Dean’s Natural Food Market Celebrates 20 Years
Throwback Pricing, 90s music & staff costume contest from Dec. 12 to 18
When you walk into Dean’s Natural Food Market from Dec. 12 to 18, it may seem as if thought you’ve entered into a time warp.
Staff will be donning the best of 1990s fashion and working against a backdrop of the decade’s music in recognition of the organic and natural food store’s 20th anniversary.
Dean Nelson launched the Ocean Township store in 1996 with one mission – to serve the health and environmentally conscious consumer.
With a continued commitment to providing organic, non-GMO, and environmentally conscious products, Nelson opened his Shrewsbury location in 2004, Basking Ridge in 2012, and Chester branch earlier this year.
Along the way, Nelson and wife Loretta [at right] have donated close to $254,000 to area nonprofits, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey, Konscious Youth Development and Service [KYDS], Mary’s Place By The Sea, the SPCA, and Restore the Shore.
“It has been an amazing experience working with and serving so many great people in our communities,” Nelson said via a written news release. “I hope we have touched as many lives as have touched us. We will continue to be on the forefront of the organic and non-GMO movements and will represent the best interests of our planet and the people we serve.”
Today, Dean’s markets offer weekend and weekly produce sales, has expanded its organic bulk selection, routinely hold free educational workshops that offer everything from cutting the sugar habit to finding nutritional alternatives kids will actually eat.
This month’s workshops focus on creating healthier versions of holiday meals. At 6 p.m. Dec 6, the Route 35 Ocean Township flagship will offer Super Simple Superfoods and at 6 p.m. Dec. 7, the Route 206 Chester branch will offer Living Plate.
Nelson will celebrate his 20th anniversary by revisiting the days when it all began. From Dec. 12 to 18, customers will pay close to 1996 prices for some of the market’s most popular items – select items like his 16oz. juices and smoothies will be reduced to $4.99; and customers can get Siggi’s yogurt for $, and two Dean’s house-made vegan energy bars for $5.
In addition to the reduced anniversary pricing, Dean’s Natural Food Market employees will be participating in a friendly competition to see who can come up with the best 90’s inspired outfits.
Dean’s Natural Food Market flagship store is located at 1119 Route 35. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 .am. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Dean’s Holiday hours will shift to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec 24, closed on Dec 25, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec 31, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. New Year’s Day Sale on Jan. 1.
For details and more information on the other branches, visit Dean’s website here, Facebook page, and Instagram.
[Photos courtesy of Dean’s Natural Market]
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