Food Front Co-op Grocery Abruptly Closed
April 24, 2023
PORTLAND, Ore. — Food Front Cooperative Grocery, a cherished local grocery co-op, has announced its closure in a somber letter to its members. The decision comes after years of financial struggles and a continued decline in profits, leaving the co-op unable to sustain its operations.
In the letter, the board of directors shared several significant announcements:
General Manager Micheal Balanoff has tendered his resignation.
Without a General Manager, and in accordance with the bylaws and the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Union Local 555, Food Front does not have a path forward.
The board has decided to collectively step down once a newly elected board is in place.
To ensure all Food Front staff are paid for their work and PTO, the store closed its doors on Monday, April 24th, at 12 noon. The board encouraged members to shop one last time and thank the loyal staff.
In the letter, the board also suggested possible strategies for moving forward, including reopening the store with new financing and restructuring, selling the property with an option to lease it back, or selling the property outright and dividing the remaining earnings among the membership.
Food Front Cooperative Grocery, located in Northwest Portland, has been a staple of the community for over 45 years. Known for its commitment to local, organic, and sustainable products, the co-op has long been a popular destination for shoppers seeking high-quality, environmentally-conscious groceries.
MORE INFO: https://foodfront.coop/docs/download/Closing_Letter_to_FF_Members.pdf