If you think a grocery store is just a place to pick up tofu and toilet paper, then you’ve never been to Wheatsville. Deeply ingrained into daily life, and the very fiber of what makes Austin so special, this cooperative grocer has long stood as a beacon of community, compassion, and holistic healthy living. It’s where I go not just to shop, but to connect with local food, real people, and a genuine sense of purpose.
Roots That Run Deep
Wheatsville was born in 1976 from the hopes of a small group of idealists, dreamers, and food justice advocates who dared to believe that a better food system was possible. They named it Wheatsville to honor the first black community in Austin of Wheatville, established following the Civil War, founded in 1867 by James Wheat, who was formerly a slave.
More than a nod to past history, it was a promise to make this a place for everyone. What was, and still is, a radical concept of a community-owned store for fresh food, fair wages, and collective care, immediately put the original Guadalupe location on the map. In 2013, they were able to expand that vision into a second location on South Lamar, which has become even more involved in upholding those original values with a consistent stock of over 80% organic produce, niche products from local small businesses, and options for all dietary needs.
Better Choices In Bulk
One of the first things that hits you when you walk into Wheatsville, after the friendly “Hey, how’s it going?” at the door, is the wealth of options in the bulk section. While most stores have done away with the zero-packaging approach post-COVID, Wheatsville maintains theirs as an accessible, environmentally responsible way to stock up on all your dry goods. Dozens of clear bins line the aisle like a rainbow: heirloom beans, wasabi peas, jasmine rice, unsulfured dried mango (their best seller), and fresh pecans alike are at your disposal, in exactly the quantity you need. You can bring your own jars, which is fully encouraged, not just grudgingly tolerated, to prevent food waste and plastic waste alike.
Turn around to see the opposite side of the aisle, where the scent of freshly roasted bulk coffee beckons, irresistibly aromatic even if it wasn’t originally on your shopping list. Nearby, the peanut butter grinder hums softly, turning simple peanuts into creamy perfection right before your eyes, no sweeteners, fillers, or emulsifiers in sight. Even household goods like soaps and pet foods can be purchased in bulk, without the brand name price.
The Deli of Dreams
Say the words “popcorn tofu” and everyone will know what you’re talking about around here. This iconic protein has taken on a life of its own, spurring copycats across the globe, but none can quite replicate these deeply umami, meaty nuggets. I remember my on my very first visit to Austin, it was essential that I tried this mythical dish, and I understood the attraction at first bite. I even walked into a cactus trying to get there, but that’s a story for another time. Over 10 years later, they still have the same power over me. Find them in sandwiches, on the hot bar, at the deli, and chilling with the prepared foods to choose your own tofu adventure at home.
Rivaling that level of fame, the African Peanut Soup is a cult classic; thick, rich, and hearty enough to cure all malaise, including that of the spirit. Accompanying that perennial offering, the hot bar rotates with greatest hits like vegan mac and cheese and breakfast tacos, in addition to a full self-serve salad bar.
The build-your-own deli counter may be a newer addition, but it’s quickly become a favorite. Think Chipotle, if Chipotle actually cared about ingredients. Here, you can design your dream burrito, bowl, salad, wrap or taco with that prize-winning popcorn tofu in both original and buffalo flavors or Beyond steak, veggies, creamy vegan queso, fresh guacamole, and enough salsa options to keep things interesting all week. It’s fast, filling, and made to order, proving that convenience and quality don’t have to be opposites.
Breads, Pastries, and Sweet Surprises
Somehow, amidst all this, Wheatsville also finds time to bake in-house daily. If you happen to be an early riser, you can smell their loaves as they bake every morning, the scent of toasted wheat perfuming the air. I used to live around the corner and had a hard time resisting the lure as I took Luka out for the first walk of the day. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a variety of cakes, brownies, muffins, and cookies, but if you ask me, the real prize is their vegan donuts. Glazed, filled, sprinkled, or plain, they’re little luxuries that anyone can afford.
Sip, Stay, and Soak It In
Another new feature is that at the South Lamar location, you can now enjoy it all with a cold beer or glass of wine in hand. Thanks to a recently acquired TABC permit, the Bluewillow Lounge has become a true gathering place. Hosting free movie nights, open mics, cooking classes, dance lessons, drag bingo, and so much more, Wheatsville has become THE destination for food and fun, not just another stop along the way.
A Bittersweet Goodbye to Guadalupe
Even the most cherished places aren’t immune to change. In 2026, Wheatsville will be closing its original Guadalupe location, a space it had called home for nearly 50 years. The closure wasn’t a matter of declining sales or foot traffic, but the result of mounting pressure from the I-35 highway expansion project, which brought a wave of uncertainty to the area. Escalating costs, disrupted access, and the looming threat of displacement made a pathway forward impossible to forge.
Help Keep the Co-op Strong
Wheatsville isn’t closing down though. Far from it; it’s rebuilding. The South Lamar store is still open, thriving, and more vital than ever. Now, the co-op has launched a new fundraising campaign to stabilize operations and lay the groundwork for future expansion, hopefully even a new central location, once the dust from I-35 settles.
Here’s how you can help:
- Shop at South Lamar. Every purchase directly supports the co-op’s mission to pay fair wages, source responsibly, and uplift local producers.
- Become a co-op owner. Ownership means investing in the future of the store and having a say in how it’s run. It’s community-powered food, literally.
- Make a direct donation and invest. Even if you’re not local, you can contribute to Wheatsville’s fundraising campaign online. Every dollar goes toward keeping this community cornerstone strong.
- Spread the word. Tell your friends. Share your Wheatsville memories. Post about your favorite deli order or that one time the vegan donuts saved your morning. The more people who know, the more people who care.
Wheatsville has always been a living example of what’s possible when food is rooted in values, not just transactions. If you believe in that vision, if you’ve ever felt at home among the bulk bins or found joy in a Popcorn Tofu Po Boy, this is the moment to show up.
Co-ops aren’t born of convenience, and they don’t survive by accident; all of it depends on community. In a city changing faster than its skyline, Wheatsville remains something rare and essential. It’s a space rooted in shared values, local flavor, and collective care. Supporting Wheatsville means keeping the soul of Austin alive, and making sure it has a future worth growing into.
