Dubuque Food Co-op Closing

After two and a half years, the Dubuque Food Co-op has announced it will close.

The co-op staff were notified Tuesday evening, and members, owners and shoppers were notified in an email earlier today.

“The DFC board was not alone in having a dream of a vibrant food co-op owned by and serving the people of Dubuque. Countless Dubuque citizens contributed and worked tirelessly to achieve that dream, but unfortunately the co-op was not able to succeed financially," said Andrew Mozena, DFC board president. “We are grateful for the support that our general manager, staff, member-owners, suppliers, investors and the Dubuque community have shown our cooperative in its tenure,” said Mozena.
Though disappointment in the closure of the co-op, Mozena is optimistic about the future of locally sourced foods.

“The board encourages the community to look for ways to continue to support the local food movement, both through support at year-round Farmers’ Market, along with the many restaurants featuring locally sourced products,” said Mozena.

The Dubuque Food Co-op is not alone in its struggled to remain open. Many co-ops across the country are also facing additional competition, from new entries into the national food market, to expand natural food options at conventional grocers.

Effective today, merchandise at the co-op will be 20% off and store hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily until all goods have been liquidated.

KWWL.com Jan. 11, 2017

From the Dubuque Food Co-op website:

1/11/2017

Hello Co-op Friends,

After two and a half years in business, we regret to inform you that the Dubuque Food Co-op will be closing.  

Effective today, merchandise at the co-op will be 20% off, and store hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily until goods have been liquidated. 

This decision was reached by the board after declining financial conditions.

Throughout our tenure we have worked hard to keep our member-owners and shoppers abreast of the financial condition of our co-op. Ultimately, the store was unable to achieve sales levels adequate to cover ongoing operating expenses.  

The DFC board was not alone in having a dream of a vibrant food co-op owned by and serving the people of Dubuque. Countless Dubuque citizens contributed and worked tirelessly to achieve that dream, but unfortunately the co-op was not able to succeed financially. We are grateful for the support that our general manager, staff, member-owners, suppliers, investors and the Dubuque community have shown our cooperative in its tenure.

The Dubuque Food Co-op is not alone in its struggles to remain open. Many co-ops across the country are also facing additional competition, from new entries into the national food market, to expanded natural food options at conventional grocers. 

We are sad to leave the up-and-coming Millwork District, but are confident a future tenant will be able to add to the already vibrant scene.  

Any questions or comments can be directed to [email protected].  

Yours in Food,
The Dubuque Food Cooperative Board of Directors