Throughout our 50-year history, one differentiating factor has arisen in the narrative- our invaluable staff. The founding “foodies,” produce proponents, and local agriculture enthusiasts, Wedge workers are committed to sustainable growing practices, learning and sharing local and global flavors, and uplifting our food system. Longtime staff share meaningful memories, and what keeps them here.
Mary Garvie began in 2001I was hired as an evening grocery stocker, then assisted the bulk buyer, ordered coffee for twenty years, and eventually became Bulk Buyer. Now I assist bulk grocery part-time.
I’ve shopped many co-ops over fifty years — The Wedge was the first I truly wanted to join. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. A year later, I saw a “help wanted” sign and applied. It was meant to be temporary —now it’s 24 years later. I found a diverse, passionate community that values local, fairly-traded food. I love my co-op, my co-workers, and my co-owners.
Eleanor McGough began in 2008Sales at Co-op Partners Warehouse (CPW). Then Assistant Office Manager, then Marketing & Special Projects. We all did a little of everything – so I’ve done item data maintenance, local grocery buying, and coordinated the Will-Call desk.
In 2016 I got to meet Mariana Cobos, an Ecuadorian banana grower from the El Guabo Farmer Coop. She was delighted to see her farm stamp on boxes of bananas in our inventory! It made me consider our food supply in more personal terms.
Lori Cyrus-Satter began in 2011Hired as Cheese Supervisor at Lyndale. A few years ago I left to work for a non co-op and instantly regretted it! I am so stoked that I was rehired as Cheese Buyer at Linden Hills.
I’m so grateful to work here… With the state of the world, it’s comforting to know I’m surrounded by similar minded folks.
Nate Oerter began in 1995I started as a Front End bagger. I applied for two positions, was interviewed two different days, and offered both jobs! Today I am the daytime Manager on Duty.
A vegan chicken nugget from Taiwan. When I was the Frozen Buyer, I got them from a Buddhist monk sect. Poor inventory control meant half the product arrived past date. I would buy it at half price, and sold it to staff. It had quite a following!
Emily Percy Began in 1993I applied for a produce position but was hired as a Cashier, then took on Scanning tasks until I was full-time in Scanning.
One that stands out is the flood of July 1, 1997. It was an ordinary evening that went from “look, it’s raining pretty hard” to “it’s above the window frames and pouring in the front door” within 30 minutes.
