Big Hollow Food Co-Op — Attraction in Laramie

What would Laramie do without Big Hollow?

Not only is it the only health food store in town (and for at least another 50 miles outside town), but it has excellent prices considering, and carries some really special items that we've yet to see elsewhere – like Vintage Tradition's line of grass-fed tallow-based body products, for example. They also carry some of our personal less-known favourites like Bee's Wrap and Four Nuts By Nature's soap nuts, which we're always happy to see.

They've got a very full, well-rounded bulk section (including vanilla extract and maple syrup), a rotating selection of kombuchas on tap for so cheap it's absurd (and it's sold by the pound! – they welcome bringing in your own jar, and that way you save plastic and cup cost) as well as a really well-curated bit of sustainable household & cleaning supplies.

The produce section is admittedly a little lackluster, at least comparatively, but does cover most of the bases. Laramie and its surroundings aren't exactly lush and easily farmable, so we understand the options being limited. The pricing and quality of what they do have though more than makes up for any deficiencies.

Our only real disappointment was in the meat selection. Other than in jerky form, none of it was pastured or grass-fed, and seemed to be of relatively low quality as far as animal diet and welfare are concerned. If the meat were fresh, we could understand wanting to only stock nearby producers to cut down on waste, and travel time and cost, but it's all frozen. These days, if you're already willing to sacrifice freshness, it's too easy to find at least high-quality beef and buffalo.

Big Hollow may not be perfect, but it's a pleasant little place that isn't likely to leave you in want of much. Its easy-going, small town charm, combined with its well-stocked interior could very well make you wish you lived in Laramie just to have this as your...

I was traveling through Laramie on my vacation and the maid at the hotel threw away my bottle of Dr. Bronner's magic soap. I googled health food stores, called one of them and told him what I was looking for. He suggested "the hippy grocery store" on 2nd. It was a very hot day so I brought my little dog into the store. "No dogs allowed!" bellowed the clerk. That was fine. I needed one thing, I could put the dog in the car, run in, grab my soap and run out. I get my soap, go to the one open register,and waited behind a lady purchasing several items. Just as the cashier was ringing her out, the clerk who had yelled at me opened the other register. I handed him my card, tapped on the counter, and he gives me a dirty look and says "Are you in a hurry?" I tell him that yes, my dog is in a hot car. He makes another face at me and takes his time running my card. He apologizes about "the dog thing", but it sounds sarcastic, like he thought I was trying to guilt trip him or something. I understand that health food coops are usually a little slower paced than your horrible corperate big box stores, and he's probably used to chewing the fat with his customers, but I was in a hurry, I told him I was in a hurry and why, and he went slow anyway and was frankly kind of...

ONE OF LARAMIE'S PRECIOUS GEMS: Big Hollow Food Co-Op! Their new store, located at 112 South 2nd Ave, is accessible from front or rear (facing a handy parking lot). The store itself is the same only better; expanded selection in a fresh, new environment. The Co-Op’s emphasis remains organic and locally grown foods including excellent meat, eggs, cheeses, deli items and —seasonally— produce. It is easy to zip up and down the aisles to find my favorite good foods-- from bulk items such as coffees, grains, dried fruit, and nuts to herbs and spices, honey and nut butters. They also have lots of packaged foods, familiar healthy food brands. The produce and the dairy items are fabulous. I also like the enviro-friendly cleaning and paper products and the pet supplies. I would love to see the co-op offer some wall space as an art gallery for area artists; that would add another dimension to...