For Steven and Hannah Zimmerman, the new owners of Sunflower Natural Foods in downtown Westcliffe, the long-desired opportunity to own their own family grocery came unexpectedly. Serendipity, mixed with an extensive career in grocery and natural food distribution, has allowed the Zimmermans to quickly expand offerings at the little grocery store, which has impressed regular and new customers alike over the past few months.
Having access to healthy, natural, and local food has long been a difficult proposition for residents, and they are often forced to drive hundred-mile round trips “down the hill” to find healthy grocery and supplement options. But for those in the know, Sunflower Natural Foods has always been a beacon of health in a sea of processed food options.
Now, Steven is bringing his decades of experience in grocery store management and health food distribution to the little store on Main Street. “It all started in Ohio right when I got out of college and started working at a natural food store that got bought by a chain,” Steven explained, “When that sold to a chain, I moved to a company that was trying to make more of its store natural-based. It was a conventional store, and my role was to transition some of the business to natural, so I was their natural foods director. I had to develop a natural program in all the departments from the ground up.” From that point on, Steven was fully invested in the grocery business.
“Over the years, I have worked in all parts of grocery stores and distribution. I did a stint with Trader Joe’s, which was a lot of fun, and after that, I joined KeHE, which is a specialty and organic bulk food distributor. In my time with the company, I probably brought at least 20 brands into the company.”
When working remotely for KeHE in the Wet Mountain Valley, the Zimmermans discovered the little local natural food store was for sale. “I had always thought that later in my career, I would start a little grocery store. I did not think the opportunity would come so soon!”
Because of his experience onboarding local food producers, Steven has already been able to start offering high-quality food from producers in the region. Examples include the fresh greens from Jamber Acres, the excellent goat cheeses from Westcliffe Cheese, and health products from Willow Wind Farms. “We have only owned the store since November, and we are just getting started!”
So, check out the advertisement on page 2 for store hours and show them your support!
– Jordan Hedberg
Featured photo cutline: the Zimmerman Family in front of their new store: from back left to right, Jocelyn, Hannah, Cora, Steven, Mia (front left), Laila, Adi, and Juliana in front. – Courtesy photo