There's a new face in town when it comes to healthy eating.
That face belongs to Dustin Partridge, who recently took ownership of Zuma Natural Foods.
And Partridge, who was settling into his new position this week, is excited about his new adventure and has big plans.
"I'm really interested in natural food and organic health food," Partridge said.
Zuma was established in 2004 and will continue to reside at 299 N. Main St., Mancos.
Partridge was most recently the dairy and frozen food manager at Natural Grocer by Vitamin Cottage in Durango. Before that, he spent 10 years working in markets in Connecticut, his home state. He has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rochester, N.Y.
Partridge said that while working for a chain grocery store, he faced limitations that he hopes to overcome at the smaller, Mancos-based store.
"I can support local a lot better, that is the big one," he said.
Partridge plans to focus on natural and organic foods, but also wants to support local farmers.
He hopes to remodel the inside of the store and double the dairy, frozen foods and grocery items the store carries.
"I'm also going to work on lowering a lot of the prices," he said, and work on the menu.
"I think the menu needs more attention to fit in line with the vision for the store," he said. "I'd like to be able to offer more options or choices with people with food allergies, who are vegan or on gluten free diets. Paleo diets are also something we would like to support."
Cynthia and Steve Klumker were the previous owners.
Partridge, 33, said he fell in love with this area because of the mountains.
"I took the Continental Divide trail and fell in love with it," he said.
Zuma Natural Foods plans to improve its selection of local foods and work toward carrying products that are organic, GMO-free and sustainable. Zuma Natural Foods strives to provide local, organic and sustainable food, and empower staff to learn and grow.
Hours of operation will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Dustin and staff plan a meet-and-greet on Oct. 26, including a free cup of coffee and baked goods. Call Zuma Natural Foods, 970-533-7300, for information.
