St. Helena’s Nature Select Foods reopening Feb. 27 under new owner | News

Like a probiotic phoenix rising from gluten-free ashes, Nature Select Foods is being reborn under new possession.

Kelly Morris is planning to reopen the shop on Feb. 27, weeks after proprietor John Palmer closed it, citing inhabitants traits that had diminished the variety of local-serving prospects.

A local of Baltimore who now lives in Angwin, Morris has a background in advertising and marketing, know-how and Christian ministry. He was most not too long ago director of operations for Howell Mountain Enterprises, the arm of Pacific Union College that manages Howell Mountain Market, Ace Hardware, the Angwin Chevron station, and Preferred (*27*).

He stated he’d been driving previous Nature Select for years however by no means dropped in till he heard it was closing. He had his first assembly with Palmer on Jan. 24.

“That week we worked on the possibility of me taking over the businesses,” Morris stated. “Everything lined up really well because I’m in a place where I can dedicate the time and effort to keep the store open.”

Morris plans to rebrand the shop, however he’s conserving the Nature Select identify as a result of it’s acquainted and since he desires to “honor the legacy” of retailer founder Ivo Matijaca.

The new Nature Select will carry most of the identical merchandise. Morris remains to be deciding on new choices, primarily specializing in immune well being.

The former juice bar shall be changed with a vegan café providing juices, milkshakes, smoothies, vegan delicate serve, and light-weight meals resembling wraps.

Morris additionally desires to carry group occasions, together with after-hours fundraisers with a portion of gross sales going to a special nonprofit each week.

He’s additionally planning to launch a rewards program and work with distributors to supply reductions on sure merchandise.

“I really care for the community,” Morris stated. “We’re going to be doing strategic sales where we find ways to save the money on the products they need and want. I’m looking for ways to create more value for the community and serve them better.”