about our co-op
mission
global ends policy
On behalf of our owners, Keweenaw Cooperative, Inc. will be a leader in our thriving and healthy local community, supported by values inherent in the cooperative model.
– Our customers benefit from increasing access to food and products that improve health in ways that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
– Our food producers and community benefit from a thriving, fair, resilient, and sustainable local food system.
– Our community understands the value of health, healthy food, and the cost of a sustainable food system.
our co-op
Keweenaw Cooperative, Inc. started back in 1973 as a pre-order bulk-buying club to provide the community with natural and organic foods that were otherwise not available at the time. Our first home was the back room of Funkey’s Karma Cafe in downtown Houghton.
The co-op grew quickly, outlived the restaurant, and soon moved to a small retail space in Hancock that operated with an all-volunteer staff. In 1986, after moving two more times, significantly increasing our product line, and supporting a paid staff, the co-op moved to the Ethel Avenue location and opened as a “full-line grocery store”. The co-op relocated in October of 2024 to its current location on Quincy Street.
what is ownership?
Ownership in a food cooperative means becoming an owner by purchasing a share in the co-op, giving you a voice in its operations and a stake in its success. As an owner, you enjoy benefits like voting rights, special discounts, and a share of the profits, all while supporting local, sustainable food systems and community-focused initiatives.
board & governance
Governance at Keweenaw Cooperative, Inc. begins with our Owners. Owners have two relationships with the co-op: one as Shoppers, the other as equity-holding Members with voting rights.
Information about Annual Membership Meetings and Elections, Board Meetings, policies that govern Keweenaw Cooperative, Inc., and a whole lot more can be found by clicking on the relevant parts of the diagram below.
Direct Shopping/Patron Inquiries to
For information regarding your Keweenaw Co+op shopping or experience, please contact Customer Service at 906-482-2030. They are available during all open store hours and can assist you or direct you to the appropriate resource. Comments/requests can also be submitted in person at the store.
Staff
Our staff work to keep the store running smoothly and ensure our community has access to high-quality food. We strive to offer a wide range of local, organic, and environmentally friendly products to support healthy and sustainable living. We're here to support you on your journey towards a more conscious and delicious lifestyle.
Supervises Staff and Operations
Our co-op utilizes the Policy Governance Ⓡ Model to clearly distinguish between the governance responsibilities of the board and the operational management responsibilities of the General Manager (GM). The board delegates operational responsibilities to the GM who has sole responsibility for them. For more about how the Board supervises the General Manager through policy, see our Governing Policies Page.
General Manager
The Board of Directors hires and supervises just one operational employee: the General Manager. All subsequent staff supervision is fully delegated to the General Manager, who has sole discretion over all subsequent operational decisions.
Direct Shopping/Patron Inquiries to
For information regarding your Keweenaw Co+op shopping or experience, please contact Customer Service at 906-482-2030. They are available during all open store hours and can assist you or direct you to the appropriate resource. Comments/requests can also be submitted in person at the store.
Staff
Our staff work to keep the store running smoothly and ensure our community has access to high-quality food. We strive to offer a wide range of local, organic, and environmentally friendly products to support healthy and sustainable living. We're here to support you on your journey towards a more conscious and delicious lifestyle.
Supervises Staff and Operations
Our co-op utilizes the Policy Governance Ⓡ Model to clearly distinguish between the governance responsibilities of the board and the operational management responsibilities of the General Manager (GM). The board delegates operational responsibilities to the GM who has sole responsibility for them. For more about how the Board supervises the General Manager through policy, see our Governing Policies Page.
General Manager
The Board of Directors hires and supervises just one operational employee: the General Manager. All subsequent staff supervision is fully delegated to the General Manager, who has sole discretion over all subsequent operational decisions.
Direct Shopping/Patron Inquiries to
For information regarding your Keweenaw Co+op shopping or experience, please contact Customer Service at 906-482-2030. They are available during all open store hours and can assist you or direct you to the appropriate resource. Comments/requests can also be submitted in person at the store.
Staff
Our staff work to keep the store running smoothly and ensure our community has access to high-quality food. We strive to offer a wide range of local, organic, and environmentally friendly products to support healthy and sustainable living. We're here to support you on your journey towards a more conscious and delicious lifestyle.
Supervises Staff and Operations
Our co-op utilizes the Policy Governance Ⓡ Model to clearly distinguish between the governance responsibilities of the board and the operational management responsibilities of the General Manager (GM). The board delegates operational responsibilities to the GM who has sole responsibility for them. For more about how the Board supervises the General Manager through policy, see our Governing Policies Page.
General Manager
The Board of Directors hires and supervises just one operational employee: the General Manager. All subsequent staff supervision is fully delegated to the General Manager, who has sole discretion over all subsequent operational decisions.
Investing in Your Co-op
Financial return plus local benefits!
In the wake of our successful investment campaign in 2022-23, Owners of Keweenaw Cooperative, Inc. have continued to ask if they can devote some of their investment dollars toward supporting our new store.
The answer is “Yes!”
Michigan residents and corporate entities can once again purchase non-voting investment certificates that provide working capital for the co-op, helping us continue our plans for a strong and solid financial future. We welcome both new and returning investors.
Our dividend rates remain the same as last time, based on the size of the certificate:
| Your Investment | Your Dividend |
|---|---|
| $50,000 or more | 4.0% |
| $20,000 - $49,999 | 3.5% |
| $10,000 - $19,999 | 3.0% |
| $5,000 - $9,999 | 2.5% |
| $2,000 - $4,999 | 2.0% |
Certificates are eligible for redemption nine years after the first dividend, which will be declared within one year after the Offering ends on September 30, 2025.
For more information or to meet with a co-op representative, please sign up at the co-op Customer Service Desk or contact us as follows:
Phone: 906-482-2030, ext. 107
Please Note:
- Not a MI resident? Ask us about other options.
- Investments over $10,000 are limited to “accredited investors” who can demonstrate legal eligibility.
- The information provided here does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities, and any such offer or solicitation can only be made by an Offering Memorandum.
purchase guidelines
Keweenaw Co+op focuses on providing options and access. Throughout the store, you will find food that offers the following attributes in whole or combination: organic, non-GMO, local, gluten free, non-dairy, vegan, gluten free, keto, grass fed, and much more. We provide options for every dietary need and choice. If you have questions about a specific food item we have a knowledgeable staff that can help.
careers
At Keweenaw Co+op, we’re more than a grocery store; we’re a community dedicated to health, sustainability, and local support. We’re looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team. Enjoy competitive wages, staff discounts, and a welcoming, inclusive environment. Apply today to be part of something bigger!
contact us
sustainability
fair trade
impact
everyone is welcome!
community owned and operated since 1973
- in-store hours: 7:30a to 8p
- curbside pickup: 8a to 7p
- deli hours: 7:30a to 8p