Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of the Raisin Rack Natural Food Market's Retailer Story! Raisin Rack Natural Food Market has customized a special offer ending June 7th you won’t want to miss!

By Marsha Bonecutter It was a wonderful day for all of us when teachers, Don and Paulette Caster decided to quit their teaching jobs to open a health food store. In 1978, the couple, only in their 20’s, opened their business in a small converted house on the corner of 39th Street and Cleveland Avenue in Canton, Ohio. An unfortunate set of circumstances led Don Caster to begin his research into nutrition. Don’s mother, who was stricken with cancer and receiving treatments, needed an alternative diet. Pure, natural and healthy foods were difficult to come by. Protein shakes and other additions to the diet of someone who was ill were not readily available in the mid to late 70’s. Don’s research expanded and evolved. He saw a need for products and education and he and Paulette decided to launch the business. “Paulette...and I set off on the venture of providing nutritional products in a one room store. Our goals were not lofty but grounded on sound health principals.”

The decision was made; plans were being implemented---now for a name! As Don and Paulette pondered name possibilities, inspiration came to Paulette, in of all places, her own livingroom! There were several art decoupage wall hangings mounted on old wooden racks used to dry raisins. The creator of the pieces had its company logo, RaisinRak, affixed to the bottom corner of the mountings. The name seemed like a natural fit. Thus, Raisin Rack was born. “The name said something natural,” Don said, “about the history of food, the natural way that food came to be. The name says something about America and what it was. Raisins are a transformation, just like our store has evolved.” The Casters are happy they decided on a name with broad appeal. “We wanted something that would work if we ever had multiple stores,” Don said. “At the time, we never knew that the business would expand.” In Westerville and Canton, the name has been embraced by thousands of satisfied customers and continues to appeal to new shoppers every day. Raisin Rack expanded to the Columbus area when Don and Paulette moved there. “In 1983, we moved to Columbus to establish another store. Today, our two stores are dramatically larger in size but remain just as focused on the basic principals that were in place in the beginning.” said Don, “ We believe in giving customers products that can make a positive impact on their health and appearance. We stock products that respect the environment and the values of our customers.”

For a time the store was located in downtown Columbus, the French Market and on Sawmill Road. These locations consolidated and in 2006, Raisin Rack moved from their previous location in Westerville just across the street to a wonderful 25,000 square foot facility. You can find them at 2545 Schrock Road in Westerville, only 15 minutes from downtown Columbus. The Canton Raisin Rack has also been upgraded and expanded to meet the growing needs of their loyal customers. Visit this location at 4629 Cleveland Avenue North Canton, Ohio Whether you choose to shop in Raisin Rack in Westerville or Raisin Rack in Canton, you will find an unparalleled selection of organic milk and dairy, organic fruits and vegetables, gluten-free foods, dried fruits and nutritional supplements—just to name a few favorites! Check out the salad bar in the Westerville location, it’s the best in town!

For 32 years Raisin Rack has made it easy for anyone to improve their quality of life. With the stores vast product selection and fair prices, Raisin Rack can fulfill all your wellness needs. “With our knowledgeable and friendly staff, we believe that we have created a unique shopping experience that you will enjoy. Nothing is more important than your satisfaction!” Thank you, Don and Paulette Caster for making your life’s work a blessing for us all! To quote Don Caster in a recent Canton Repository article: Steps to improve your diet 1. Go organic as possible. Start with milk and other dairy products. 2. Eat fruit, not fruit juice. 3. Get more fiber. Try for 20 to 25 grams a day. 4. Take a whole food-based multiple vitamin. 5. Drink black or green tea (not decaffeinated) to help your liver function properly. 6. Drink lots of water.

*******Raisin Rack Natural Food Market Special Offers*******

25% Off All Berlin Natural Bakery Breads and Pizza Crusts

Take advantage of this special offer today by saying to the cashier “I saw the retailer story on Raisin Rack Natural Food Market at Berlin Natural Bakery’s Website and would like to take advantage of the discount on my purchase of the [bread/pizza crusts]” Special Offer Expires June 7, 2010.

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