The Takoma Park-Silver Spring Co-op will reopen on Wednesday following extensive remodeling.
The community-owned grocery store, now 43 years old, will host a Grand Reopening Celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday. The event will feature live music by the Crush Funk Brass Band and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m., including a surprise edible ribbon.
Planning for the renovation began in 2017 when the Co-op, which moved to its current location in 1998, received a Maryland historic grant for building and equipment upgrades. The grant stipulated that the funds must be spent or allocated to a project by the middle of 2024.
Construction began last July, during which the store operated out of a 900-square-foot tent in the Sycamore Ave. parking lot while work was completed on the building.
General Manager Mike Houston said several upgrades were performed during the summer remodel, including a new roof, flooring, HVAC system, upgraded shelving, freezers, and refrigerators.
Energy-efficient equipment will expand the selection to over 200 local vendors, and the Co-op’s well-known bulk section, featuring more than 400 items that range from nuts to beans to spices, will be fully restored.
Houston said sustainable shopping is a priority, and package-free options are now available in the Produce Department and the bulk section.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone back to the building on 11/6 and celebrate the hard work that went into this project,” Houston said in October. “Member-owners and shoppers have been kind and supportive all summer in the tent.”
During Friday’s grand reopening celebration, the first 200 customers through the door starting at 2 p.m. will receive free $5 coupons to spend that day, and local vendors will give free samples of their products.
Additionally, the Co-op will donate $1 from every transaction on reopening weekend to the local food nonprofits Small Things Matter, Crossroads Community Food Network, and the Montgomery County Food Council.
“As a cooperatively-owned community grocer, TPSS has 11,197 member-owners and is governed by a Board of Representatives,” Houston said. “The Co-op is committed to supporting goods produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way. The Fresh Checks program in partnership with Crossroads offers 50% off fresh fruits and vegetables for SNAP recipients who shop at TPSS every day. TPSS has matched over $217k through the Fresh Checks program since 2020.”
The Takoma Park-Silver Spring Co-op is located at 201 Ethan Ave. in Takoma Park and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit online at tpss.coop.
TPSS Co-op Graphic