Why San Francisco’s Oldest Grocery Co-Op Sells $35 Produce Bags for Just $5
January 9, 2025 | 1 min to read
In the Outer Sunset, Other Avenues stands out as San Francisco’s oldest operating worker-owned cooperative, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Initially a volunteer-run food-buying club, it has evolved into a thriving zero-waste grocery store. Beyond offering all-organic produce and a vast selection of bulk items, Other Avenues fosters community through cooking classes, lectures, and organized bike rides, making it a cherished destination for both customers and restaurant owners.
In the Outer Sunset, there’s a San Francisco grocery store like no other. Beyond the all-organic produce and massive selection of bulk bin items, Other Avenues stands apart for one critical reason: It’s the city’s oldest operating worker-owned cooperative, pre-dating beloved worker-owned co-op Rainbow Grocery and independent grocery stores like Berkeley Bowl.
The legacy business, which turned 50 in October, began as a volunteer-run food-buying club and today is a thriving example of a zero-waste grocery store that not only provides the freshest food possible but also builds community through cooking classes, lectures and even organized bike rides. Other Avenues, which has 19 worker-owners, is beloved by everyday customers and restaurant owners alike.
To read more about Other Avenues, please go to: SFGATE