The Local Grocer

Our Story

The Local Grocer is a health food store and cafe located in North Conway, N.H. Founded in 2010 by owner/operators Heather Chase, Clinical Herbalist, and Russell Van Deursen, Permaculture Designer.

Heather Chase and Russ Van Deusen

Both are avid gardeners and passionate about issues of local food and economy, holistic health, and natural living. Their home and permaculture farm, Mountain Flower Farm, has been a source of organic produce, herbs, flowers, teas, and specialty items for the market and cafe since its beginning.

Our mission is to provide our community with delicious healthy food and natural living products. We believe in organic agriculture and sourcing locally. We are here to support the wellness of our community, and one of our team’s primary goals is to make all of our customers feel cared for when they visit us.

Our health food market offers a comprehensive selection of quality products that meet diverse dietary needs; including vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and gluten-free. From grass-fed meats, specialty cheeses, bulk goods, healthy snacks, specialty foods, and health food staples, to our professionally curated supplement section, you can be assured that we put time and effort into researching everything in the store. We make sure we are providing you with quality, ethical products, with an emphasis on supporting independently owned businesses.

Table + Tonic, our solar-powered farm cafe and deli, offers original, healthy, and delicious breakfast and lunch items, fresh pressed organic juices, smoothies, and espresso drinks. We use organic produce, ethically-raised all-natural meats and cheeses, organic local eggs, local milk, and fair trade coffee roasted in NH. Additionally, you’ll be able to find many gluten-free & vegan items. Outside of deli hours, we offer grab-and-go items for purchase in our market.

Our recently expanded Eco-Gift Shop now has a room of its own. We offer unique and meaningful gifts to enrich your life: sustainable kitchen and eco-living products, metaphysical tools, wellness books, crystals & gems, local pottery & jewelry, yoga supplies, and fair trade items. If you’re looking for a great gift idea, or are just in the mood to shop an eclectic array of lovely things, it’s a great place to wander.

We prioritize being a green business behind the scenes as well; using biodegradable cleaning products, and recycled and compostable to-go ware, and by minimizing our waste stream through comprehensive recycling and donating of food scraps to local farmers. In 2021 we completed our 110-panel solar installation project and now generate enough energy to completely power our café + deli as well as our market coolers.

Solar Powered The Local Grocer

In 2013 we added Be Well Studios, a yoga and wellness center, to offer a more holistic health experience for our customers, offering services such as massage, reiki, mindset coaching, cutting edge sports recovery treatments, wellness workshops and holistic personal training.

In 2017 we were excited and grateful to purchase the historic renovated carriage house in which our businesses reside.

In the summer of 2021 Mountain Kula Yoga took over the yoga program, and now offers a full calendar of in-person and online yoga classes and workshops in our beautifully renovated downstairs space.

Our goal is to be a wellness resource for the Mt. Washington Valley community; providing information, education, wholesome food, lifestyle tools, and a place to be that feels good.