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Ozark Natural Foods Café in Fayetteville is more than a natural foods grocery store. It’s also a Café, complete with a Hot Bar, Salad Bar, Taproom and extensive food-to-go offerings, 7 days a week.
In the mid-90s, my family and I relocated to Northwest Arkansas from California’s Central Valley. I quickly discovered Ozark Natural Foods in Fayetteville, way out in the middle of nowhere, and followed them from the country to Evelyn Hills Shopping Center and their current location at the corner of College and Lafayette.
If my memory is correct, Ozark Natural Foods – or ONF, as locals call it – was a members-only cooperative that sold bulk foods and specialty natural products. It was founded by locals in 1971 with a “farm to community” mission, and over time, ONF expanded to include a variety of bulk items, along with a more traditional natural foods store.
Everyone is Welcome
In 2021, ONF relocated from Evelyn Hills Shopping Center (where old-timers will recall the former Montgomery Ward’s location) to its current location on the corner of College and Lafayette.
While membership still offers benefits like occasional member deals, the new location made sure to convey its message: Everyone is welcome.
No membership necessary!
A Full-Service Grocery Store
Yes, ONF is a full-service grocery store that is locally owned and offers a wide selection of items for everyone.
Local produce? Local meats? √
Salad Bar? √
Food to go? √
Bulk foods? Local breads? √
Dessert? √
Food to go? √
Coffee shop? √
Canned goods, consumer products, beer, wine, water, pet supplies, plants, dairy, vegan? √
Add a hundred more “√” for all that ONF has available, because there is something for everyone.
Shop, Eat and Drink
ONF is proud of offering local, organic and all-natural products. This means that you can most likely find 90% of everything on your grocery list (natural alternatives).
So, next time you’re out grocery shopping, head to ONF and bring your appetite. Their Salad Bar is open 7 days a week with fresh ingredients, crisp greens, house-made salad dressings and everything you can expect to fill your plate or to-go container. The Salad Bar is stocked with greens, beets, peas, feta and a variety of other delicious choices.
Perhaps you are craving something hot? Their daily Hot Bar is also available 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Similar to the Salad Bar, you can fill your plate and eat in the Café or take it to go in a to-go container for on-the-go eating.
Another great Café option is their ready-to-eat options created by the ONF Kitchen. These are abundantly stocked right as you enter the store and filled with items such as desserts, side items, and sandwiches.
And when all else fails and when you are tired of running around all day and shopping, put those groceries in the car and walk back in for a cup of coffee and dessert. Or perhaps a tall, cold one.
Meet Up with a Friend or Chill
If you’re inclined to stay and eat, the Ozark Natural Foods Café has comfortable seating both inside and outside.
Inside, there is ample seating for a group gathering or cozy spots to work or read while enjoying dessert and coffee.
When the weather is nice, plan to sit outside on the patio in the sun, in the shade, or on a swing in one of their porch swings overlooking the grounds and watch the traffic go by. Native plants are strategically placed as a sound barrier to shield the area from the road. And let’s face it, they are pretty to look at as you eat and drink.
Ozark Natural Foods Cafe
380 N College Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-521-7558
HOURS:
Monday-Saturday | 7 AM to 9 PM
Sunday | 8 AM to 9 PM
Open 7 days a week
Salad Bar | 8:30 AM – 8 PM
Hot Bar | 7:30 AM – 7 PM
Breakfast served by 7:30 AM
Lunch served by 11:30 AM
Dinner served by 3:30 PM
Opening times will be one hour later on Sunday
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