Meet Store Manager Barry Haynes

By Barry Haynes, Store Manager

Twenty three years ago my wife and I began our quest to relocate our family from the midwest to the west coast. We were looking for a beautiful area with an  engaged community that would enable our children to thrive. Equally important, we wanted our new home to have a vibrant natural food store. When we arrived in southern Oregon, we felt as though we hit the jackpot.

Needing employment, I immediately applied at the Ashland Food Co-op, or the Ashland Community Food Store as it was named in those days. The Co-op was unlike any other natural food store my wife and I had ever seen. We were enamored by the extensive product selection, friendly and knowledgeable employees, and spirited community hub. I was able to land a job in the Produce Department, which I considered the jewel of the store. My good fortune continued and it wasn’t long before I was able to move up the ranks into the Produce Manager position.

Fast forward twenty three amazing years, I now have the honor of becoming Ashland Food Co-op’s first Store Manager. I cannot express how delighted I am for the opportunity to serve a broader part of our Co-op and community. As Store Manager, I will be collaborating with department managers to enhance your shopping experience through better service. Our ultimate goal is to be the best part of your day!

More Co-op News

Meet the 1st Street Beet


Welcome to the newly redesigned and reimagined newsletter from the Ashland Food Co-op: 1st Street Beet.
Think of this publication as a resource to know what’s going on in every level of the community: at the co-op, around town, in the region, and on Earth!

May Day Community Block Party

Photography by Chelsea Whitney Art

On May 1st, several Southern Oregon businesses came together for a block party to provide a space to gather as a community after a rough spell due to the pandemic and fires. The May Day Block Party was hosted on Main St in Phoenix, where the scent of food trucks mingled with artisan goods such as local cheeses, locally farmed flowers, and even fresh-baked pastries.