As many people prepare to reset their health goals with the arrival of the new year, Gene’s Health Food Store is celebrating a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to wellness. The locally owned health shop and café celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2025 — a testament to its evolving offerings and loyal customer base.
Gene and Nancy Clark bought the store in 1980 and rebranded to Gene’s. Since then, it has grown from a small neighborhood business into a full-service health and wellness destination. Today, it is co-owned by Carissa Costello, Andrew Keller, and Olivia Vancil, who have continued the store’s mission of promoting clean eating, natural living, and community connection.
“We find it very important to have a complete shopping experience for the health and wellness-minded individual, as well as for people with allergies or special needs,” said Costello. “We carry everything from groceries to vitamins and supplements, protein powders, and clean household items.”
In recent years, the store’s deli and café have seen major growth — thanks in large part to Keller’s leadership. The menu features everything from vegetarian dishes to unexpected favorites like smoked brisket grilled cheese and house-made fish tacos. Specials rotate every two weeks, appealing to a wide range of customers.
“They’ve done a really good job at making healthy taste good,” Vancil said. “It’s not what most people expect from a health food café. It’s creative, flavorful, and fun.”
Beyond food, Gene’s offers house-made peanut butter, local honey, organic desserts, and a line of private-label organic groceries. The owners also roast their own coffee, Gene’s Beans, which is sold in the store and at other businesses. Custom drinks from the café are crafted using their in-house blends.
Gene’s moved into its current location at 1738 Moseley Street six years ago, after purchasing and renovating the building to create a more welcoming and functional space. The team also operates a food truck, and they continue to explore new ways to expand.
Through it all, the store has stayed true to its roots: providing high-quality, clean-label products that the owners themselves believe in.
“If we wouldn’t consume it ourselves, we don’t bring it in,” Costello said. “That’s how we’ve always operated.”
Much of the store’s longevity can be attributed to its strong relationships with customers.
“We are blessed to have a very loyal base,” Costello said. “We treat them like family.”
That sense of community now spans multiple generations, as more young people and families embrace clean eating and holistic wellness.
“It’s been fun to watch our customer base evolve,” Vancil said. “We see a lot of high school and college students becoming regulars — reading labels, asking questions, and taking ownership of their health. It’s exciting.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to keep growing — both in physical space and in impact.
“We’re always looking for the next thing,” Costello said. “We’ve been here 45 years, and we’re excited about the next 40.”
Gene’s Health Food Store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
