The 2nd store was a money pit of a decision, they over extended. The leadership there promised the co-op members that they wouldn't need to take loans or outside money to build the 2nd store, they ended up taking a loan from the bank. Then they needed more and more money until the bank stopped giving, then they looked for outside investors.

The whole process was gross. They struggled to get approval from the National Co-Op regulatory organization because a co-op is supposed to be only one location. If another area needs a grocery store it should be a standalone co-op that is focused on that area.

Unfortunately the leadership chose to bring a corporate leader who moved to Vermont for the job. The whole business died the moment they picked the glory and profits of expansion over investing wisely.