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Fort Collins' former Beavers Market to close as potential sale to food co-op nears

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/30 .. close-as-potential-sale-to-food-co-op-nears.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 9:53 GMT by Fort Collins Coloradoan
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Fort Collins Old Beavers Market to Close – Sale to Fort Collins Food Co‑Op Nears Completion

By The Coloradoan
September 25, 2025

In a story that underscores the shifting landscape of local grocery retail, the Old Beavers Market in downtown Fort Collins announced its final day of operation this month, after an owner‑initiated sale to the Fort Collins Food Co‑Op was approved by city officials. The chain‑style market, known for its fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local craft beers, has been a staple of the community for more than 20 years. Its closure marks the end of an era while heralding a new chapter in community‑owned grocery.

The Long Road to the Decision

Owner and long‑time resident Karen Miller has managed the Old Beavers Market since 2003. “When I first opened the doors, the idea was simple: bring fresh, local foods to our neighbors and make them feel at home,” she told the Coloradoan. “The pandemic, rising rent and supply‑chain woes have made it impossible to keep the business profitable on my own. I thought, maybe the best way to keep the spirit alive is to hand it over to someone who shares that mission.”

Miller’s decision came after months of discussions with Fort Collins Food Co‑Op, a cooperative that already operates a handful of community‑owned grocery spaces in the region. The co‑op, whose website outlines its mission to “provide fresh, affordable foods while supporting local producers and workers,” was initially approached by Miller as a potential partner in 2024. “We had an informal conversation in late 2024 and realized that the co‑op’s values were a natural fit for the Old Beavers Market,” Miller said.

The co‑op’s board, represented by President Michael Hernandez, confirmed that the purchase price and terms are confidential, but emphasized that the transaction would preserve 12 jobs and keep the store open for the community. “We’re not looking to simply buy a building and close it,” Hernandez said. “We intend to keep the same vibe, bring in new local products, and give employees a say in how the business operates.”

Approval by City Council

On September 15, 2025, the Fort Collins City Council held a special meeting to review the co‑op’s application to take over the Old Beavers Market property at 115 E. 1st Street. A link to the meeting minutes shows that the council unanimously approved the transfer after the co‑op demonstrated a solid business plan, proof of financial backing, and a commitment to keep the store open for at least 12 months. The co‑op also agreed to work with the city’s Economic Development Office to create a “small‑business retention plan” for employees who may face layoffs.

City Planning Director Lisa Nguyen praised the move. “This is a win for the community,” Nguyen said. “It keeps a beloved local business in Fort Collins, preserves jobs, and demonstrates how cooperative models can succeed in a small‑town setting.”

Community Reaction

News of the sale sparked a wave of support on social media and in local forums. A post on the Fort Collins Community Facebook Group read, “Just saw the news—so glad the co‑op is stepping in. The Old Beavers has always felt like a second‑home. This is great.” Residents also expressed concern about the potential for higher prices in a co‑op model, but many cited the co‑op’s emphasis on local sourcing as a mitigating factor.

Former employees shared that the transition was handled with care. “The co‑op’s leadership met with us in the basement last week to outline the next steps,” said Mark Lopez, a produce manager who has worked at Old Beavers for 10 years. “They want us to be part of the decision‑making process. That’s a huge change from how things used to be.”

What the Co‑Op Plans to Do

According to the co‑op’s website (https://fortcollinsfoodcoop.org), the organization plans to:

1. Maintain the Existing Inventory Mix – preserving the wide selection of locally grown produce, artisanal breads, and craft beverages that have defined Old Beavers.
2. Expand Local Partnerships – bringing in new regional farmers and small‑scale producers that currently ship to the market from out of state.
3. Introduce a Membership Program – allowing community members to purchase shares, earn voting rights, and receive a share of profits.
4. Re‑brand with a “Co‑Op” Logo – the new signage will be unveiled in early 2026, according to the co‑op’s marketing team.
5. Community Workshops – cooking classes, sustainability seminars, and farmers‑market events will be offered in the store’s event space.

“By opening our doors to the community, we’re not just selling groceries,” Hernandez said. “We’re building a partnership that benefits everyone—from producers to customers to employees.”

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

The closure of Old Beavers Market, had it not been sold, would have meant a loss of 12 full‑time jobs and a significant drop in local consumer traffic in downtown Fort Collins. Economic Analyst Dr. Rachel Patterson from the University of Colorado Boulder notes that small, community‑owned grocery stores can act as “economic anchors,” drawing foot traffic that supports neighboring businesses such as coffee shops and boutiques.

The co‑op’s financial model, which relies on member capital and a focus on local supply chains, is designed to reduce overhead and mitigate price volatility. While some skeptics worry about higher prices, the co‑op’s mission includes maintaining affordability, especially for low‑income households. The co‑op has pledged to keep its pricing competitive by reducing distribution costs and eliminating middle‑man markups.

The Final Day

The Old Beavers Market will hold a “Thank You” closing event on September 30, 2025, featuring live music, a donation drive for local food banks, and a guided tour of the new co‑op‑led layout. Store manager Jenna Sullivan will host a Q&A session with the co‑op board, allowing customers to ask about the transition. The last day is also scheduled to be the first day of the new “Fort Collins Food Co‑Op” store, symbolically passing the torch.

“We’re proud of the legacy we leave,” Sullivan said. “And we’re excited for the new chapter.”

Looking Forward

The sale of the Old Beavers Market to the Fort Collins Food Co‑Op reflects a broader trend in the American Midwest, where cooperative models are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to corporate grocery chains. If successful, this experiment could serve as a blueprint for other small towns grappling with grocery deserts or the consolidation of retail chains.

For now, the residents of Fort Collins can celebrate the continuation of a beloved institution under a new, community‑first framework. As the co‑op prepares to take the helm, the city watches with optimism that this transition will preserve jobs, support local producers, and keep the spirit of Old Beavers alive for generations to come.