ABOUT US
When Ellwood Met Thompson
Pro-local, anti-GMO, proudly Richmond
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Founded in 1989, we have been practicing the mantra of “nourish your body and soul” for 30 years and counting.
Organically finding our stride as a full-service neighborhood market and health store, we have established ourselves as the unofficial anchor of Carytown, a community shopping staple, and stewards of preserving the future of food.
Proudly showcasing local purveyors within 100 miles of the store, staying true to our core environmental values, we have earned the title as a trusted pinnacle of the local food movement.
Reading the labels so you don’t have to, we are committed to sourcing organic, non-GMO and local products, in addition to using environmentally friendly containers. We 86ed plastic bags in 2008, becoming the first grocery store in Richmond to stop asking “paper or plastic?”
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Part grocery store, part edible adventure, part community hang spot, we consider ourselves an experience and strive to inspire real change through community engagement.
Whether you run into a neighbor at The Beet, rub elbows with local food entrepreneurs while perusing the aisles, discover a delicious Virginia cheese — or our favorite, all the above — we can promise that you’ll leave feeling good.
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We employ over 80 stewards, from a bakery crew that uses only organic flour to a nourish manager tasked with sourcing local supplements, body care and lifestyle products. Patrons can also find a coffee and juice bar and, an amazing assortment of freshly made and ready to go dishes. Prepared by locally recognized Executive Chef Xavier Beverly.
And while we humbly hold the title of largest independent organic and natural food store in Virginia, we love calling Richmond home. There’s nothing we’d rather do, and nowhere we’d rather do it.
Meet the Team
Behind The Hood
Getting to know the founder of Ellwood Thompson’s
When Rick Hood first entered the health and wellness industry, he had no idea that he would be embarking on a 30-year-and-counting career, and eventually open the largest independent organic and natural food store in Virginia.
Born in Richmond, but raised in Kinston, North Carolina, Hood made his return to the river city in the 80s, post-college.
With a background in architecture, and an innate entrepreneurial spirit, the University of North Carolina graduate initially worked in real estate but was always looking for potential business opportunities. When offered the chance to partner in a small natural foods store with friend Eric Waters, the self-described doer said “yes.” The duo eventually opened City Market at Patterson and Libbie Avenues in 1989, before making a move to its current location in 1993.
Following the relocation to bigger digs in Carytown, the 20,000-square-foot budding business was catapulted into a new era. Rick took the reigns eventually as sole owner; the store adopted a new name after the street intersection, and Ellwood Thompson’s introduced itself to Richmond and the community.
By that time, Rick had experienced a spiritual and health awakening. From practicing mindful meditation and yoga to questioning the origins of his food and staying socially and environmentally conscious, he was fully immersed and dedicated to the mission of community & health — a vision he brings to life through Ellwood Thompson’s.
In 2013, aiming to create a culinary roundtable of leaders in the food and beverage community, Rick helped found Real Local RVA. Meeting monthly, the grassroots group composed of restaurateurs, farmers, specialty food businesses and local food advocates, encourages the flow of ideas and cultivation of partnerships.
When Rick purchased the nearby round office building at Floyd Avenue and Thompson Street a former physician’s office, it marked a full circle moment. His late dad was a doctor, and the unique and historic community gem now serves as the company’s offices as they look towards the future.