Community wellness hub closes their doors after 35 years

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- After 35 years in business, a beloved local wellness store is closing its doors. Paradise Natural Foods leaves behind a legacy of health, kindness, and community connection.

Since 1990, Paradise Natural Foods has been a cornerstone of health and wellness in Albany. Bill and Marie Creighton built their business around community — growing and adapting alongside the customers who became like family.

"Well, for one thing, the people that loved coming there, as the years have gone by, it’s aged itself. Well, they’ve aged, we’ve aged. But the customer kept coming back. You know, they came right to the very end, a lot of them." said co-owner Bill Creighton.

For many shoppers, paradise was more than a store — it was a lifeline. Barbara Bradley started shopping there in 1991, shortly after she was diagnosed with celiac disease. "They had cakes, pies, books. I knew nothing about celiac. I knew nothing about going gluten free. And this place really saved my life." said Bradley.

"As they say, people spend their entire lives trying to get into paradise. And yet here we are. We have, we have experienced it, and yet it is moving on." said Tom McGuire, Bradley's husband.

As Bill and Marie prepare for retirement, longtime customers say it’s hard to say goodbye — but they’re grateful for all the years of kindness and wellness advice. Ellen Dorato has been a customer for the last 35 years, "The selfish side of me says, ‘Don’t go’. And the smarter side of me says, you know, ‘Way to go. Congratulations!’ They’ve earned this."

For the Creighton's, the loyalty of their customers — right to the very end — is what made the journey worth it. If you would like to get one last 'taste of paradise', Paradise Natural Foods’ last day is Friday, October 31st.