Bay View is sometimes referred to as "the other East Side" so it's a natural fit that The Outpost will open its third co-op in the friendly-and-trendy neighborhood at 2826 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. in the old Kohl's building.

"Bay View offers us many possibilities to serve our natural foods consumers as well as the expanding neighborhood itself," says Pam Mehnert, general manager.

Board members expect to sign a lease next month and the natural food store is projected to open in summer of 2005.

The new location is 8,000 square feet and will offer fresh produce, organic meat and seafood, dairy items, self-service bulk foods and a full-service deli and bakery. In addition, there will be a full-service grocery department, supplements and vitamins, beer and wine, a full line of personal wellness items, and pet care products.

Plus, a workshop, meeting facility and a commissary production facility will house Outpost's catering division.

Eleven thousand members equally own the co-op, and Mehnert speculates that number will grow by a thousand or more at the year's end. She says they hope to recruit some of the older community members.

"A lot of seniors who live in Bay View aren't necessarily natural food shoppers, but they want a nearby grocery store. We plan to amend some of our products to meet their needs," says Mehnert. "This food isn't just for hippies anymore, it can be for everyone."

The original building will undergo major revamping and will incorporate numerous sustainable design features already found in their other store locations, such as recycled flooring products, low v.o.c. paints and energy-efficient lighting and store equipment.

Recently, Bay View residents received questionnaires in the mail asking for their feedback.

"People just want good-tasting food and that's what Outpost is all about," says Mehnert.