our history
In December of 2003, 2 local couples met and formed a plan to bring a natural food store to Waukesha County which would offer local residents an opportunity to shop for healthy alternatives to conventionally, mass-produced foods. Since neither couple had any extensive background in the grocery business, the store was planned from the eyes of the customer.
On January 26 of 2005, Good Harvest Market opened its doors. The store floor plan was designed with ease of shopping in mind - about 1/5 the size of most conventional grocery stores, wider aisles, and relaxing colors which calmed the mind and body. Many shoppers enjoy spending an hour or more as they meander through the aisles, perhaps sipping on a mocha latte from the Harvest Cafe as they shop.
The store was also built using recycled materials and as energy efficient as possible. The heat from the refrigeration units, for instance, is used to heat the store, reducing carbon emissions. In fact, Good Harvest pays for 100% renewable energy through the WE Energies Energy for Tomorrow program. No plastic bags have ever been used for packing groceries; instead we use either paper or reusable canvas bags. $.05 per bag is deducted from customers' bills when they bring their own bags.
While the early years were difficult financially as the store and its staff went through typical new company challenges (product offerings, pricing, expense control), Good Harvest, now in its fourth year, is finally out of the red. This financial stability has allowed us to make strategic physical changes to the store to increase the products offered, especially locally grown and produced foods.
In late November of 2008, after months of renovations, we opened our second location, in Milwaukee's Third Ward. Here's a look at the pictures of the renovation and new store.
We look forward to seeing you!
