photo by Dee Longfellow
Employees gather around Store Manager Mike VanDusseldorp (center, with scissors) as the ribbon is cut on their new location at 135 No. Addison by the parking deck. The new store now has a grocery section offering fresh produce, along with many products they carried at the former site at York & Third. Full story below.
Fruitful Yield celebrates new, larger location
By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
The Independent joined the Ambassadors of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECCI) for a ribbon-cutting event at Fruitful Yield, the all-natural health food store in downtown Elmhurst, which used to be at York & Third.
Fruitful Yield was founded 55 years ago by Elwood Richard, who chose the corner location on York. There are now 13 locations and more than 1600 people employed by the company.
In the past few years, owners recognized the store was outgrowing its space. It carried so much merchandise, it appeared crowded with narrow aisles. The ability to offer certain foods like fresh produce was out of the question because there was simply not enough room.
But that was then, this is now. The new location at 135 No. Addison St., right next to the new parking deck, has changed all of that.
People from Fruitful Yield’s Corporate office were on hand for the celebration that took place Friday, April 7, when the ribbon was officially cut and ECCI members were invited inside. The Corporate level visitors indicated how pleased they were to be able to stay in Elmhurst and not have to move to a different town. They also added that it would not be possible without the Addison St. Parking Deck.
It happened to be “Beauty Day” at Fruitful Yield on Friday, one of the daily themes used during the grand opening week. Guests lined up to try out different products and were invited to make their own scrubs and masques using essential oils and other ingredients perfectly suited to their own skin. There was also staff offering makeovers and helping visitors try out all-natural skin care and makeup choices available at the store.
The real story is how much lighter and brighter the space appears because it is considerably larger now. It has become so much more than it was in the previous location. In addition to all the things you may be used to buying at Fruitful Yield, there is now a grocery section that includes fresh produce.
There is also a smoothie bar, where you can purchase blended specialty drinks and juices, as well as soups, chili and bakery items. The store carries Stumptown Cold Brew Roasters coffee and soups by Kettle Cuisine, available by the cup or in a 4-pound frozen bag to take home.
Other products include candies, all-natural toothpaste, homeopathic remedies, essential oil diffusers, all-natural mineral sunscreen and hair color.
“We feel what sets us apart is that our staff is trained in the products we carry,” said Molly Donegan, Marketing Coordinator for Fruitful Yield. “Our employees can educate customers and help them find something that works for their particular need or concern. People are invited to come in and ask anyone to help them find the right items.”
Asked about charitable giving, Store Manager Mike VanDusseldorp said the store is involved in an effort called Vitamin Angels, which provides vitamins to those who need them, especially children, in other countries.
The store also offers an all-natural pet line that includes food and supplements. There are plans to hold special events just for dogs over the summer. VanDusseldorp and Donegan said they were anxious to check out the Elmhurst Park District’s Doggie EGG-stravaganza going on Saturday, April 15.
Jennifer Hennen is very proud of the company, where she has been an employee for 33 years. She was actually sad to leave the former location, only because it had become “home” to her. She even wrote a poem about it.
In honor of the New Elmhurst Fruitful Yield
The Fruitful Yield as we all know –
has been around since long ago.
Started here in Elmhurst town –
so healthy products could be found.
The famed corner store since ’73 –
is now a “new corner” for all to see.
The expansion’s brought us more to share –
produce, smoothies, and choices made with care.
So let’s toast to success for our new store
As today marks “our moment” and so much more.
Jennifer Hennen
Employee since 1984
