The French Broad Food Co-op is a grocery store that focuses more on people than profit. We do that by supporting local farmers & producers and being community owned. Ownership means you get to have a voice in how the co-op functions, what kinds of products are carried, the policies that govern the business and who is elected to uphold those policies. This is a no-sellout scenario. Our produce department is 100% organic and we boast the bulkiest bulk department in the SE, possibly the nation. We have a basics program that keeps staple items affordably priced, and a diverse staff both part time and full time. Everyone’s welcome to shop at the Co-op and support community, small businesses, and local producers. Swing by today and see what makes the Co-op special!
The History of Asheville
Before European settlement, Asheville was part of the Cherokee Nation. Bearing the name Untokiasdiyi, meaning “Where they race,” the Cherokee people used the area as a gathering place.
Settlement didn’t occur until after the Revolutionary War, in 1784, when Colonel Samuel Davidson and his family arrived, claiming land through a soldier’s grant. The settlement, initially named “Morristown,” was later renamed Asheville in honor of North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe.
Asheville became an important outpost in the Blue Ridge Mountains, attracting famous travelers like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. The city flourished during the railway boom into the 1920s but faced a significant setback during the stock market crash of 1929. However, thanks to a committed urban renewal plan and efforts to maintain the city’s charm, Asheville transformed into the vibrant culture hub it is today.