At 35 Wall Street, the cobblestone walkway is scattered with golden gingko leaves, their fan-shaped edges tracing a mosaic of autumn across downtown Asheville. Above the entrance, a glowing green sign reads Asheville Forager. The glass doors swing open as cheerful customers step out, arms full of local goods, while inside, owners Patty and Heather Collins greet newcomers from behind the counter, slicing deli meats and ringing up fresh produce – all part of their vision to build Asheville’s first zero-waste grocery store.
“We keep it organic where we can, local where we can,” said Patty Collins. “We’ve got a butcher shop, bakery, deli, catering and delivery – we try to do everything and accommodate everybody.”
The couple opened Asheville Forager just four months ago after years of working in hospitality downtown. A common refrain from both tourists and locals sparked their idea: Where’s the closest grocery store? Where’s a good sandwich shop?
That gap and their passion for sustainability became the seed for a business that feels more like a neighborhood project than a store, said store owner Heather Collins.
Heather smiled as she recalled their beginnings.
“We built everything ourselves,” she said. “From the front desk to the Hurricane Helene tribute tree on the wall. Even our dog’s paw prints are in the cement. We’re just locals helping locals.”
Pursuing North Carolina’s first zero-waste grocery certification
The Foragers are working with the nonprofit TRUE to become North Carolina’s first certified zero-waste grocery. TRUE recently certified Sierra Nevada Brewery in nearby Fletcher, and Asheville Forager hopes to follow suit.
For Patty, waste reduction isn’t just about the environment, but also about common sense.
“I’ve always hated food waste,” he said. “Not just for the environment, but as a business thing. You can’t run a sustainable business if you’re throwing away what could feed people.”
Their shelves are lined with goods from more than 50 local and regional vendors. Customers can find everything from vegan cheese and gluten-free pastries to grass-fed, grass-finished meats said store owner Patty Collins.
Community at the Counter
The shop has already become a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike.
“I like bringing my tours here so people can see what Asheville really has to offer,” said Joe Azzolino, a guide for Asheville Free Walking Tours. “You’ve got all these local products in one small spot and the owners are just so warm and welcoming.”
Real estate professional Abe Abinante stumbled in for breakfast before joining the tour
“They gave us samples of waffles on a stick,” he laughed. “Spectacular breakfast, great energy.”
Heather says that community connection is what drives everything they do.
“Food insecurity is real, especially now,” she said. “We just want to make it easier for people to get good food. This is home, we raised our kids here, and this is our way of giving back.”
A Store that feeds more than hunger
From handcrafted counters to house-roasted turkeys, Asheville Forager blends craftsmanship with conscience. The store’s mission is simple: make good food accessible, reduce waste and build community – one sandwich at a time.
“We don’t just want to be the biggest,” Patty said. “We want to be the best and approachable to everyone.”
The sandwich is nearly head-sized, stuffed with thick-cuts and fresh greens, layered between house-baked bread.
And for anyone who’s ever wandered downtown wondering where to grab a good sandwich, Asheville finally has an answer.
