History
Like many Madison co-ops, Willy Street Co-op's formation was influenced by the social and cultural forces of the 1960s and 1970s. During this time people became attracted to natural foods cooperatives in order to have more control over what they ate. The Co-op's founders worked to fill this need in their neighborhood. The Williamson Street Grocery Co-op was incorporated in September 1973. In 1974, the Co-op first opened for business at 1101 Williamson Street (currently Mother Fools Coffeehouse). This cramped space was shared with Nature's Bakery and the inventory and selection were severely limited. A small, dedicated volunteer staff kept the Co-op operating while other members searched for a more permanent location and sold bonds to generate capital. The Co-op relocated two more times before moving, in 1999, into the space Willy East currently occupies. Willy West opened in November of 2010, and Willy North opened in 2016. For more information, check out our History on the website.
Specialties
Willy Street Co-op is a full-service grocery cooperative specializing in natural, organic and locally produced foods. You don't have to be a member to shop! Come on in and check us out - if you like what you see, you can join today for as little as $10, or even less if you qualify for certain kinds of financial assistance. If you choose to become a Co-op Owner, you get special sale prices and discounts, plus you have a voice in how YOUR Co-op is operated. Our Deli features delicious hot food, vegan bakery and a fresh soup and salad bar. Visit our juice and coffee bar; then see our fresh seafood, freshly baked bread, and huge, local, organic produce section. You can also find natural body care products, vitamins and supplements.