The Chequamegon Food Co-op has hired C&S Design & Engineering Inc., a local architectural firm based in Ashland, Wisconsin, to head up the general design and project management for the store’s relocation and expansion. United Natural Foods Inc. has been hired to produce the store layout and design. Initial plans should be finalized within the next month.
Headed by architect Stephen Schraufnagel, the design team at C&S Design has been working with Co-op staff to create the general interior layout and exterior features for the new store. C&S Design will be responsible for creating the layout of the Co-op’s office space and new cooking classroom. The design firm will also guide choices for the exterior look of the new Co-op and assist the Co-op with hiring contractors for construction.
UNFI is the Co-op’s current main product supplier. UNFI Store Design Services is a national program that works specifically with independent natural foods retailers. The company offers professional store planning, store design, equipment specifications, and equipment purchasing. Co-op staff has been working with UNFI’s team in Mounds View, Minnesota to design the new store’s layout and to purchase new, energy-efficient equipment.
New store plans will be available for members to view as soon as the layout is finalized. Look for more information in the fall edition of The Grapevine, which will be published in September.