What a waste

Austin's groundbreaking green grocery store announces 'heartbreaking' closure

It's a wrap for zero-waste grocery store In.gredients.

The nation’s first experiment in zero-waste grocery shopping is over. On April 25, In.gredients — the Manor Road shop known for its strict commitment to sustainability — announced in a statement that April 27 will be the shop's final day in business.

“Well folks, it's not easy being green,” the statement read. “To be honest, we're heartbroken. But don't lose heart. For over five years, we have diverted waste from landfills, supported local growers and artisans, brought people together, and helped Cherrywood live a little bit healthier.”

The small grocer at 2610 Manor Rd. made global headlines when it opened in 2012 with an entirely package-free model. In 2014, In.gredients shifted focus, allowing some packaged items to appear on shelves and coolers, while still being mindful of waste and local sourcing.

During that time, the tiny grocer became more than just a shop. With a calendar full of yoga, live music, children’s programming, and the occasional block party, In.gredients evolved into a beloved community hub for Austin’s green set.

In early 2017, the team reached out to fans through a crowdfunding campaign. Even though business was brisk throughout 2016, rising property taxes and other economic factors forced the owners to seek help. That campaign raised $30,928, slightly exceeding the initial goal.

In the statement, In.gredients encouraged patrons to keep up the good fight. “The zero-waste movement is still growing. Since we came on the scene as the nation's first zero-waste grocery store, many more have sprung up all over the country. We must all continue to choose and demand local, sustainably sourced, ethically manufactured, and responsibly (un)packaged products. It's not possible for this country, or this planet, to continue with business as usual for long”

As for the next chapter of the property, the owners said Austin will just have to wait. “We can't say for certain what comes next for our little slice of heaven on Manor Road,” the statement read, “but we're excited for the possibilities.”

closings

Back to the Plow

Homey Austin jam and bake shop closing and returning to farmers market

Confituras/Instagram

Confituras Little Kitchen is closing its brick-and-mortar store, but feeling optimistic about the future.

A famers market find is returning to its natural environment after six years in a brick-and-mortar location. Confituras Little Kitchen, which specializes in locally sourced preserves, is closing its jam and biscuit shop after service on Sunday, December 22. However, it will continue selling goods at the Barton Creek Farmers Market and via retailers.

Confituras announced the change in a newsletter to its customers in December. The letter called the news "bittersweet."

"Although the brick and mortar will no longer be, the good news is that this will be a fresh new start for us – we are bursting with energy and creativity at the thought of being back out in the community where it all started for confituras," it said.

The kitchen is closing because the lease is up, and the team has decided to "give up the chase." The newsletter emphasized the ups-and-downs of business over the past several years — ones that were chaotic for just about any business, let alone a small, fairly niche food operation.

"So much has happened since we decided to open a brick + mortar – a wonderful kickstarter fundraiser, THE PANDEMIC, the AFTER-EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC, and an ever growing city," the letter says. "We tried so very hard but never really got our footing. We know we are not alone, many small business are in the same boat. We renewed our lease during the pandemic because we were hopeful we could make it work - the changing times had other ideas."

Finally, it shared how customers could keep enjoying Confituras creations:

The Barton Creek Farmers Market is open at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.
A list on confituras.net compiles retailers including Royal Blue Grocery, Farmhouse Delivery, and Antonelli's Cheese Shop.
Jam share and Table22 subscription customers will have more instructions coming soon about picking up their goods in January at the same space, 2129 Goodrich Ave.
Customers may also reach out to inquire about continuing to order meals directly.

The kitchen also hosted frequent events and workshops, but the letter did not address this aspect of the business.

A shorter message shared on Instagram has inspired 63 comments so far, five days later. Customers eulogized the shop for its community feel and providing a sense of regularity during the height of the pandemic thanks to weekend pick-ups.