Makes choosing natural foods and products a breeze

by Michelle Bense

From its humble beginnings in 1979 as a bulk supply store then called The Home Economist, Healthy Home Market has grown organically to become Charlotte’s beloved natural and specialty foods store. When Betty and Jerry York founded the store in the late 70s, it was a place for ladies to buy food economically for their families—most baked and cooked more then. Today, the three Queen City area locations not only feature the largest bulk foods selection in Charlotte, but also vast vitamin sections; a deli featuring all-natural, gluten-free and raw items; a Beer Cave offering a great selection of beers of all kinds; a deli and smoothie bar; wine section; and more.

The Yorks opened their store to fill a community need for healthy food, and as a way to see customer trends. Jerry was inspired after helping open similar businesses when he was working in Chicago, and the couple brought the idea to Charlotte, where it flourished. Since Betty and Jerry retired in 1984 and 1986, respectively, their daughters, Angela Bauer and Carolyn Bennett now own and run the business, alongside John Bauer, Angela’s husband and president of the company, and Richard Cashion, Vice President Operations.

Always a family-owned and run business, Angela and Carolyn worked at the original Independence location (since closed) as teenagers. Recently, a customer mentioned to John that she recalled the founders’ daughters making cheese balls in the Home Economist deli. “That’s my wife,” John said.

The staff is very knowledgeable about the products they sell, and the store includes vitamin experts. “HHM is first in gluten-free products, as well as grass-fed beef, all natural, local products and organic produce. We filled a void before it was mainstream,” laughs Angela. “We knew whole foods before it was cool.”

Healthy Home Market continues to be committed to offering a broad selection of healthy products, supporting the community and welcoming customers with knowledgeable staff and a comfortable shopping experience. The stores’ staff work hard to help customers make informed product decisions, feed their families well—including pets—and learn more about healthy alternatives in all areas of life.

Angela attributes the success of the store to “fresh trends, local foods, hard-to-find foods and knowledgeable staff who live the lifestyle.” They are frequently asked by loyal customers to open more stores, though capital investment can be challenging for a family-owned business. As for the near future, Healthy Home Market will be making some renovations to the Davidson location, along with bringing more fresh produce to the stores.

Healthy events at Healthy Home Market include the Plaza Patio Party, held the third Friday of every month through the summer and fall, plus plenty of other events that the business sponsors and supports, all found on their online calendar.

“Charlotte’s healthy living community knows value. They don’t do it because it is cool. They do it because they believe it is best for them and their families,” enthuses Angela. “They appreciate the mission we are on. We are not a fad or a fancy bag to show all your friends where you shopped; we are local.”

Healthy Home Market has locations at 1330 Central Ave., at Plaza Midwood; 1816-G Galleria Blvd., at the Galleria, Matthews; and 261 Griffith St., Davidson. For more information, visit HealthyHomeMkt.com.

Michelle Bense is a freelance writer and editor, living in Charlotte. Connect with her at [email protected].