New Pioneer Food Co-op, a well-known Iowa City-based cooperative, is set to open its third location in Cedar Rapids, bringing approximately 50 new jobs and a wider selection of local, natural, and organic food options to the Cedar Rapids community. This expansion underscores New Pioneer’s commitment to serving Eastern Iowa and broadening access to its unique offerings.
The announcement, made at a press conference held at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, was met with enthusiasm. New Pioneer General Manager Matt Hartz emphasized that this Cedar Rapids venture is an exciting opportunity to cater to the existing customer base in the area and expand the co-op’s reach, clarifying that this new store does not diminish the co-op’s ongoing interest in further developing its Iowa City presence.
The new store will be located at 3338 Center Point Road NE, in the building previously occupied by Fin & Feather. Renovations are slated to begin promptly, with an anticipated opening in early 2015, or potentially sooner. Mr. Hartz highlighted the strong existing membership and customer base in Cedar Rapids as a key factor in choosing this location. He also noted that the decision to expand into Cedar Rapids was independent of the announcement from The Fresh Market, another specialty grocery chain, planning to open a store in northeast Cedar Rapids. Market analysis assured New Pioneer that there is ample demand to support both stores successfully.
The Cedar Rapids Assessor’s site indicates the building offers a substantial 16,473 square feet, providing ample space for New Pioneer’s diverse product range. This is larger than New Pioneer’s Coralville store, which has 10,000 square feet of retail space, and significantly larger than the downtown Iowa City store. The co-op is investing $975,000 in the property, demonstrating its long-term commitment to Cedar Rapids. While not seeking tax increment financing, New Pioneer may explore abatements to assist with storm water management expenses, further showcasing its responsible approach to community integration.
Exterior of the former Fin & Feather building in Cedar Rapids, future site of New Pioneer Food Co-op, showcasing its location and potential for renovation.
Board Vice President Janet Razbadouski mentioned that renovations are already underway, emphasizing the co-op’s dedication to incorporating sustainable practices into the design and operation of the new Cedar Rapids store. She and other New Pioneer representatives were keen to reassure Iowa City members that the Cedar Rapids expansion does not mean a reduced focus on Iowa City. In fact, discussions with developers and Iowa City officials regarding relocating or adding another store in Iowa City are actively ongoing. Despite a previous proposal for a downtown Iowa City location not moving forward, Board President Sarah Walz affirmed, “This store is not taking away from our opportunity in Iowa City,” reiterating that the success of the Cedar Rapids store will actually strengthen the co-op’s overall financial position, indirectly supporting future Iowa City developments. Mr. Hartz added, “We’re 100 percent committed to downtown [Iowa City]. We would never leave it,” reinforcing the co-op’s enduring bond with its original location.
This new venture marks New Pioneer’s second attempt to establish a presence in Cedar Rapids. The co-op previously operated a store in southwest Cedar Rapids in 1988, which unfortunately closed after a few years. Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett welcomed New Pioneer’s return, highlighting the investment in an existing building in an established area of the city as aligning perfectly with Cedar Rapids’ development goals. He stated, “This is another example of the private sector having confidence in Cedar Rapids and investing in Cedar Rapids,” emphasizing the positive economic impact of the new store. City Manager Jeff Pomeranz, a New Pioneer co-op member himself, noted the collaborative discussions with New Pioneer in selecting the Center Point Road location, which offers good access, particularly being near Interstate 380. He also suggested potential aesthetic improvements like sidewalks and landscaping that could further enhance the area around the new store, reflecting the community-focused ethos of Cedar Rapids.
Looking ahead, New Pioneer aims to explore potential collaborations with NewBo City Market, a thriving local market in Cedar Rapids. While no formal partnership is currently in place, Mr. Hartz indicated that dialogue would begin to identify opportunities for synergy and mutual benefit, further embedding New Pioneer within the Cedar Rapids local food ecosystem.
The expansion to Cedar Rapids is not only beneficial for consumers but also for the extensive network of local farmers and producers who supply New Pioneer. With a mission deeply rooted in supporting local agriculture and promoting natural and organic foods, New Pioneer currently partners with over 130 local producers, purchasing $1.8 million in local goods last year alone. These producers will be given priority in supplying the new Cedar Rapids store, further stimulating the regional agricultural economy. New Pioneer, which began in Iowa City in 1971 and expanded to Coralville in 2001, reported gross sales of $24 million last year, demonstrating its robust and growing business model. Approximately 2,000 of New Pioneer’s 29,000 members reside in Linn County, suggesting a strong existing demand in the Cedar Rapids area.
Mollie Schlue, a Cedar Rapids resident and New Pioneer member for over 20 years, expressed her excitement at the news conference. “I couldn’t be any happier,” she said, explaining that she regularly travels to the Iowa City store for its superior fresh produce and seafood. “They just have better products. Nobody pulls it together better than New Pi does.” Ms. Walz noted the significant shifts since New Pioneer’s initial Cedar Rapids venture, including increased consumer awareness of the link between food and health and the growing diversity within Cedar Rapids, which aligns well with New Pioneer’s inclusive membership and product offerings that cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
In conclusion, New Pioneer Food Co-op’s expansion to Cedar Rapids represents a significant step forward for the co-op and the Cedar Rapids community. It promises to enhance access to high-quality local and organic foods, create new employment opportunities, and further strengthen the local food system in Eastern Iowa. The new store is eagerly anticipated by existing members and the wider Cedar Rapids population, ready to embrace the unique offerings of New Pioneer.
