BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Buffalo food lovers are rejoicing Wednesday as a second location of the Lexington Co-op is now open on Hertel Avenue. The 9,000 square foot store is twice the size of the original co-op on Elmwood Avenue.
Employees say they've worked for seven years to make their second location a reality, so needless to say, there was a lot of excitement in the air at 7 a.m., when more than 300 people rushed in as doors opened.
"It feels like the end of a long road and also the beginning of a new one," Tim Bartlett, the general manager of Lexington Co-op said.
Four-hundred of the co-ops community owners gave a combined $2 million, which covered about 1/3rd of the cost of the store's construction. The draw, many say, is that the co-op gives people so much more than a way to stock up on organic goods.
"It's a community; it's more than just food so when I shop at the coop on Elmwood, you get to know the people who work here and you see friends and family when you shop," Dana Kemp, a co-op member said. "The staff is always helpful. "
The new location has some old favorites from the Elmwood Avenue location, including hot and cold bars, which are twice the size.
You visit either location, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.