When Wing and Prater first started the business, they were doing all the outreach to potential sources. But since the store has opened and become more popular, potential sources are now coming to them. This variety makes the market an interesting place to peruse.
“Everything we carry has an aspect that is unique or interesting,” Wing said. “They’re each kind of doing their own thing and they’re really good at what they do.”
Building a community around sustainability
While a lot of focus has been placed on making The Sundry a zero-waste business, Prater and Wing have also paid attention to the social aspect of sustainability.
Wing said from day one, they wanted to pay their employees a living wage, which the culinary industry is not known for.
“That wasn’t the easiest choice to make, but (Prater) and I didn’t want to do this on the back of employees that can’t even afford the things we sell in our store,” he said.
The Sundry currently employees 11 people in addition to the owners. They’ve also made an impact in the community. Wing said they have donated a food and supplies to support non-profits in the area and have done complimentary catering for some businesses.
“We want to give back to the community,” he said.
And to continue that community feel, they are determined to keep prices reasonable. Wing said he and Prater didn’t want to be a “high-end market.” They wanted to dispel the myth that local, sustainable food is only for some people.
“We want to allow as many people as possible to shop and take advantage of the great products we have in Kansas City food wise,” Wing said.
The Sundry is located at 1706 Baltimore Ave. in Kansas City, MO. To find out more about the products they sell or what’s on the menu, visit www.thesundry.com.
This story is the second installment in our current series featuring small, local businesses that are pioneering sustainability.
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