Steven and Hannah Zimmerman are the newest owners of Sunflower Natural Foods in downtown Westcliffe. This chance to own a grocery store came to them unexpectedly, but their journey in the grocery and natural food industry spans many years.
For residents in the area, finding healthy, local foods has often meant long trips to other towns. Sunflower Natural Foods has been a vital resource, offering options that many folks need but can’t find easily. It’s like a little oasis in a desert of processed foods.
Steven brings a lot of experience to the table. He started in Ohio right out of college when he joined a natural food store. After that store was sold to a chain, he helped transition a conventional grocery store into one focused on natural products. “I developed a natural program across all departments from scratch,” he shared. This was just the beginning of his commitment to the grocery business.
He’s worked with various companies, including Trader Joe’s and KeHE, a distributor specializing in organic and specialty foods. During his time with KeHE, he helped introduce at least 20 new brands to their lineup. When the Zimmermans learned about the opportunity to own a natural food store while working remotely in the Wet Mountain Valley, they jumped at it. “I never thought this would happen so soon in my career!” Steven said.
Since taking over the store in November, the Zimmermans have already started sourcing quality products from local farms. They’re proud to offer fresh greens from Jamber Acres, delectable goat cheeses from Westcliffe Cheese, and health products from Willow Wind Farms. Their excitement is palpable: “We’re just getting started!”
As they continue to grow, Sunflower Natural Foods stands as a testament to the importance of local, healthy eating. The shift towards natural foods is not just a trend; a recent survey showed that nearly 70% of consumers prefer to shop for food that is both healthy and locally sourced.
With community support, the Zimmermans hope to make Sunflower a hub for health and wellness in Westcliffe.
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