on schedule

Improvements at the old Almstad’s Super Valu are on schedule and the Linden Hills Co-op is looking to move into the building in mid-September.

“It’s beautiful, said Allie Mentzer, marketing & member services manager for the co-op.  “The floor is going in. The concrete is being tinted.  We’re getting paint up on the walls.”

The new site, 3815 Sunnyside Av., near the intersection of 44th Street and France Avenue S., will house a vastly expanded store, according to Mentzer.

It will incorporate the co-op’s Natural Home store, currently located in a house across the street from the co-op on West 43rd St.

Responding to a customer survey, it will also offer an expanded organic, local and sustainable meat and seafood section, more bulk foods and fresh-baked breads and pastries. A teaching kitchen will allow the co-op to offer cooking classes beginning this fall.  An expanded deli will include a hot bar, bakery case,

No date has been set for opening the doors, although Mentzer said she expects a date in mid-to-late September.

We’re projected the get the keys on Sept. 3,” Mentzer said. On Sept. 12, the co-op has scheduled a “Progression Procession,” a New Orleans-jazz style funeral parade, with an eight-member brass band, beginning mournfully when leaving the old building and finding new vigor as it nears the new site.

“We were looking for a ceremony that would properly express the sadness we feel about leaving our former location, and the joy of having a new Linden Hills store that is a better fit for our growing inventory,” explained Luke Schell, the Co-op’s general manager. 

A Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23, with mini-workshops, food giveaways and two grand prizes valued at $2,000.

“We’re all working very hard here,” Mentzer said. “It’s gong to be spectacular for the community.”

Dennis Schapiro