The Riverwest Co-­op and Café is a natural foods grocery store and café that has been open to the public since 2001. Located in the heart of the beautiful and diverse Riverwest community of Milwaukee, the co-­op is community-based, member-owned, volunteer-run, and it offers a truly unique shopping experience. We know where our food comes from and how that food is grown, and we keep our profit margins to cover our overhead. In a true co-operative spirit, everyone participates and everyone voices their ideas.

The store carries organic produce, a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan groceries, and there is a sizable bulk foods section. Pet food, child care, and health and beauty supplies are available, as are locally produced soaps, crafts and candles.

The store has several weekly specials:

Taco Tuesdays -
10% off all El Rey products
Produce Wednesdays -
Get 10% off on all fresh produce every Wednesday
Bulk Thursdays -
10% off all bulk items in the store.
(These discounts are on top of any discounts our members or volunteers already regularly receive.)

If you are interested in becoming a member or volunteer, please see the membership page.

HISTORY:
In the fall of 1999, members of the Riverwest Workers Buying Club and other community members decided to dedicate their time and resources toward building a viable neighborhood food co-­op. A building was made available thanks to the generosity of two loyal members who purchased the former Schlitz Tied House (built in 1904) specifically to have the Riverwest Co-­op as their main tenant. After two years of planning and fundraising, and after thousands of hours of “blood, sweat, and tears,” the Co-­op opened its doors to the public in November of 2001.

The first three years saw steady growth in an expanded inventory, more equipment (including bulk bins), and our first paid employees. The Co-­op now boasts over 1300 members and 60 active volunteers. Their efforts translate into tens of thousands of volunteer hours. They are the heart and soul of the Riverwest Co-­op.

The Riverwest Co-­op Café opened in October 2004. This modern, cozy eatery was transformed from an adjacent garage space into a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Come in to warm up with soup or coffee and cool down with a smoothie! Brunch is served every day.
You can read more about the early history of the Co-op’s formation at the Co-operative Grocers’ Information Network and in the Riverwest Currents. You can learn about Co-operatives at Wikipedia.

MISSION:
The Riverwest Co-­op and the Co-op Café are dedicated to providing the community with nutritious, wholesome food and are proud to feature organic and local ingredients. In the co-operative spirit, the Riverwest Co-­op and Cafe has these governing principles:

• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic membership control
• Economic participation of members
• Autonomy and independence
• Education, training, and information
• Co-operation with other co-operatives
• Concern for the community

LOCATION:
The Riverwest Co-op is located at 733 E. Clarke — the Schlitz building on the corner of Fratney & Clarke — in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

HOURS:
We are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., M-F and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. S/S. Please call (414) 264-7933 regarding holiday hours.

DIRECTIONS:
Click here for a Google map and directions from any point of origin.

By car: Exit I-­43 onto Locust St. Travel east to N. Fratney St. Turn right (south) to the corners of E. Clarke and N. Fratney Sts. Free street parking is widely available.

By bus: Bus Routes 10, 14, 21, and 22 are within a few blocks of the Riverwest Co-­op.

• Bus Route 10 - Take MCTS Route 10 (Humboldt-Wisconsin) to the corner of Humboldt & Clarke. Walk west on Clarke for 3 blocks. We are located on the southeast corner of Fratney & Clarke.
• Route 22 - Take MCTS Route 22 (Center Street). Same directions as above.

ATM on premises is affiliated with the Brewery Credit Union.