Indy Food Co-op adds manager, moves forward

With over $200,000 in grants secured and a general manager on board, organizers of the Indy Food Co-op say they are closer than ever to opening the city’s only community-owned grocery, possibly as early as this spring.

The store, to be known as Pogue’s Run Grocer, will be located in a 3,000-square-foot building at 2828 E. 10th St. It will be managed by Greg Monzel, who brings decades of passion for fresh, healthful, consciously produced foods to the effort, said Kyle Hendrix, president of the co-op board of directors.

An artist’s renderings, by Architecture for Humanity, of what the interior of Pogue’s Run Grocer will look like when renovations are complete.

“I dug my first vegetable garden in my parents’ backyard as a youth,” Monzel said, “then began using food-based home remedies for health and wellness in my teens.” He continued, “My first job at age fourteen was stocking produce at O’Malia’s – and since the early days I have worked for sustainable, organic, and permaculture farms, farmers’ markets, and natural foods stores, rising to management in both agriculture and retail.”

Greg Monzel

Monzel has also trained as a community herbalist and offers services and products related to whole foods nutrition and medicinal plants. He began his employment with the co-op on Jan. 4.

“Greg is exactly what we were looking for in a general manager,” Hendrix said. “He brings experience, talents and enthusiasm to the co-op and moves this project from an all-volunteer effort to one with a full-time, professional staff.”

Hendrix reported that electrical work has been completed at the vacant building which was once the home of Lane TV, with more improvements coming soon.

Another view of the interior of Pogue’s Run Grocer, to be located on East 10th Street just east of Rural Street.

He said a contractor has been selected to remove a portion of the flooring and an interior design plan is nearly complete by Architecture for Humanity, which is donating its services to the cause.

The purchase of more store equipment is under consideration to complement several pieces of equipment generously donated by Cafe Patachou, Hendrix said.

The food co-operative’s membership also continues to grow, with 231 on board as of mid-January. Hendrix said members are hosting “friend-raising” home parties to help promote co-op membership and will soon be showing pride in membership by displaying yard signs.

Fund-raising efforts also continue as the co-op seeks another $100,000 to cover initial inventory costs. Hendrix said the Indy Food Co-op board and its new store manager are working hard to get the store open as quickly as possible.