When I first came to visit Hamilton upon my acceptance to Colgate University, I vividly remember driving through downtown, taking in my surroundings and checking out all the businesses that would soon become my local favorites in the upcoming year. While I was aware of the larger grocery stores that lay on the outskirts of town, I was surprised to see a store on Broad Street that resembled a small local grocery store I frequented back home.
Hamilton Whole Foods was co-founded in 1991 by Monica Costa, who has remained the head store owner ever since. Costa took part in the replacement of a similar, smaller whole foods store that previously occupied its current location and wanted to introduce a store where there were a variety of vegetarian options that could emphasize her personal goal of eating less meat. Today, the store offers house-made vegetarian deli items, smoothies and a variety of delicious soups for its customers. Hamilton Whole Foods also sells general grocery offerings as well as locally based products.
Costa discussed her decision to maintain a meatless deli section.
“There were years when the business was very lean and we were competing with local delis that had served meat,” Costa explained. “You know, we talked about whether or not we wanted to make the change, but ultimately we’ve always decided to keep it vegetarian, even though it is financially sometimes challenging because it’s a smaller market of people.”
While she still eats meat from time to time, Costa founded the store with the hopes that she would be providing more vegetarian options to people who wanted them and aims to not limit customers food-wise. But do not fear: The store still sells frozen meat in their main section aside from the deli, so there is something for everyone.
Alongside their wide array of offerings, sustainable practices are a core emphasis on the operation and maintenance of Hamilton Whole Foods. As an ongoing journey to maintain a low-waste functioning, Costa and her store have developed numerous sustainable considerations for the day-to-day management of the business.
“We make peanut butter smoothies, and after blending you scrape out the blender with a spoon. There’s probably almost a full serving of peanut butter left in there if you don’t scrape it. You know when you add that up over time that is a lot of peanut butter wasted,” Costa said.
The ability to utilize ingredients to their fullest capacity is often financially responsible as well as civically responsible for a local business. Sustainability is vital to the long-term success of Hamilton Whole Foods and is constantly evolving.
“I mean it seems silly, but it’s the little things like that. We just try not to waste,” Costa added.
Hamilton Whole Foods is also a hub for student employment, where students with and without previous work experience can gain skills that pertain to food prep and administrative functioning. Having a student-based staff is essential to the lighthearted and relaxed atmosphere that Hamilton Whole Foods provides from the second one walks through its doors.
“It’s wonderful having students. While you have to put in a lot of time in training them and people leave sooner than usual, it’s also just awesome,” Costa said. “You know all the students bring a good energy and I like that students can come in and also connect with fellow students here as well.”
Not only does Hamilton Whole Foods foster connections within its student staff, it also paves the way for generations of students and alumni to feel connected via their shared love for certain menu items that could be considered “timeless.”
“If you say timeless, I have to say our Curry Tofu because we’ve made it from the very beginning and we have alumni who come back just for it,” Costa said.
As for the current offerings at Hamilton Whole Foods, Costa accredits the Tofu Melt and Peanut Butter Smoothie as the fan-favorite items.
It is clear that the dietary-inclusive options at Hamilton Whole Foods and the strong student-customer base have made Hamilton Whole Foods a staple food destination in the Hamilton community. First-year Marina Garcia expressed her love for the store, emphasizing a sense of familiarity in the small-town atmosphere.
“I have always felt at home when I walk into the Hamilton Whole Foods store. Coming from a smaller town similar to Hamilton, I have always felt comfortable in a store like Hamilton Whole Foods. It feels like an outlet for local products to be sold, while simultaneously fostering a collective sense of community,” Garcia shared.
Sophomore Hannah Reed travels into town frequently to visit and dine at Hamilton Whole Foods.
“It’s where I go to get all my organic snacks here in Hamilton as they have so many options. I’ve also gotten some super cool pottery from one of the small businesses they support in the area,” Reed said. “[It’s] definitely my favorite shop in Hamilton and worth the visit for their Bee Butter smoothie alone.”
Hamilton Whole Foods is a community gem, and for any foodies who are looking for innovative meatless options or simply a relaxing grocer to buy one’s produce, it is most certainly a place to try and enjoy.
Costa offered a warm message for the Hamilton and Colgate communities.
“It really has been such a gift to be part of the community for so long. I’ve seen kids grow up here, and then have kids of their own […]. I’m very lucky to have been able to do it for as long as I have,” Costa concluded.
Hamilton Whole Foods is located at 28 Broad St., so for all those who might want to venture outside the confines of the dining hall or perhaps are seeking options not found in the dining hall, Costa and her student staff truly provide a delicious escape.
