Wheatsville Expansion
FAQ
After much consideration and consultation with our Board — and based on information only available during our due diligence period — we have determined that the Fresh Plus deal we were exploring is no longer financially viable. As a result, barring any unforeseen change in circumstances, Wheatsville will go down to one store by December 2026. Exact timing will be shared once it is known.
We remain committed to the Austin community, as we have been for 50 years, and we hope you’ll continue to support us by shopping at our Guadalupe location until it’s closing, and our Lamar location both now and into the future.
What happened with the new locations you were going to move to?
After our period of due diligence, we determined that the project was no longer a financially viable endeavor. As responsible stewards of the co-op’s assets, choosing not to move forward is in the best interests of Wheatsville’s long term success and our ability to serve the greater Austin community.
How was the decision reached?
The decision was based on what’s best for the long-term viability of the co-op. Our incredible team and our members have worked tirelessly to make Wheatsville Co-op a success. We’re so proud of that effort and all that they have achieved over the last 50 years.
Why is the Guadalupe store closing?
Our leadership and board have done a thorough financial analysis and determined that not renewing our lease is the financially responsible decision. As previously communicated, the co-op has made the decision not to renew the lease on our Guadalupe store when it ends on December 31, 2026. At this time, we anticipate the Guadalupe store will close in 2026.
This change seems abrupt. How long have you known the expansion wouldn't happen?
We acknowledge it’s been a complex situation. In recent weeks, after due diligence, we determined that the locations we anticipated moving into were no longer an option, and that maintaining the Guadalupe location would not be a financially responsible decision. A final decision was made within the last week, and out of deep respect for our community, we wanted to notify our staff, members and community as soon as we came to that conclusion.
Why did you announce the acquisition if it wasn't set in stone?
Being a co-op, we are community funded. We needed to give owners a plan in order to really begin raising funds to make it happen. We truly hoped this would work out, but unfortunately it just didn’t.
Aren't there any other options?
Not currently. We have not been able to find anything else on the market that suits our needs.
How will this impact the Guadalupe staff?
This is a tough moment for our Guadalupe staff. They have worked very hard to make the store successful in the face of external pressures outside of their control, and we appreciate their dedication. We plan to do everything we can to support them through this transition, which may include a combination of offering roles at South Lamar, job placement services, and additional compensation.
Will the store operate as usual until it closes?
We will make every effort to provide a high level of service through our final day of business at the Guadalupe location. More information will be provided in the coming weeks on how our offerings may be impacted.
How will this impact the Co-op as a whole?
Our staff at both locations have poured significant care, time and effort into making our Guadalupe location as successful as possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and remain committed to fostering the strong sense of community that we’ve built as we continue to explore opportunities for the future. After the closing, we will refocus our efforts on our South Lamar store while continuing to look for future ways to grow this community institution.
How will this impact the neighborhood around Guadalupe?
While we can’t speak to exactly how this will impact the neighborhood in the long term, we do know that we will do our best to support our employees and our customers at this location until our final day, and beyond.
Will another grocery store move in to your space after you close?
We don’t have any insight into future plans for this location.
Why have so many businesses in the area closed?
We can’t speculate on why other businesses have made certain decisions. For us, the decision ultimately came down to financial performance and viability.
How can I help?
We urge our customers to continue shopping at the Guadalupe location until our final closing date and at South Lamar beyond that!
Where can I find more information?
Co-op owners can find more information about this decision in our forthcoming newsletter, which comes out October 13. We intend to communicate frequently with staff and owners as we move through this transition. If you still have questions beyond what is provided here, please contact bbickford@wheatsville.com