This was great fun – Lauren and Alina are not just good friends, they are the faces of cutting edge independent natural products retail in Minnesota! This was such a pleasure to get to hear their story and also hear some personal insights on their journey to owning a legendary health food store. In March of 2024, long time employees; manager Lauren Gaffney and marketing director Alina Hornfeldt purchased Mastel’s and became the celebrated new owners. In Whole Food Magazine in April of 2023, Lauren commented “We are thrilled to take the helm of this beloved community institution and build upon its legacy. Our goal is to continue offering the same commitment to quality and wellness while exploring new and innovative ways to serve our customers. Founded 55 years ago, the store is renowned for its knowledgeable staff, who are dedicated to helping customers make informed decisions about their health and wellness.”