Greg Horos and Melissa Rosen plan to open Locali on December 12 in the former Franklin Village home of Franklin Grocery, offering “conscious convenience.” Locali means “community” in Italian. With that in mind, Rosen promises “convenient access to eco-friendly products, delicious prepared foods, natural snack items and unique beverages from local, organic and sustainable growers, food artisans and suppliers.” Basically, Locali is a healthier, eco-friendly version of 7-11.

To channel their vision, Horos and Rosen hired Ana Henton and Greg Williams from MASS Architecture & Design (Silverlake Wine, Breadbar Century City, the upcoming CASA and Corkbar, etc.). Rosen describes the space as “a Japanese quik-mart meets a European corner store,” with ultra-green construction. That means stainless steel and reclaimed Douglas Fir, solar tube and LED lighting and low VOC paint. Expect bar seating at the window, with benches and tables outside. The seating will be crafted from reclaimed wood. The water will flow from a reverse osmosis tap, which will allow customers to fill reusable bottles. Locali will also feature both recycling and composting.

“In terms of food, Locali carefully selects all vendors and looks forward to increasing your connection to the sources of what you consume,” says Rosen. “With a heightened awareness of where our food comes from, we can make informed decisions about what we eat in order to aid our personal health and vitality, while minimizing our negative impact on the environment and other people.”

Rosen supplied more specifics about Locali’s food: “You will not find any product containing high fructose corn syrup, refined sugars, hydrogenated oils or genetically modified ingredients on our shelves. In addition to an exclusive selection of sustainable, organic and bionynamic wines and beers, we also offer a range of convenience store favorites all made from organic ingredients. Hot pretzels, grass fed beef and tofu hot dogs, fair trade coffee, wild harvested yerba mate spritzers, gluten-free bagels and agave-sweetened slushies are just some of our tasty offerings. Seasonal soups, salads and sandwiches will also be available, along with pre-packaged meals from local food artisans and restaurants.”

Locali’s impact won’t be limited to the storefront. “In the near future, we plan to organize workshops, field trips and tastings related to wellness, environmental and self-sufficiency education,” says Rosen. “We’re working on exciting project for our opening with the Cheremoya School that will benefit the students. In January, we will become a community supported agriculture drop site for the Tierra Miguel Foundation, an organic non-profit farm. Those interested can sign up directly with Tierra Miguel – www.tierramiguelfarm.org…On continual basis, a percentage of our profits will benefit a variety of local and international charities.”

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21 Comments

1. Kara Brackney -Founder Harmony InsideOut, November 14, 2008:

   Hi guys,
   Melissa, I’m looking forward to meeting you in person. Kaja has told me all about you and I’m so thrilled for you two with this venture! YES! This is the future and your on the cusp. Be proud of yourselves. I’d love to set up a lunch date, hey let’s go to Locali?
   warmly, a fellow IIN alumni
   Peace

2. Joshua Rosenthal, November 14, 2008:

   Very very exciting. Can’t wait to check it out !

3. mattatouille, November 14, 2008:

   cool concept, as long as the prices aren’t exorbitantly high, I might frequent this place. Famima’s great, but the prices are a rip.

4. Alisi Mataele, November 14, 2008:

   Congratulations! I’m soooooooo thrilled that I want to camp outside on the 11th so I can be your first customer!

5. Nicole Frey, November 14, 2008:

   Awesome! Can’t wait to come by and check out your new place.

6. Homegrown Evolution, November 14, 2008:

   Congrats to Greg and Melissa and good luck with the new shop!

7. Dana Wilson, November 14, 2008:

   I can’t wait!!!!

8. Scott Rago, November 14, 2008:

   What a wonderful idea turned in to reality.

9. Hannah Treuhaft, November 14, 2008:

   Wow. This sounds amazing, you guys. Shall Marc and I open the second location up in PDX? Are you ready to franchise yet?

10. Clarice, November 14, 2008:

    Congratulations Melissa and Greg!
    Thank you for offering the residents of our community a healthy choice – Locali!

11. shannon, November 15, 2008:

    Congrats Melissa and Greg!! Can’t wait to see the beautiful dream…..in reality!!

12. Uncle Ed & A. Ann, November 17, 2008:

    Best of luck to both of you. I wish there was a store like yours in our neighborhood. Prepard meals to go!!!! and healthy “junk” food too! This is a dream…

13. searchi, December 15, 2008:

    Nice post.Thanks.

14. Lenar, January 2, 2009:

    Great article, thanx for information

15. mephi, January 9, 2009:

    Thank you for sharing info.

16. Александр Пирагис, January 25, 2009:

    Thank you for sharing info.

17. 4ync, March 1, 2009:

    Well, very interesting article … thanks

18. Accountant, March 10, 2009:

    Very interesting article, I will wait for continuation

19. Helias, March 11, 2009:

    Thanks

20. spermint, March 14, 2009:

    Great article, thanx for information

21. Aunt Jan, June 18, 2010:

    I hope to come out to California sometime soon and I would love to see you and visit your new market which sounds great. Best of Luck to both of you.

This entry is filed under LA Culinary Compass.