Comment by Optimal_Persona

I also have a background in food co-ops (member owned), I was in the bakery of one for 7 years, then served on its board. Food co-ops are really interesting orgs because food is one of the things people can control in their lives so their feelings, neuroses, fears etc. come out.

When we expanded about 17 years ago we managed to drive a new Whole Foods that had sprouted across town out of business within a year. Haven't heard of that happening elsewhere. They had a terrible location which didn't help but I think it was more due to the loyalty of our customers who had buy-in (literally).