Blossom Grocery, co-owned by Brian Kvistad, an Albers graduate and his wife Jennell Kvistad, was named the 2018 Store of the Year from Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA). According to the press release, the award is given to a member of the association “who shows exemplary contributions to their community, demonstrates a commitment to the core values and mission of INFRA and inspires membership to continue to strive for excellence.”

Founded in 1977 as Blossom Natural Foods, Blossom Grocery is the oldest natural food store in the San Juan Islands.

“... We were truly humbled to have our store held up as an example of what INFRA is all about,” Jennell and Brian said in the release. “This award energizes us to continue with our core mission of providing clean food to our community.”