There’s an interesting story behind Alfalfa’s Market, named for the Persian herb that literally translates to “father of all foods.” Founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 1979, the store grew throughout the ’80s and ’90s to become one of the nation’s leading natural retailers. By 1996, Alfalfa’s 11 stores were acquired by Wild Oats Natural Marketplace. But 15 years later, the original Alfalfa’s founders resurrected the legendary name and opened an independent store at its original location in Boulder on Earth Day 2011.

In 2014, Alfalfa’s opened its second location in Louisville, Colorado. Both stores are about 20,000 square feet and offer a range of departments, including produce, floral, bulk, grocery, frozen, dairy, cheese and specialty, juice, seafood, meat, culinary, bakery, sushi bar, coffee and tea, sandwich shop and wellness.

In addition to its unique resurrection story, here are three ways Alfalfa’s breaks the mold:

Interesting selection. Both stores feature an extensive range of organic produce and other products, local meat and poultry, and unique features like a wood-fired oven for fresh pizzas, veggies, seafood and meats. The Boulder location offers cooking demonstrations from Alfalfa’s experts and local chefs, as well as a 100 percent organic juice bar, fresh-made sushi from a local favorite and the largest selection of cheeses in Colorado cut to order.

Related:2017 natural Retailer of the Year finalists announced

Eco-friendly construction. Both stores feature locally sourced stone and thousands of linear feet of reclaimed Colorado pine. Each has a white roof for 18 percent greater energy savings. Alfalfa’s strives to be zero waste and maximizes natural light for energy savings. Plus, at the Boulder store, recycled brick and original flooring helped reduce the need for new building materials while maintaining historical integrity.

Local focus. Alfalfa’s supports its community by carrying more than 3,000 local products. All fresh-baked breads come from local bakeries. The company also gives back to the community, so far having donated 150,000 meals to those in need.

The other Retailer of the Year Standout Health Food/Supplement Store finalist is:

Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op

The Retailer of the Year winners were announced at Natural Products Expo East 2017.