Great Basin Co-op: An Amazing Local Grocery Store Made for and Run by Locals

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240 Court St, Reno, NV 89501

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Great Basin is the brainchild of two dreamers committed to providing wholesome, local food and promoting food equality for all.

Nestled in Midtown, this ultra charming grocery store may be smaller than your typical supermarket, but it packs a serious punch. From the moment you step inside, you'll feel the passion behind everything they do.

Their in house kitchen whips up a variety of hot and cold food options on the daily for their grab and go section, tailored to all sorts of dietary needs. Upstairs used to be home to Foodshed Cafe, which offered some of the cleanest eats in town, featuring acai bowls, burritos, sandwiches, toasts, espresso drinks, and more.  Because of construction, many of the co-op's customers are unable to cross over to the shop easily.   This caused a sudden and obvious decrease in sales and in turn,  the co-op was forced to make the hard decision of closing the cafe down.   

A similar situation occurred during the pandemic where their kitchen closed down,  but it eventually reopened as the Food Shed Cafe.  If there's one thing I've learned about this local gem, it's that nothing is set in stone, and that anything is possible in the future depending on circumstances. 

Out front, grab a seat at one of the co-op's tables and take in the beauty of their demonstrative garden, showcasing plants that thrive in our area, enjoy a newspaper, hang with friends & family, meet new people, or simple enjoy the views and the community.

I love how the co-op showcases all of the local vendors & farmers they source their food & items from.  I can't even imagine how much effort and attention this kind of system requires.   I just know that I'm thankful for their efforts in supporting others in the community while supplying the best quality items & keeping everything local. 

Great Basin co-op is always such a blast to visit.  Nothing is better than quality produce, great service, and a visit to one of the most beautiful and unique places to enjoy and hang around in the community. 

Their produce is always fresh and top notch.

What You'll Find Inside
-Fresh Produce: A vibrant selection of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables.
-House Made Juices: Delicious, freshly made juices.
-Bulk Items: A variety of bulk goods.  Note: Special offers available for members.
-Refillery for household products
-Hot & Cold Grab and Go Items (downstairs): Convenient meals for every diet, including vegan, vegetarian, seasonal, gluten free, and meat options.
-Frozen Meats: A selection of high-quality frozen meats.
-Kitchen & Pantry Staples: Everything you need to stock your kitchen.
-Vegan & Vegetarian Foods: Prepared hot & cold food items for the grab and go section.
-Soups & Baked Goods: Made fresh daily.  You can also frequently find baked loaves of breads and a specialty pastry from Perenn at the co-op.

What is a Co-op?

Co-ops are formed when people with similar goals come together and form an association that works toward a common cause.  

In the case of Great Basin Co-op, the business started with two food activists, Pauline Hamilton and Amber Sallaberry, who in their garage, used their passion for creating food equality to round up similar minds that would later make what is now Great Basin Food Cooperative.  

Read more about their amazing history, found on their website.  

From its birth in 2005 to its present day, Great Basin has grown so much and continues to provide nourishing food and educational opportunities for the community, while taking care of our local farmers, vendors, and artisans, and its workers.    

Great Basin Food Co-op's 7 Cooperative Principles

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Why Shop & Support Local?

*Buying local helps keep diverse and unique businesses open, which are generally run by passionate local business owners who provide outstanding service and create quality products and offerings.

*Local businesses that are successful at what they do have the power to create more jobs and opportunities for the local community.   

*Local businesses are generally great employers.  This couldn't be more true for Great Basin Food Co-op.  After looking over their goals in taking care of their employees and talking to some of their workers myself, it's not hard to see that they have a positive work environment. 

*Local businesses are more likely to support other local businesses like themselves, helping strengthen our community, making it a happier and more personal place to live. 

*You're helping support friends and neighbors' dreams.

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It's Not for Everyone

I understand that some people are not able to or are not willing to pay for owner fees ($200/person paid in full or $20/yearly) and that's totally ok.  

If you come out and take a gander at our gem of a grocery store, you can have a better idea to see if ownership is suitable and beneficial for you.

A Few Big Reasons to Support Great Basin

*They believe in fair and sustainable practices

*They work hard to raise funds to use towards their mission in providing food equality to all

*They offer items in bulk to keep waste to a minimum

*They supply produce to many of our beloved local restaurants

*They are passionate about educating the public so that they can make more informed and healthy decisions

Notes

*Great Basin Co-op makes some of the most amazing prepared foods and goods.  Their pumpkin cookies and muffins are SO good in the fall.  Their hot foods, including sandwiches, wraps, burritos, and soups are all amazing (I especially love their beef burrito & bowls).  Call in to see what's in stock.

*Prices are generally higher for organic produce because there's more loss in growing them without chemicals.

*Online ordering available (for pick up at store).

*Catch their huge seedling sale (seedlings suited for local climate) every spring.

*They often carry Vegan/Vegetarian items, including fresh baked goods, hot foods, cold case items, and desserts.

*One amazing benefit of shopping at a co-op is that they offer items in bulk to keep waste to a minimum.  Call in to see if they're currently accepting personal containers.

*They sell organic local turkey during Thanksgiving every year (order ahead of time and pick up at store).

*They have a beautiful garden in front that showcases fruits and veggies that grow well in our climate. 

*Parking can be tricky on weekends.  They have a small parking lot with about five spaces.  When filled up, street parking is available.

*I always get Tahoe Pops at the beach right next to Artemi's Lakefront Cafe in South Lake Tahoe (summertime) and was happy to learn that Great Basin Carries them.  Super fresh and flavorful pops.  Also find Tahoe Pops at Urban Market and Tahoe Natural Cafe in Reno. 

***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own. 

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©Katherine Fung, 

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Categorized in "Local Grocery Stores"