GARDINER, Maine - The organizers of a cooperative grocery store and cafe in Gardiner that's been in the works for more than three years are set to announce a location.
The Gardiner Co-op & Cafe is expected to open in a yet-to-be-named downtown building sometime in early spring, offering grocery items, soups, sandwiches and more with a focus on local, organic and fair trade items.
The organizers are holding a celebration and unveiling of the location on Saturday.
Veronique Vendette, chairwoman of the co-op board, says an angel investor who wants to remain anonymous is buying a building in downtown Gardiner for the organization and will lease the space to the group.
She tells the Kennebec Journal the co-op has signed up close to 160 members and raised about $120,000.