By: Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello, dear Owners,
November has so much to offer.
Before I share what we have to offer at the Co-op this month, I’m thrilled to announce that the Willy Street Co-op production kitchen—which supplies most of our hot bar, Prepared Foods, and Bakery items—will move to Garver Feed Mill in the spring of 2027.
Since 2005, the Willy Street Co-op’s production kitchen has operated at 1882 E. Main Street, predating the opening of our second store in Middleton (Willy West). When Willy North opened in 2016, the kitchen struggled to support all three stores. Workspaces became overcrowded and storage reached capacity. Unable to expand at the current site, the Co-op began searching for a larger facility. Last spring, an ideal space became available at Garver Feed Mill.
The Garver location will provide expanded workspace and storage, and includes many features we would otherwise need to build out. This opportunity to sign a lease was open for a limited time, and remaining at our current site would require significant investment.
The lease begins on 1 January 2027, and we expect the kitchen to be running by next spring.
Make room at the table!
A few months ago, we began preparing for the holidays by buying turkeys, arranging extra storage space, planning our promotions, and ensuring we had enough staff. This month, all our preparations are coming together. Now is a good time to check your pantry, make a shopping list, and stock up on baking supplies, herbs, spices, canned goods, and anything else you might be missing. Review those tried-and-true recipes you enjoy making each year for friends and family. Whatever dish you decide to cook—turkey, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free—you’ll find everything you need at the Co-op to make a meal everyone will love.
Stock up on Field Day essentials on sale November 4–17 to get natural and organic products for less! Organic pumpkin puree, organic gravy, organic broth, and about 70 more products are on sale.
We’re trying something new this year—online turkey reservations! (Starting November 1.)
This issue includes an article encouraging you to think about our unhoused neighbors this month and every month as you celebrate with loved ones. While approaches and individual philosophies vary in how we address homelessness in our community, the Co-op strives to support our neighbors as best we can, in ways that make sense for our organization. We encourage you to read the article for deeper consideration.
Pack the Pantries
Again this year, we need your help to stock our five local Dane County food pantries. From Nov. 2 through 29, you can purchase a $15 or $25 bag filled with staple grocery items. Bring a packed bag to the register or use one of the handy-dandy scan cards, and we’ll transfer the bag for you.
2026 Annual Board Elections
Congratulations to our newly elected Board of Directors: Mike Engel, Benjamin Becker, Ashwini Rao, and Bethany Matson.
Thank you to our outgoing Board members, Isabel Freinkel, Ike Ross, and Ari Tessitore. We appreciate your time, dedication, and expertise in moving the Co-op forward.
Personnel update: Mike Tomaloff is taking leave
The President of our Union, Mike Tomaloff, has been elected Western Regional President of the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE). At the beginning of this month, Mike is taking a leave from the Co-op to focus on UE regional work. His return date is undefined, depending on whether he is reelected to serve another term in this new capacity. In the meantime, we’ll miss him not only as the UE president, but also as one of our top-notch class instructors.
Please Note
- The Co-op has reduced hours on Thanksgiving Day; we’re open 7:00am–2:30pm.
May your Thanksgiving holiday be full of good food and people you care about.
-Anya
