FAQs

What is a co-op?

A co-operative (co-op for short) is any business that is owned and democratically controlled by its members to meet their common needs. Check out our main “about” page for more about how our co-op is organized and our by-laws which describe how we run it.

Who’s behind this movement?

We heard some feedback on this and published a page about our steering committee/interim board, support team, and advisory group here.

When will the store be open?

Our timeline is currently 3-5 years. The current guidance we’ve gotten from our friends at the Food Co-op Initiative is that it takes nearly double that from the beginning stages of organizing to when doors open on your first location. We aren’t willing to make compromises on behalf of our community: it takes time and effort to organize a co-operative and we’re in this for the long haul.

Why does it take so long to open?

We’re building a new food store from the ground up. Our initial fundraising will come from community members directly via their member-owner share. Instead of going immediately out to get a bank loan or outside investment, as many traditional businesses do, co-operatives seek to finance their operations directly from people who are interested in making it a reality. This will take time to build up - along with finding a General Manager, a store build-out, and even more

Who will run the store? Where will the store be located?

We’ll need to eventually hire a General Manager (GM) who knows the industry and has worked with co-ops in the past to run and operate the store. Our plan is to have the store in Watertown, Newton, or Waltham, but we don’t have an exact location yet. We’ll be using funds raised to run market studies and help dial in where exactly a store could be a success.

Can I buy more than one membership?

Our co-operative operates under the principle of one member, one vote. If there are other adults outside of your household you’d like to purchase a membership for, please buy a gift membership for them! We’re also considering a “solidarity fund” to help the members pay in/donate more towards lower-income community members to help offset or fully fund the cost of their shares. Memberships are a one time expense: pay once and become a member for life.

Will I need to work at the store to be a member?

This is a well-known model for food co-ops, but we currently do not plan to have a work requirement. Most food co-ops opening in the recent few years have not been relying on member volunteering to supplement employee labor. Also of note: our employees can be owners since we are a hybrid consumer + worker-owned co-op.

What happens to my share money if the store does not open?

Per our by-laws, if the board and 2/3rds of the members decide to dissolve the co-op we will return funds that are left to shareholders. Please check out the section on “Dissolution” for the details.

Have a question not answered here?

Please email us at info@charlesriverfood.coop and we’ll be happy to help!