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What's the Board Been Up To? |
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The Board of Kennett Community Grocer extends our wishes to you and your family for a Happy New Year. We look forward to 2026 being the year we open the store! We have been extremely busy fundraising for our Build the Store Together campaign, applying for funding grants & loans, and making designs and plans for the store. Architectural & engineering plans are near completion for the necessary permitting from Kennett Township, and final design & construction plans will follow by the beginning of February. Below is a picture of one area of the store, next to an AI mockup of what you might expect to see there this Spring! As we approach opening, we hope to open the doors of the space for previews several times per month so that you will be able to see the place and plans. Volunteers to staff the information table at the space on these days will be appreciated. |
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We are happy to report that we are now 10% of the way to our goal of $200,000 by March 2026 to pay for preconstruction costs, like equipment. We have raised $20,000 from generous donors and we hope to close any gap in funding with our Chili Cook-off fundraising event on March 7. However, in total, $500,000 is needed in order to open the store. Please consider making a gift today! Plenty of equipment naming opportunities are still available. |
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The President of Friends of Kennett Food Co-op, our charitable supporting organization, will be calling all Member-Owners in the month of January to thank you for membership in KCG and ask if you have any questions or requests for the store. Your feedback will be essential and helpful for planning your store. The Board is now meeting every two weeks to discuss planning for funding, renovations, equipment for the store, and hiring the staff. We welcome Member-Owner input at these meetings. Board meetings have moved to Zoom for the winter months and occur on the second & fourth Mondays of each month. Join us for the next one on Monday, January 12 at 7:00 PM (reply to this email to request the Zoom link). Should you wish to contact us by mail, please be aware a new PO Box has been created as KCG’s mailing address, as the storefront does not have a mailbox: 873 E Baltimore Pike, PO Box 232, Kennett Square, PA 19348. |
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Eight years ago, Kennett Community Grocer began as a dream shared at a community meeting — a dream of a grocery store built by the people, for the people of Chester County. A better way to get local food on local tables. Today, we have surpassed 512 Member-Owner households, and we are adding more each week. We are encouraged that so many community members believe in the power of a food cooperative. Member equity shares are crucial to funding the store, as they represent to potential funders and lenders that the Kennett Area citizens believe in supporting our local farmers and producers. Strong co-op membership numbers secure our success in having devoted consumers and a daily flow of revenue. Thank you to all who have joined! To everyone who’s been watching our journey, it’s not too late to join us! Membership is still open, and every new Member-Owner strengthens our collective impact! Everyone will be welcome to shop at KCG when we open, but Member-Owners get a voice in shaping the store's direction as well as future shopping benefits — and most importantly, they’re part of keeping local food and farms thriving. 💛 Join today and be part of what comes next. |
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Already a Member-Owner? You can help us grow by inviting a neighbor or friend to join! |
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Tickets for the KCG Chili Cook-off Fundraiser are on sale now! The event promises to be a flavorful night of friendly competition and community spirit, as we work to raise $57,000 to cover the store’s first six months of operating costs. Secure your spot today – this will definitely be a sell-out! |
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🔥 Call for Sponsors Closing Soon! |
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Local businesses and supporters, this is your chance to support a great cause and gain community exposure! Sponsorships start at $500 and will receive meaningful recognition before, during, and after the event. All sponsorships are processed as tax-deductible donations through our nonprofit partner Friends of Kennett Food Co-op. We are also accepting donations for our silent auction. Learn more at the link below. |
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Thank you to the sponsors who have joined us so far! Especially our flagship sponsor, Covenant Wealth Strategies! |
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🥣 Meet the Next 3 Competing Chefs |
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| Chef Eli Courtney, Cafe Emís’ very talented chef, will be preparing a chili that is deeply rooted in a cherished Greek family recipe. This chili has been a menu staple for thirty years and continues to have local lovers of the chili waiting impatiently for the chili to appear on the seasonal menu at Café Emis. Chef Eli’s culinary background complements the tradition and innovation that the café prides itself, serving quality food choices made with fresh, authentic ingredients. He brings a Greek twist to his chili, with fresh herbs creating a taste that brings a richness and bright aromatic flavors. |
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| Chef Hunter Wickwire’s culinary journey began at 18 as a line cook flipping steaks and hamburgers. His path changed when his friend Chris introduced him to his family’s restaurant, Taste of Puebla, owned by Cristobal and Mariana Castaneda. Opened in 2010, the restaurant grew from their deep roots in the mushroom industry and their passion for sharing traditional Puebla flavors. Under the Castanedas’ guidance, Chef Hunter learned to craft recipes built on fresh, simple ingredients—true tributes to Puebla’s culinary legacy. His story reflects the power of mentorship, community, and dedication to authentic food. |
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| As a self-taught professional cook, Patrick Jones brings 20+ of restaurant experience to students in the culinary programs at Kennett High School. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Patrick now helps students master the basics while growing into confident, independent cooks. This year, students have been working with Ms. Rachel Moreira along with Mr. Jones. They learn kitchen safety, knife skills, and proper food handling. Students are excited to learn from these great cooks and compete for the best chili in Kennett Square—an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience. |
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Be Part of the Action — Volunteer with Us! |
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Want to help bring this year’s Chili Cook-Off to life? We’re still looking for volunteers to support ✨ key areas ✨ like sponsorship outreach, silent auction items, and event logistics. Whether you can pitch in for a single project or stay involved through event day, there’s a place for you on the team (and plenty of fun along the way!). 👉 Email KCG.Chili.Cookoff@gmail.com to get involved. |
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Our community CaféFriends of Kennett Food Co-op (“Friends”) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was formed last year to support Kennett Community Grocer (KCG). All grant funding secured by Friends will be given to KCG for specific purposes related to the renovation of the store. Once the store opens, Friends will also look to secure grant funding that will enable educational programming on food and nutrition to be offered at KCG. When you walk into the store, you will enter through the Café. This is YOUR space and we welcome your ideas for the design! |
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Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene, NH |
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The Community Café at the KCG store will bring the word, “Community” to life through its artwork and design, as well as its function of fostering social interaction between shoppers as they enjoy fresh prepared food and beverages. Community connections are what KCG is all about, and we want everyone to feel welcome to use this “third space” beyond home and work. In our present world of online transactions, including buying groceries, personal interactions are lost and with them a great deal of understanding of those who grow our food. Farmers bringing products to the store each day will stop by and speak to the shoppers, sharing a cup of coffee in the café. |
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Oshkosh Food Co-op in Wisconsin |
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In this space, we become not only grocery customers but consumers who are part of a network of relationships created to better our daily lives. The design of this space must reflect our values and the unique characteristics of our Kennett Area as well as the identity our farmers and producers. Creating experiences such as pop-up classes and entertainment will bring shoppers back to the store again and again. Partnership between other organizations will form because we come together in this special space, thus having a culture of “consuming local” furthering the power of community. Stay tuned for further design details as the plans unfold! Thank you for being part of this moment. Together, we’ll build something lasting!
With gratitude and hope,
The Board of Kennett Community Grocer |
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