10 Questions With: Patrick Sayler

10 Questions With is a new series featuring people of interest in the 605. Have someone you’d like to see featured? Email [email protected]. 

When it comes to eating local and eating healthy, Patrick Sayler is your go-to guy. The general manager of the Sioux Falls Food Co+op is settling into the grocery store’s expanded space and looking ahead to a big year.

Most memorable moment of 2021?

Without question it is finishing our expansion and getting to operate out of our bigger store!

This newly expanded co-op represents so many things for the future of Sioux Falls. The support we have received so far gives me a tremendous sense of pride for this community. I get to go to work every day and work toward building an even stronger community here. That means a lot to me. It is not just a job, it is a mission.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Is there such a thing as a typical day? There is definitely no typical day in retail, especially during a pandemic. To be honest, there is nothing typical about the co-op, and that’s why I love it.

Aside from the usual things like walking the store aisles, checking in with the staff, doing all the fun administrative things that keep the doors open, cleaning and stocking, there are the other exciting things like visioning the future of the Sioux Falls Food Co+op. By far my favorite thing is running all the possible scenarios for the co-op and what we can do in the future.

The Sioux Falls Food Co+op is always adding something new. What’s the last thing you tried for the first time?

I tried mushroom coffee recently, and I have to say it’s not for me. There are a ton of healthy reasons to drink it, but I think I will let someone else drink it.

We love your lunch hot bar options. What’s your recommendation for someone who has never tried them?

We have put a lot of intention into the food offerings at the co-op kitchen. I think it’s great for someone who has just started to mix in some meatless meals but wants comfort food. The best part of the kitchen is the variety. You can bring dad down and get him pot roast and mashed potatoes on Friday and grab yourself a vegan bowl or gluten-free bakery item, and everyone finds something they love.

Are you hiring? What makes a star employee at the co-op?

We are always hiring good people for the front end or the kitchen. The co-op is a great fit for anyone interested in local foods, a healthy work environment and building community.

We want to be inclusive, so we do not require natural foods or co-op experience to work here. If you love people and find honor in feeding you community in a meaningful way, the co-op is a great place to be.

Name an item most people never would expect to find at the co-op?

I think the popcorn tofu seems to be the big one. It’s firm tofu, breaded in a gluten-free batter and deep-fried. It’s crispy and delicious, and just as satisfying as chicken. It’s so fun to watch folks try it for the first time!

Other than home, where do you spend the most time when you’re not at work?

I really want to sound cool here, so my first instinct is to say jogging on the trails around Sioux Falls, practicing drums in my garage or hiking in one of our lovely parks, but let’s be real here: it’s probably the Great Outdoor Store. Patagonia is the tuxedo of cooperators.

Who does the cooking in your house – and/or buys the groceries?

That’s all me. My wife is a good cook, and my kids dabble in cooking sometimes, but it is usually all me. I love food, I love cooking, and coming home and cooking something unique is really relaxing for me.

What’s your favorite thing in Sioux Falls to do with your kids?

Currently, my favorite thing is walking around downtown and the Falls looking for Pokemon! Lots of great poke stops in Sioux Falls, and the sculptures are pretty cool too.

Last question: You get a shameless plug for anything you’d like to get the word out about in town. What is it?

Join the co-op! Supporting your local co-op ensures that your community has its own grocery store that provides healthy food to the community and keeps all the profit local! You can shop for beautiful local foods knowing that the money you spend directly supports local farmers and producers. And when your payment goes through, it doesn’t go into a bank account in Germany. It stays here supporting a strong local food system.

10 Questions With: Brienne Maner