Outpost Natural Foods Co-op opened its fifth store Wednesday in the new Innovation & Wellness Commons on North Avenue in Milwaukee.
Innovation & Wellness Commons, 1617 W. North Ave. is currently in phase one of development. Outpost is the fourth tenant. The Milwaukee Center for Independence and Fondy Food Center have already opened, the Juice Kitchen will open Oct. 30.
The 675-square-foot pop-up store called The Market at Wellness Commons is a new concept for the Outpost co-op, which is building on its long-term goals to increase healthy food access in undeserved neighborhoods and communities, said Outpost general manager Pam Mehnert.
The Market is the product of a long-term partnership with Walnut Way Conservation Corp, a key driver in neighborhood revitalization along the busy North Avenue corridor west of Interstate 43, Mehnert said.
“This project is the manifestation of a partnership with community members and leaders going back to 2012,” she said. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the welcoming responses we’ve had from the community, along with the economic synergy created by all of the businesses on this block.”
If The Market is well received in the community, the co-op will explore opening a larger format store in phase two of the project.
