Sevananda staff on Halloween 2024 

(Photo: Maxime Giordani)

At its inception, the landscape for healthy, sustainable groceries was vastly different. Chain grocery stores like Kroger and Publix largely offered conventional foods with minimal options for those seeking vegetarian or organic products. The health food industry was not yet competitive in the way it is now, with giants like Whole Foods, Sprouts and Trader Joe’s dominating the market. In contrast, Sevananda was a cooperative—it was owned by its members and employees, both of whom played a role in making decisions about the products stocked on the shelves. Its cooperative model distinguished Sevananda from its competitors and helped build a loyal following of shoppers who valued not only the products but the store’s mission to serve the community.

Deep Roots

Today, Sevananda is still operating under this cooperative structure, and much of its strength lies in its deep roots in Atlanta’s wellness and health-conscious communities. But the path hasn’t always been smooth. Chris Roland, Sevananda’s general manager since 2023, arrived at a critical moment in the co-op’s history. After years of steady growth, the store faced significant financial challenges, particularly after the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were on a really great trajectory; then we had some major equipment issues in 2019, which created challenges for us,” recalls Jessica McMorris, Sevananda’s board president. “But it was the pandemic that really hit us hard. Coming out of the pandemic, we were not in a great financial position. Chris came in and helped steer us toward recovery.”

Roland’s career in co-op management began over 20 years ago when he was working part-time at a small co-op in Greensboro, North Carolina. He quickly fell in love with the cooperative model and went on to take on various roles in co-ops across the country. “I’ve worked everywhere from the finance side to the operational side, helping open new stores and assisting co-ops through difficult transitions,” Roland says. His experience, combined with his passion for the cooperative business model, made him a valuable asset to Sevananda as it navigated financial recovery.

During Roland’s first few months at Sevananda, the co-op faced a series of difficult decisions. Cuts had to be made to expenses, and layoffs were unavoidable. Employee benefits, including health insurance, had to be restructured to help stabilize the business. Additionally, beloved community programs, such as yoga classes, cooking demos and wellness seminars, were temporarily suspended. “There was a full calendar of events that we offered here every day. But when things hit hard financially, we had to pause a lot of that,” Roland explains. “We’re starting to rebuild that calendar, but it’s a process.”

A Community Wellness Resource

Sevananda has always been more than just a grocery store; it is a community hub. It is a wellness center and a place where people can come together to learn, share and grow. “Our following in the wellness community is unmatched,” Roland proudly states. “We have two certified natural herbalists on staff, and people come to them not just for advice, but as their healthcare providers. Many of our customers have been coming here for generations, bringing their children for the same remedies they relied on when they were young.”

For Roland and McMorris, restoring Sevananda’s role as a community gathering space has been a top priority. The co-op has started to offer a limited number of events once again, such as children’s tutoring sessions and yoga classes, with plans to expand this programming further in the coming months. “We’re looking to offer tai chi soon, and we want to build that calendar back up to become a real resource for the community,” Roland says.

At its core, Sevananda has always been committed to providing high-quality, healthy food—something that sets it apart from big box grocery stores. The co-op has always placed an emphasis on sourcing products from local growers and artisans; doing so doesn’t just support the local economy, it provides customers with fresh, sustainable options. From fresh produce to baked goods and from dairy alternatives to cleaning products, Sevananda’s shelves are stocked with items that align with the values of health-conscious shoppers.

Supporting the Local Farming Community

As part of this commitment, Sevananda is set to join the Wholesome Wave program, a national initiative that offers locally grown produce at a 50% discount. Roland sees this as a major win for both the co-op and the local farming community. “Sometimes local can mean expensive because it’s grown on a smaller scale, and that can make it less appealing to shoppers,” Roland explains. “But through Wholesome Wave, we’ll be able to offer produce at a discounted price, which benefits local farmers and allows us to pass those savings on to our customers.”

For Sevananda member Emily Toledo, the co-op’s bulk foods section and zero-waste initiatives are key reasons why she shops there regularly. “I love their bulk foods area, especially for things like trail mix, coffee, rice and spices. I’ve discovered so many great local products, from immunity-boosting juices to organic teas. Sevananda has a lot to offer, especially if you care about sustainability and reducing waste.”

Sevananda’s hot bar is another popular feature. “Where else in Atlanta can you get a vegan breakfast seven days a week?” Roland asks. “We serve the best damn vegan biscuits in the city, and people love them. Our hot bar food is something we’re really proud of.”

Building an Even Stronger Future

After a tumultuous period, Sevananda is slowly but surely regaining its financial footing. “We’re definitely trending in the right direction,” says McMorris. “It’s been a tough few years, but we’re on track to be fully recovered in the next couple of quarters. We’ve had amazing support from the community, and that’s helped us get to where we are today.”

Roland is optimistic about the future but acknowledges the importance of ongoing strategic planning. “Sevananda has always been a beloved institution in Atlanta, but we can’t rely on nostalgia alone. We need to stay competitive and continually improve. There’s a lot of competition in the grocery industry now, and we need to make sure we’re not just relying on our past reputation.”

Part of this ongoing improvement involves addressing Sevananda’s visibility and accessibility. Despite its strong community presence, the store faces challenges related to parking and location visibility. Recently, Sevananda received an improvement grant from Invest Atlanta, an economic development agency in Atlanta, that will help address such issues. “We’ve been awarded a $50,000 grant to help with some much-needed improvements, which is a big step forward,” Roland says.

However, it’s Sevananda’s commitment to customer service and personalized care that continues to set it apart. “Co-ops are all about people,” McMorris emphasizes. “We’re here to meet the needs of our community, not to prioritize profits over people. It’s not always easy, but that’s our core value, and we’re sticking to it.”

As Sevananda celebrates its 50th anniversary, the co-op remains a vital part of Atlanta’s community-centered food system. The next 50 years will surely bring new challenges, but with a steadfast commitment to sustainability, wellness and community, Sevananda is well-positioned to continue thriving and serving its loyal customer base for generations to come. ❧

Rick Baldwin is an artist, writer and podcaster from Knoxville, currently residing outside of east Atlanta. He occasionally facilitates meditation sessions for creatives and blogs about topics of practical spirituality. Find him on Facebook @rekcreations.