Growing Ypsilanti Food Co-op plans to expand bakery

At some point in the future, Ypsilanti Food Co-op shoppers will be able to get closer to their baked goods as they're being prepared. Growth and change have been underway at the co-op for some time now, and as the community grocer adjusts to recent renovations including a new checkout counter and point of sale technology, the business is looking toward a future with an expanded bakery area including customer seating. 

 

"Wanting to expand our bakery came from the idea that customers love the food that's being produced here," says Corinne Sikorski, general manager for the Ypsilanti Food Co-op. "We have our wood-fired oven that is pretty to look at, and fun to watch. That was kind of the push to open the bakery up so customers can see the bread baking."

 

The Ypsilanti Food Co-op currently operates in two-thirds of the first floors in a three-building group. The proposed expansion, which is still in early planning stages, would make use of the final third, bringing another 1,600 square feet of space into active use. 

 

In addition to increasing access to the bakery, Sikorski says the seating area will help the Food Co-op more fully meet its goal of being a true community hub. 

 

"We have a great selection of grab-and-go food, so expanding our area for them to sit down and eat is part of the intention," she says. "One of the draws of the Co-op is that it's more than just a grocery store. It's a community space. It's a place where people talk to their neighbors."

 

With visioning and planning still underway, Sikorski says no timeline is yet in place for the project, but she hopes to see the expansion move forward this year. She attributes the Co-op's growth and ability to keep growing, on the community's continued support of the member-owned business.