Wright's Natural Market Re-Opens in Downtown NPR

The community has been anxiously awaiting Wright's Natural Market's opening in downtown New Port Richey for the last year. The anticipation was almost becoming unbearable. Customers were peeking in windows and wandering in while staff were stocking shelves and putting finishing touches on. Everyone pitched in and worked countless hours to get the doors open and made it just in time to participate in the downtown NPR After Dark promotion toward the end of October.

The new store is spacious, and inviting. With a cafe on the Main Street side that offers indoor seating along with tables and chairs on the sidewalk so customers have the option of relaxing inside or out while sipping their Fair Trade, organic, locally roasted cappuccino or lunching on piping hot vegan chili. Something to note, the cafe features vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free dining. Smoothies are vegan and made with organic fruits and veg--no ice or other fillers--to provide total nutrition (and deliciousness) with the option to add on plant-based protein powders and a variety of super foods and antioxidants to really bump up the nutritional value. In the coming weeks the store will be adding more fresh, healthy grab-and-go options and avocado toast for a quick snack, breakfast, or lunch.

Once the store's alcohol license is approved, shoppers will also be able to imbibe in a Florida brewed organic beer from the Orlando Brewing Company, kombucha beer, or hard cider while they shop or visit with friends. Currently non-alcoholic hibiscus kombucha from Sarasota-based 221BC is available on tap.

As far as the grocery options, you will find a nice variety of products from your favorite non-GMO, vegan, and Organic companies like Beyond Meat, Glutino, Vegan Rob's, Sami's Bakery, Pacific Foods, Bob's Red Mill, Namaste, Enjoy Life, Amy's, Applegate, Organic Valley, Udi's, Daiya, and more. You will discover new brands to love too, including the store's brand, Cadia, which offers a line of products created especially for neighborhood natural markets and provides a cost-value organic food option. They are a certified B corporation, that believes in sourcing ingredients from small organic farmers and companies that embrace sustainable fishing practices. If you are looking for more ways to stretch your organic shopping dollar, you can also save a boat-load by taking advantage of the great selection of bulk food, herbs, DIY ingredients, spices and teas.

The produce section is loaded with only USDA certified organic or locally grown goods. The local growing season is just getting started, so you will be seeing beautiful kale and greens from Freedom House Farm, shiitake mushrooms from Cadle's Cove and more from other local growers taking center stage in the next few months.

Of course, there is the heart of the store, Jeff and Kathy Wright. Both are Certified Nutritionists who care deeply about helping people on the path to better health and are more than happy to share their knowledge. Kathy specializes in nutritional counseling for those seeking to address autoimmune issues (like Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's, chronic fatigue and eczema), anxiety, adrenal fatigue, and inflammation through changes in diet and lifestyle. The store offers a wide variety of supplements, digestive enzymes, probiotics, protein powders, amino acids and homeopathic remedies. Be assured, supplements undergo the same scrutiny as the rest of the products offered at Wright's and are held to very high quality standards. The Wright's also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all supplements; even if you use the whole bottle but don't feel it helped, they encourage you to bring the bottle back for a full refund.

The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. Many have said they are excited to know they don't have to drive to Tampa and Odessa for groceries anymore. Others are enjoying the fact they can now walk, ride bikes, or drive golf carts to do their shopping.

What you need to know if you go:

Wright's Natural Market is located at 5800 Main Street, however the store has two entrances with the main parking lot being located on the corner of Nebraska and Adams on the south side of the store. There is another free City parking lot on Main and Adams if that is more convenient.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Kathy can be found at the store Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and is available by appointment as well. The store accepts EBT/SNAP and offers shopping assistance for customers with special needs.

Dogs are allowed in the outside cafe area, but only service animals are allowed in the store.

You can find more information about what makes Wright's Natural Market unique here, on Facebook, and Instagram.

Lia Gallegos is the Marketing Director for Wright's Natural Market and Partner at Rock the Boat Productions. She is passionate about promoting the community she lives and works in and the new small-town urban lifestyle developing in downtown New Port Richey.