Common Roots

In our final episode of Common Roots, we’re looking back on the many insightful conversations we’ve had with INFRA Members over the past year. From Turnip Trick to New Moon Natural Foods to Momo’s Market, this highlight reel underscores the diversity and resilience of INFRA’s membership. No matter the differences in region, size, or mission, one thing connects all INFRA Members—a deep commitment to providing healthy natural foods to their communities. To all of our listeners—thank you for joining us in celebrating 20 years of collective impact! This podcast would not have been possible without your support. Signing off for the last time!Hailey Craig & Madeleine Ware

In this episode of Common Roots, Kate Bishop and John Martin, co-owners of Chicory Market in Oxford, MS, share their journey from non-food backgrounds to building a community grocery centered on local food access. They discuss their transition from careers in the arts and education to grocery retail, how they partner with local farmers, and the ways they’re helping grow the natural food economy in their region.

In this episode of Common Roots, we sit down with Laurie Aker, Director of Marketing at Earth Fare. Hear more about their food philosophy, including Earth Fare’s highly selective “boot list,” the company’s journey through bankruptcy and resurgence, and its role in the founding of INFRA.  

In this episode of Common Roots, Adam Williams, CFO of Turnip Truck, shares the inspiring journey of the natural food store from its humble beginnings to its current success with four locations in Nashville. He discusses the challenges faced along the way, including the impact of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam also highlights the importance of community, local produce, and the unique identity of Turnip Truck in the natural foods industry. 

In this episode of Common Roots, Billy Griffin, owner of New Moon Natural Foods, takes us on a journey through the evolution of his business — from its early days to its role as a cornerstone of the local natural food movement. Billy shares the philosophy that guides New Moon, the challenges of staying true to core values in a changing marketplace, and how sustainability and ethical sourcing continue to shape everything they do. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we're chatting with Jimbo Someck, a founding INFRA Member and Owner of Jimbo's Naturally in California. Hear from Jimbo about how he fosters consumer education and integrity in his stores through the Jimbo's ethos, which emphasizes the importance of organic and regenerative agriculture and maintaining a strong relationships with customers to foster accountability and transparency. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we sat down with Vickie Bacon, Owner of Highland Nutrition Center in Highland, IL. Located in a small town with less than 10,000 people, Vickie shares how prioritizing community involvement has cemented Highland Nutrition Center as an important fixture in their community. Plus, learn more about how they’ve leveraged INFRA’s promotional programs to drive sales and deliver value to their customers.  

This week, we sit down with Mark Squire of Good Earth Natural foods, a lifelong independent grocer whose career began at the very roots of the natural foods movement. Mark reflects on how his early experiences in the Organic and Non-GMO movement shaped a mission that still drives the store today: food as healing, organic as non-negotiable, and education as a path to both business success and community empowerment. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we sit down with INFRA Board Member Drew Alexander, owner of Cornucopia Natural Foods in Sayville, NY. Drew shares his inspiring journey from dishwasher to store owner. We also discuss the strategies he uses to support employee longevity and how Cornucopia upholds its commitment to rigorous product standards. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we hear from Dan Stump from Leg Up Farmers Market in York, PA. Dan shares how the market is transforming its community through customer education around healthy eating, and how every purchase supports the incredible work of Leg Up Farm and ABLE Services, two nonprofits dedicated to empowering children and adults with special needs. Tune in for an inspiring look at how good food and good causes go hand in hand!  

In this episode of Common Roots, we sit down with Emily Kanter, INFRA Board Member and co-owner of Cambridge Naturals in Cambridge, MA. Emily shares her journey of stepping into her family’s business, the insights she’s gained serving on INFRA’s Board of Directors, and why self-care is essential for small business owners. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and finding balance in the world of independent retail. 

In this episode, we talk with Jake Collier, Co-Founder of New Frontiers Natural Marketplace in Solvang, CA and a founding member of INFRA. Jake shares stories from the early days of the natural foods movement and reflects on the importance of community, passion, and education in building a successful business. He also highlights INFRA’s role in uniting and supporting independent retailers. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we chat with Ariell Ilunga, Founder and Owner of Carla’s Fresh Market in Los Angeles, CA. Hear about how she creates a vibrant and updated shopping experience for her customers, down to the sommelier selected wines. Plus, hear her advice on how to find purpose as an aspiring entrepreneur. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we chat with Diana Hicks, founder of Mama Jean’s Natural Market in Springfield, MO. She shares how their Change for Change program raised $35,000 for a tiny home for the unhoused and how being a woman-owned business shapes her leadership.  Find them online at mamajeansmarket.com, on Instagram at @mamajeans_market, and on Facebook at @Mama Jean’s Natural Market.  

In this episode of Common Roots, we sit down with Michael and Emily Chase, Co-Founders of Chase’s Market in Ontario, Oregon. Michael shares his journey as a third-generation owner, reflecting on his decision to carry on the family legacy and how he upholds the store’s core values more than six decades after its founding in 1956. Emily discusses her role on the INFRA Board of Directors, what inspired her to join, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we chat with second-generation Owner of the Bi-Rite Family of Businesses, Sam Mogannam. Located in San Francisco, CA, Bi-Rite has been a Bay Area staple for transparent, responsible foods since its founding in 1940. We get the inside scoop (pun intended) on how Sam’s culinary background has impacted his passion for sourcing high-quality ingredients, Bi-Rite's journey towards B-Corp certification, and Bi-Rite's unique Creamery operation.  

In this episode of Common Roots, we chatted with Christina, a worker-owner at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative. Tune in for a discussion about all things worker owned co-op, from how this unique business model increases employee longevity to how it builds and sustains community. We also touch on facing corporate competition, partnering with small businesses, and more!  

In this episode of Common Roots, we hear from Mary Walsh, owner of Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery in Greenville, South Carolina. Hear more about how they prioritize bikeable communities, host collaborative events, and create a vibrant online presence. Plus, get the inside scoop on Swamp Rabbit’s robust commitment to sourcing local.  

In this episode of Common Roots, Ashley Juhl Darlington from Bapa’s Market talks about how her previous work in healthcare has informed her journey in natural foods, how important it is for small business owners to lean on their communities, and some of her favorite local products from the Chico, CA area.  Find Bapa's Market online at bapasmarket.com, on Instagram at @bapasmarket, and on Facebook at @Bapa’s Market.

In this episode of Common Roots, Erin Malone from Momo’s Market discusses the power of a cooperative, honoring the history of her building, scaling up her business and approaching growth with optimism, and the importance of creating connections to build community.  Find them online at momosmarketburlington.com, on Instagram at @momosmarketburlington, and on Facebook at @Momo’s Market.