The Pullman Good Food Co-op has announced the signing of a purchase-sale agreement for the former Unify Dental Clinic building on Bishop Boulevard, with a target timeline for the store’s opening set for the summer of 2025.

The decision to purchase the old Unify Dental Clinic building came after months of negotiations, said Justin Peters, Pullman Good Food Co-op Board chair. This follows the initial expression of interest by the co-op board in October, which was formalized with a letter of intent.

Located on Bishop Boulevard, the 8,000-square foot facility has several advantages, including ample parking space with 45–60 spots, visibility from the street and adjacency to a Pullman Transit route, Peters said.

“To have a store here that supports local farmers, being that we live in a farming community seems obvious,” Peters said. “This can be beneficial to the Pullman community because we are also providing about 30–40 jobs, and for such a small community, that’s a lot.”

The Pullman Good Food Co-op is committed to community empowerment, sustainable food practices and access to fresh, nutritious food is not just a privilege but a fundamental right, Peters said. The purchase marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards establishing a permanent retail space.

Peters said the chosen location holds promise for the co-op’s future endeavors. The location not only enhances accessibility for customers but also ensures convenience and visibility, vital factors for the success of a retail venture.

“We looked at over 30 locations around Pullman and this location’s size is perfect. We have accessibility for semi-trucks to come for food drop-offs,” he said. “It’s got local transportation, it’s walking distance, it’s got plenty of parking and the previous owners have done a ton of renovation to the building and that really contributed to us picking the store’s location.”

While the building’s sale price was reported at $3 million last year, the co-op has negotiated terms that require a $250,000 down payment within 90 days to finalize the agreement, Peters said. Following this step, the facility will undergo renovations aimed at transforming it into a vibrant community hub for local food enthusiasts.

“It’s going to be more than a grocery store, it’s going to be a community gathering place, a place where we’re going to see local farmers contribute to not only the community’s health and well-being but also have their businesses thrive,” Jeff Guyett, Pullman Food Co-Op Vice Chair said. “We see this store as a place where folks can get healthy food at an affordable price.”

Founded in 2018, the Pullman Good Food Co-op has steadily grown its membership, with over 800 dedicated individuals committed to supporting its mission. As the co-op progresses towards realizing its vision, it is concurrently finalizing plans for a capital fundraising campaign, providing avenues for individuals and organizations to contribute to its growth and sustainability, he said.

To learn more about the Pullman Good Food Co-op and its initiatives you can visit its website.