Mastel's Story
Rooted in Wellness - Grown with Care
Learn how one man’s search for wellness grew into a trusted local haven for health and healing.
Mastel's Roots
A Journey to Wellness
In the mid-1960s, after experiencing several long illnesses and feeling disillusioned with conventional medicine, John Mastel picked up the holistic how-to manual You Can Change Your Life—and did exactly that.
Fueled by his personal transformation, John opened Mastel’s Health Foods near the corner of Fairview and Saint Clair Avenues in Saint Paul, Minnesota. While continuing his day job at the Highway Department, he ran the store evenings and weekends, with the help of a small team of fellow health enthusiasts.
Key Moments in Mastel’s History
John Mastel opens store at Cleveland & St. Clair in St. Paul
John moves store to current location 1526 St. Clair Ave.
John brings home baby aloe from tradeshow—becomes store mascot in window.
Bill Moyers visits the store on Christmas Eve.
Steve Carell films The Daily Show segment “Echinacea Dealers” at the store.
John retires from daily store management to focus on his hobby farm in Afton, MN.
Lauren Gaffney joins as sales associate while studying at Macalester College.
Lauren and Alina meet and become best friends.
Alina Hornfeldt is hired to lead store marketing and social media.
Mastel’s stays open during pandemic—curbside, then in-person—to serve the community.
Mastel’s Health Foods named Retailer of the Year by Vitamin Retailer Magazine.
Lauren named Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery winner (Store Manager).
Alina and Lauren purchase the store and building from John Mastel.
Mastel's Community
MORE THAN A STORE
“When people asked me why I started the store, I said, ‘to improve my health.’” But John quickly discovered something deeper. His customers inspired him, shared their experiences, and helped shape the direction of the store. The connection was mutual and powerful.
Long before the wellness industry gained mainstream momentum, John earned a reputation for staying current with cutting-edge nutritional research. He believed in sharing this knowledge freely, offering every customer personalized attention and access to the best supplements available.
By the 1970s, Mastel’s was drawing people from a 40-mile radius. In 1977, John left his day job to work full-time at the shop and moved the business to its current home at 1526 Saint Clair Avenue—a bigger, brighter space that allowed for a wider selection and an even better customer experience.
Mastel's Today & Beyond
New Leadership - Same Values
In March 2023, John passed the torch to longtime staff and trusted managers Lauren Gaffney and Alina Hornfeldt. Lauren (General and Purchasing Manager for 20+ years) and Alina (Marketing Manager for 6+ years) are close friends and passionate wellness advocates. Together, they’re dedicated to upholding the integrity, welcoming spirit, and strong community roots that have always defined Mastel’s.
With over 4,000 products and a growing mail-order customer base that spans thousands of miles, Mastel’s continues to thrive in a booming industry. What hasn’t changed? Our belief in superior products, personal service, and the power of shared knowledge—just as John envisioned over 50 years ago.
Involvement
DONATIONS & COMMUNITY
