By Paige Cowen

Meet Joel, the Co-op’s new General Manager! Joel was born and raised nearby in Queens, but is relatively new to the neighborhood and lives just a short walk from the store. He has a background in the hospitality and food-service industry, working as a cook, chef manager and also a waste-prevention food rescuer! His love of food was inspired by the pursuit of food justice and equality, which now motivates his work. 

You will likely meet Joel whenever you are working a shift, or maybe even while shopping. Feel free to ask him for cooking advice, restaurant recommendations or even get into a chat about astronomy! Be sure to give Joel a warm welcome; we are so lucky to have him. 

Q: What are the top five things you buy at the Co-op? 

A: Mushroom ravioli, all the berries, strawberry sage kombucha, dried mango, so much kale.

Q: How did you find the Co-op and come to start in the assistant manager position? 

A: After high school I went to Colgate to study astronomy and business, but I felt very uninspired. I wanted to do something that would allow me to help people and do something with my hands. I decided to leave Colgate to pursue a culinary degree. I recently moved from Queens to Clinton Hill and was looking for a more responsible way to shop. I quickly found the Co-op and then remembered I had seen it featured on Broad City and was excited by that — I love that show.

Q: Any favorite spots in the neighborhood you want to share with everyone? 

A: I love Clementine and the market; they both feel so communal and have great food. Fan-Fan has AMAZING doughnuts.

Q: Have any cooking tips for the members? 

A: Just a few things! For flavorful food, make sure to season at every step of the cooking process! 

Don’t be afraid to get a little sear on your food! A little browning adds a lot of flavor!

Q: What does a typical day look like for you when you are working at the Co-op? 

A: It involves me bopping around from the office to the walk-in, and all over the store! I check in with everyone, see what needs to get done and fill in where needed! 

Q: What do you like to do on your days off? Do you have any other passions or hobbies? 

A: I love cooking and experimenting with food! You can catch me taking on projects involving food- catered events, dinners, classes etc. I also love riding around on my e-bike!

Q: Anything you are looking forward to in this role?

A: I’m looking forward to connecting with the community and seeing how this Co-op will grow to best serve its members!

As always, if you are interested in being featured in the Co-op Q&A please reach out to the newsletter team at newsletter@greenehillfood.coop! I’d love to meet you and help further connect our community.