Get To Know Us!
Sometimes, amazing things can happen …. literally by chance! Thus, begins the story of Chestertown Natural Foods. Trish and Jim Gruber, our proprietors, met while attending West Virginia University. She from Pennsylvania and headed for a career as an Interpretive Naturalist; he a Chestertown Native with a plan to return to the flat Maryland farmland and the beautiful Upper Eastern Shore that filled his days of youth. It wasn’t long before Trish was persuaded to leave the rolling Pennsylvania hills to take up residence in Chestertown. From there, the progression to Chestertown Natural Foods was a logical one. Trish, like millions of people world-wide, suffers from food allergies. In fact, these sensitivities made it virtually impossible for her to shop at typical grocery stores, as nearly every product label displayed a vast array or preservatives, additives and chemicals which were part of the food’s ingredients. These “extras” not only impact the nutritional value of the food, but also pose a significant health risk to those with and without health and allergy concerns. Noting that there had to be a viable alternative, Trish was surprised to learn the closest health food store was nearly an hour away! Knowing there were undoubtedly others in the area with the same concerns, Trish organized a natural-foods buying club in 1989 and shortly after filled this need by opening Chestertown Natural Foods in June of 1993 with the idea of combining all natural, healthy food and products. This and a vast selection, plus a staff well-educated about our many offerings (who love to share this knowledge and passion about staying healthy with our customers) have contributed to our continued growth and success over the years.
Today, Chestertown Natural Foods has a staff of 10 in our 2,300 square foot facility at 303 Cannon Street, in Chester-town. We “meet you where you are” on your journey to living and eating healthily thorough the use of all-natural foods and products. Whether you are starting by adding healthier snacks to your personal or family diet, or you’ve made the commitment to be 100% additive, chemical and preservative free. “Our staff will help you find the tools you seek to create wellness, and we will do it with honesty and integrity,” says Trish. Every day gives Trish the opportunity to use her background in environmental education and as a naturalist to help people create and maintain wellness in their lives. From the moment you walk through the doors, you will feel at home and welcome. We thank you for electing to lead an improved lifestyle, and we’re glad you’ve chosen to do so with us! Please be sure to check out our money-saving specials and visit us with your questions and needs. Your wellness journey begins now….with Chestertown Natural Foods!