Sunflower Natural Foods Store marks 30 years, now under new ownership

LACONIA — 2015 has been an important year for Sunflower Natural Foods located at 390 South Main Street in Laconia. Founded in 1985, the store is celebrating 30 years of business as a community resource for natural, organic foods and alternative health therapies. In addition to honoring its past, Sunflower looks to the future under new ownership.

After eleven years at the helm, store owner Ana Gourlay decided it was time to pass the torch. "I have always felt that I was only the care taker of Sunflower. The store is an entity in and of itself that really belongs to the community. It exists and continues to flourish thanks to our many loyal and enthusiastic customers," said Gourlay.

The new owner of Sunflower Natural Foods is Paul Flynn. Flynn has owned Hampton Natural Foods in Hampton, NH for the past nine years and has owned Sunflower Natural Foods since May of this year.

"Ana has done a fantastic job with Sunflower. She has made the store an important part of the community." Flynn said, "It is my intention to continue Sunflower in the same manner in which it has been run. The store is beloved by its customers and more than one person has said to me, 'You better not change a thing!'"

Originally located on Canal Street in downtown Laconia, Sunflower moved to its current location next to Vista Foods in 1992. In the spring of 2009, Sunflower underwent a major renovation and expansion project- more than doubling in size. Sunflower Natural Foods carries more than just natural foods and organic produce. The store also offers vitamins and herbs, natural body care, earth-friendly housewares and gifts.

Sunflower is known for its knowledgeable and friendly staff. "There's a lot of conflicting information out there," notes Gourlay, "and Sunflower is here to help people understand nutrition and holistic health options. We've been doing it for 30 years!"

The new, enthusiastic Store Manager, Ryan Marchand, exemplifies the warm, welcoming spirit of Sunflower. Marchand has been at Sunflower for almost four years and is eager to carry on serving its many loyal customers.

Marchand says, "People's health and one's community are among the most important things in life. I see Sunflower as a cornerstone of support for these two things. We have customers that span three generations. People who started shopping at Sunflower in the 1980s now come in with their grandchildren. As the new store manager I feel extremely lucky to be a part of that history and of Sunflower's future."