When the McDonald’s on Sloane Avenue in Lakewood closes this fall, it will be replaced by a considerably healthier happy meal option. The natural foods store Nature’s Bin will purchase the building and expand its catering operations there, hiring up to six new workers.

These new employees will be placed at Nature’s Bin through its owner, Cornucopis Inc., a nonprofit that prepares disabled individuals for the workforce by giving them real world experiences where they can interact with customers. 

“This is an exciting time as we add additional space to expand our training program capacity, food services and catering,” stated Scott Duennes, Executive Director of Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin, in a news release. “It has always been part of our long-term vision to stay and grow in our local community.”

“Cornucopia provides a unique program that offers vocational training in a real-world environment,” said Terry Ryan, Superintendent of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD). “CCBDD supports this endeavor and is excited about the prospect of the expansion of services to a greater number of individuals with disabilities.”

Nature’s Bin, a locally-owned Lakewood mainstay since 1975, faces intense competition from Earth Fare in Fairview Park and Heinen’s in Rocky River. A recent announcement that Whole Foods plans to open a store in Rocky River in 2014 will add to the surfeit of natural food options available on the west side.

The 8,000-square-foot store is smaller than its competitors, yet benefits from its loyal customer base and those who support its mission of training disabled adults. Nature’s Bin also offers a range of specialty products like gluten-free bread.

The Mcdonald’s in Lakewood  is relocating to the site of the former Detroit Theatre, a historic building that was torn down -- over the protests of many Lakewood residents -- to accommodate a new building for the fast food venue.

Source: Nature’s Bin
Writer: Lee Chilcote