Over the past 55 years Whole Foods Co-op has employed thousands of Duluthians. From first jobs to long-term careers, the Co-op is proud to employ your friends and neighbors from across the city.
Many people build their careers at Whole Foods Co-op, with 31% of our staff being employed at the Co-op for over five years. These staff members have helped to make the Co-op into what it is today – and have quite a few stories to tell!
For our 55th anniversary, we’ll feature just four of our long-tenured employees, representing both our stores and the four primary departments that you, as a shopper, encounter the most. Learn a little more about who they are, what they do, and their favorite things about working at the Co-op.

Jim R., Grocery Purchasing Lead, Hillside
Employee since 1998
Jim has been a buyer in the Grocery Department for 27 years, working with his fellow buyers to keep products on the shelves. “It’s a job that comes with a lot of troubleshooting and problem solving,” said Jim. Over the years, “I have enjoyed helping the Co-op grow into a force to be reckoned with,” he said.
When asked about his favorite thing about working at the Co-op, he replied, “I believe in the mission. The Co-op is the greenest business in town: we keep pesticides out of the water table by expanding organic acreage, we strengthen the regional economy by buying local (which reduces food miles/petroleum use), and we recycle and compost whatever we can. I love that we are community-owned by our friends and neighbors, as opposed to a corporation.”
Dolores M., Deli Cook/Baker, Denfeld
Employee since 2005
Dolores remembers working at the Co-op back when it was where Burrito Union is now. “That’s where I started training,” she said. She followed the Co-op in their move to the current Hillside store, then transferred to Denfeld when it opened because it was closer to home.

Anybody who’s tried the Deli’s beloved Grab ‘n Go items, has likely enjoyed one of Dolores’ creations. “I do a little bit of everything,” she said, which includes the salads, sandwiches, and soups. She’ll also occasionally do bakery, in addition to keeping the Deli stocked and “looking pretty” throughout the day.
Over the years, the biggest change Dolores has noticed has been the Co-op’s “tremendous” growth. “I’ve heard so many people say that it’s such an asset to the community, and it’s gone from this little thing when I first started here.”
And though we can’t prove it, we think it’s in part due to Dolores’ Fog City Pasta recipe.

Dylan S., Front End Assistant Manager, Hillside
Employee since 2009
Dylan started as a part-time Front End Clerk, and over the years has been promoted to Manager on Duty, then Front End Assistant Manager. He takes pride in guiding the department towards their goal of providing the best customer service possible. And though he’s known for treating everyone like a star, he particularly relishes the memory of bagging an Academy Award winning actress’s groceries. “More than once!” he added with a smile.
Dylan has seen the Hillside store grow and evolve since he started. “There was a bank in what is now our parking lot,” he reflected. “We also expanded our indoor seating area and installed green flooring.” And while many things have changed over the years, some foundational aspects of working at Whole Foods Co-op remain, including valuing its people. “My favorite thing about working at the Co-op is the relationships that I’ve developed with such a wide variety of co-workers.”
Nick S., Produce Manager, Denfeld
Employee since 2014
Nick started as the Produce Assistant Manager at Hillside, and when the Denfeld store opened in 2016, he was promoted to Produce Department Manager to oversee the new department. And while his roles and responsibilities have evolved, he has continued to ensure our shoppers are greeted by fresh, fragrant, local and colorful flowers and foods the moment they walk into our stores.

Nick’s days are varied, as he manages all aspects of the produce department, including personnel, product and department financial metrics. He also works directly with farmers to support the local produce season. “Sometimes I get to stock produce, sometimes I get to buy produce,” he said of his role. But as far as what he loves about being a Produce Manager, it’s “the people I work with,” he said. “Learning from and building relationships with co-workers and local farmers and growers in our community and beyond continues to be my favorite thing about my work.”
Favorite Food to Get at Whole Foods Co-op
We asked staff what their favorite food is at Whole Foods Co-op – and they all gave us two!

Jim R.
- Bulk organic dried mango
- Stuffing bulk organic dates with local blue cheese

Delores M.
- Deli Fog City Pasta Salad
- Deli Cranberry Tuna Salad
She developed the recipe for both!

Dylan S.
- Deli Red Curry Tofu
- Food Farm carrots

Nick S.
- Deli Chicken & Lime Burrito
- Equal Exchange Organic Midnight Sun Coffee

Whole Foods Co-op Celebrates 55 Years
This year Whole Foods Co-op marks 55 years of being community-owned and led, making positive impacts on local farmers, shoppers and the communities we serve. In celebration, we’ll be releasing a series of profiles of just a few of the many people across our history who’ve helped shape Whole Foods Co-op into what it is today.
What’s your favorite memory of Whole Foods Co-op? Share it with us!