OUR MISSION
Oryana has been a locally-owned cooperative grocer for more than 50 years. Since the beginning we have chosen to strive for business decisions that positively impact the people we live with, the planet we co-exist on, and the purpose of our co-op founders. You can read about our guiding principles below.
The purpose of Oryana is to provide high-quality food produced in ecologically sound ways at fair value to owners and the community. Oryana owners and staff are committed to enhancing their community through the practice of cooperative economics and education about the relationship of food to health.
Our Ends Policies
We believe every business should ask itself, “How can I make my community, region, state and world better?” Oryana calls these socially conscious goals our “Ends.” Each decision we make is supported by the Ends we have set forth to achieve.
Economy
Because of Oryana, our community has a vibrant cooperative business whose success stimulates cooperative activity.
Localism
Because of Oryana, our community has an accessible and healthy marketplace for goods produced locally that have a positive environmental and social impact.
Wellness
Because of Oryana, our community has direct access to solutions that contribute to health and wellness.
Education
Because of Oryana, our community has opportunities to learn about cooperative economics and the interconnectivity between healthful foods, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
Community
Because of Oryana, ecologically regenerative and socially just community development efforts are nourished and supported.
Model Workplace
Because of Oryana, our community has a model workplace which demonstrates a professional culture of mutual support and open communications, which is based on the balance of personal and organizational needs.
OUR HISTORY
In 1973 a small group of people established a buying club to purchase fresh wholesome foods at reasonable prices. From that back porch endeavor run entirely by volunteers we have evolved into a $35+ million, two-store cooperative business serving the Traverse City community and beyond.
While business operations have certainly changed – for example, we no longer write all the bulk items on a chalkboard (500 is just too many these days), nor do we have board meetings in the General Manager’s sauna – our mission remains true to our roots: To provide high quality food produced in ecologically sound ways at fair value to owners and the community.
Though Oryana has had its share of ups and downs over its history, today we are thriving thanks to the initial seeds sown by that small group of founders who had the vision and perseverance to establish a healthy alternative to the mainstream food purveyors of the early 1970s.
Our Buying Standards
We’re chronic label-readers.
Before any product hits our shelves, its ingredients and production are researched and tested against our Product Purchasing Guidelines. These Guidelines were developed to help guide our buyers in bringing the freshest, healthiest and most ecologically sound products to you, our shoppers.
Our Product Purchasing Guidelines help us:
- Fulfill the philosophical intent of our Mission Statement and our Ends (organizational goals)
- Return value to our members
- Identify and replace products that fall short of our standards, as higher quality options become available
- Meet the needs and desires of our members and guests (quality, variety, pricing, etc.)
- Evaluate the environmental, agricultural, health and social/justice issues that surround food, products and food methods
- Identify and replace products that fall short of our standards, as higher quality options become available
This is a living, breathing commitment that requires constant upkeep – new information about ingredients and farming practices can come out every day and we continually review our products to ensure they meet our standards.
But while ingredients may change, one thing remains the same – we are committed to maintaining the high level of trust we have earned over the years as we balance the many factors involved in purchasing decisions. We truly believe our buying decisions improve health, strengthen our community, enhance our commitment to sustainable local farmers and, of course, delight eaters everywhere.
Top 10 FAQs
A cooperative is a business owned and managed by its customers. Users pool resources to satisfy a common need, and work to provide these goods and services as economically and efficiently as possible. A co-op is owned by the people who use it.
As locally-owned businesses, co-ops are committed to the people they serve and the communities they live in. Members have a voice in the overall organization of their particular co-op through participation in board meetings and annual elections. Members can have a voice in products available for purchase, and get the most buying power for their money, plus money spent at the co-op stays in the community, contributing to its economic strength.
Like other cooperatives, Oryana operates according to the 7 Cooperative Business Principles.
No, you don’t need to be a member to shop with us! Everyone is welcome to shop, but members enjoy additional discounts and benefits. Learn more about membership benefits here.
We’re so glad you asked! Our members receive added discounts (like 10% off their entire shopping trip 4x per year and discounts on case orders) as well as unique benefits at nearly 100 local Community Partners. Read our full benefits list here.
Becoming a member is easy and can be done by filling out a simple form at our Customer Service Desk.
Our memberships can be purchased annually for $20 (a $15 refundable equity payment if you choose to cancel, and a $5 non-refundable administrative fee). Your membership is good for 1 year from the day you sign up or renew.
Note: If you use your 10% off discounts on two $100 transactions, your membership pays for itself!
Oryana is committed to purchasing local products when available. Oryana is committed to selecting the highest quality products to meet a variety of customer needs. Our buyers are guided by our Product Purchasing Guidelines, which you can read in full here. The co-op has a strong preference for purchasing local products when available. Do you have a local product you’d like to see in our stores? Our buyers are guided by our Product Purchasing Guidelines, which you can read in full here.
We are a full-service grocery store with two locations and carry everything from fresh produce to beer and wine, body care products and vitamins, to packaged foods. We have a huge bulk foods section and also have the area’s largest selection of locally produced goods such as wines, bread, potato chips, cheese, chocolate, soap, candles, and many more. Oryana West also includes a full service Deli and Meat and Seafood Case providing even more fresh options for your table.
The Oryana Cafés, offering unique menus at both locations, are full-service offering made-to-order salads, sandwiches, bowls, smoothies, juices and espresso. West also offers a full pizza program and made fresh in-house sushi. We follow the same product purchasing guidelines in our cafés as we do in our store, meaning you’ll find many certified organic and local ingredients as well as full options for Vegans, Vegetarians, and those with food sensitivities.
Because Oryana carries a wide range of products to meet many dietary and allergen needs, you will not find a ‘Gluten-free’ or ‘Vegan’ section. We tag all items on our packaged grocery shelves that are Gluten-Free (so you can expect to find Gluten-Free options in all of our aisles) and include clear labeling on our Café items for dietary preference and food sensitivity.
You can be sure that any product in our store that is listed as ‘local’ has come from within 100 miles of our door.
In 1973, the original founders of the co-op chose that name because it refers to a South American goddess of fertility, harvest, and abundance. Now you’re ready for that trivia question!