The Boise Co-op is a member owned cooperative. It was founded in 1973 by a group of 25 to 30 people including
our present store manager Ken Kavanagh, who were excited about buying healthy, great tasting food for a reasonable price. This food-buying club resided originally in the back room of El-Ada and then moved to 1725 Broadway.

In January of 1975 work began on a storefront in the Hyde Park district that was owned by Gene Drabinski. Moving in February to 1513 N.13th was the next big step. The basic dirt floor storefront originally housed the Salvation Army. In the new store bulk foods were stored in barrels. There was no beer or wine, not too many perishables and no meat, as there was limited refrigeration. The Co-op also made sandwiches, baking their own bread daily. Canned goods and some housewares were also available. The first month at the new location brought in sales of $4000, with the second month sales reaching $6000. By 1984 membership had grown considerably and the year’s sales reached $1 million.

In 1984 the Boise Co-op moved to its 3rd location at Hill Road and Harrison Blvd. This location was very crowded opening up to a produce department, wine and beer sales, supplements, and a partial deli in approximately 6000 square feet. Parking was also a problem with only 21 spaces. By 1988, it was obvious to Ken Kavanagh that yet another move to a bigger location was needed. It was then that he began the calls to the old M & W market on Fort Street. In 1996, sales hit $5.5 million, and the Co-op moved to its current location.

Now located in 26,000 square feet, we are still using every available space for shopping, stocking, and housing our staff. Our departments have all expanded, as well as our staff, and our product lines. When things got technical the Co-op bought the house across the street for additional offices and staff.

Today the Co-op keeps on growing. Products include 65,000 items; a staff that includes 145 people; membership has grown to over 40,000; and an average of $22 million in sales. And the Co-op is still about providing healthy, great tasting food for a reasonable price.