Healthy Living Market and Café (HLMC) originated in South Burlington, Vt., in 1986 with just one employee and has grown to Vermont’s largest natural and organic supermarket, employing 150 people. The family-owned and -operated company has been working for over three years to open its new location in Saratoga Springs, which is under construction and is slated to open in January. The new market is expected to create roughly 140 jobs for locals.
“We are so much more than just another grocery store,” said Katy Lesser, founder and owner of HLMC. “People come to meet people, to eat, to learn — community is what we are all about.”
The store is indeed more than just a place to get natural and organic groceries. Besides bringing in fresh, natural and local produce, the market will offer a café that allows dining in or takeout, with a menu that features vegetarian and vegan options, as well. Lesser’s daughter, Nina Lesser-Goldsmith, will operate HLMC’s Learning Center, which will offer cooking demonstrations, hands-on cooking classes and community lectures that focus on healthy living.
“Nina is a graduate of culinary school and we have always had dreams to have a learning center,” Lesser said. “We’ve created something even bigger than I envisioned, and we’re excited.”
The market will open in Wilton Mall by Planet Fitness, where JC Penney’s used to be. Lesser-Goldsmith said the supermarket needs great access and parking, which Wilton Mall gives them. The family chose Saratoga Springs for its new location because it’s a town they “have always been drawn to,” Lesser said.
“This town reminds us of our town,” Lesser-Goldsmith said. “We get the sense of how much people in Saratoga love their town … we feel comfortable and welcomed, and we feel like we’ve chosen the right place.”
Lesser said that the market is committed to using local farmers and food producers and that the store will have a strong community outreach.
Wilton Town Supervisor Arthur “Art” Johnson also spoke at the conference, telling the family and attendees that the town is “really excited” about the project.
“We couldn’t be happier you chose Wilton,” Johnson told the family. “We promise you won’t be disappointed in your decision.”
Johnson added that everything has gone smoothly thus far and that the town will continue to cooperate with the business as it continues construction.
Lesser-Goldsmith said workers are currently in the process of trenching and dealing with plumbing and electricity for the market.
“We have most of (the construction) to go, but we’re getting there,” she said.
The family is also working with an architect and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to make the store as efficient and “green” as possible. Lesser-Goldsmith said the store will have LED lighting, efficient coolers and skylights.
Residents interested in the progress of the market can visit the website, www.healthylivingmarket.com, for updates on the project or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HealthyLivingMarket.
