Mike’s Organic Grocery Opens in Greenwich: 6 Questions with Owner Mike Geller

The Mike’s Organic squad was all smiles a friends & family event in 2021 where they announced they’d be opening a grocery store in Greenwich.

In July of 2021, Mike Geller and his dedicated team at Mike’s Organic held an announcement event in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich where the bones of the former Patio.com store stood a vacant eyesore for about two years.

That day, in the parking lot, friends and family gathered, food was devoured, and drinks were sipped as Geller enthusiastically spoke about the expansion of his Stamford-based grocery delivery service that would be taking over the 600 E Putnam Avenue space as a grocery store, selling all the finest local, farm fresh produce, meat, seafood, and top notch products that Mike’s Organic has become known for over the years.

Fast forward to less than two years later, like right now, in the present, and Mike’s Organic Grocery is a real thing, as in, you can officially shop there! Preorder. Pick up. Push a cart and browse the shelves. Swing by for a grab-n-go lunch or dinner by their own “Made By Mike’s” lineup of salads, sandwiches, entrées, and more that are all made in-house. And we’re positive that there’s more in store when it comes to this new grocery store.

I recently caught up with Geller for an interview because, honestly, there’s no one better than him to speak about the brand he has created through years of cultivating relationships with farmers and purveyors the way he can.

Before…

and after!

How did opening a full Mike’s Organic grocery store in Greenwich come to be an idea, then come to fruition?

MG: It's been many years in the making! Ever since starting the business in 2009, I've had the desire to open a store and do it in a location where as many people as possible could experience it. When 600 E Putnam Avenue became available, we jumped at the opportunity! It took months of planning, construction, and effort to get the doors open, but we did it. Connecting people with their food has always been our goal and there's no better way to do that then first-hand. To smell the strawberries, taste the tomatoes, see a sheep shearing, or meet a farmer.

The Stamford location! What’s happening with it now that you have a shiny new…store? And can customers still order, pick up, and shop there?

MG: Stamford has now transitioned to our delivery hub. All of the home deliveries leave from there and it also serves as our fulfillment center to bring product to the store and the kitchen. There's no more in-person shopping, but people can still order online and get their goodies brought right to the front door!

Back to Mike’s Organic Grocery. This is super general, but what can we expect there in terms of products, the experience, and are you bringing back events?

MG: We have worked hard to create a streamlined, curated shopping experience. To be a small format grocery store with a big impact, supporting hundreds of small farmers, artisans, and producers. Customers can expect to find: local/organic produce, pastured meats, grass-fed dairy, pantry staples, beverages, prepared foods, and more! We have activations every week ranging from baby cows visiting, beekeepers, waffle makers, cheese tastings and others. In addition, our food trailer makes fresh breakfast sandwiches on the weekends, burgers, and cheesesteaks during the week, and we even do grass-fed soft serve ice cream out of our pick up window! We will be doing larger format events as the season progresses as well.

You don’t “do” big brands, so speak on the general importance of what you carry?

MG: When you shop at Mike's, you are directly supporting small farmers, brands, and makers and helping to change our food system. During COVID, when restaurants closed, we had over 30 farmers tell us they would have lost their farm without us. Where you choose to shop matters, and when you do it with us, you are helping to support a sustainable, healthy food system that protects the planet, supports local agriculture, and brings more and more delicious, clean food to our community!

What else does this new space provide? I know Mike’s to-go prepared foods should be expanded upon, so definitely tell us about that. Can people rent out the space? What about a commercial kitchen? And how would one go about doing either?

MG: We have a beautiful outdoor area which we are beginning to rent out for private evening events. Our food trailer is catering parties at people's homes with menus ranging from lobster rolls, to tacos, and everything in between! The commercial kitchen is where we make all of our prepared foods and is more of a production kitchen than an event space, but between the outdoor area and the food trailer, we got you covered! Prepared foods have been a big focus and we have a menu of organic, fully prepared grab and go meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner...Even items for the kids! If you are interested in renting out the space or food trailer you can just email orders@mikesorganic.com and we can arrange it for you. The commercial kitchen is available to rent depending on space and availability.

Even though you just opened, give us a sneak peek at the very near future at Mike’s Organic Grocery. What’s happening this year? 

MG: There's so much coming up! Sheep shearing, dumpling pop up, fresh mozzarella making, a pasta making demo with II Pastaficio, and collaborations with awesome local food brands. We plan on doing a lobster fest this summer, Oktoberfest and pig roast in the Fall, and loads of other fun ways to connect with your food and the people behind it.

600 E Putnam Avenue; Greenwich
203.274.6495; mikesorganic.com