Who We Are

  • Clovers Natural Market began in 1965 as Columbia Specialty Foods, founded by Richard Catlett not as a mere retail venture, but as a protest against the status quo. Envisioned as a sanctuary for organic foods, medicinal herbs, and sustainable living in Mid-Missouri, the shop grew into a dynamic, values-driven hub for the community. In 1991, longtime team member Patty Clover, alongside her partner Scott Nirmaier, stepped forward to protect the legacy they had helped build, guiding Clovers through decades of thoughtful growth while keeping its radical heart intact. In January 2024, the Clovers community faced a profound loss with the passing of Patty Clover, whose leadership and care shaped the store for more than 30 years. Later that year, ownership passed once again to the people who knew the mission best—Laura Maguire Gossett, Noah Earle, and Russ Bauritcher—ensuring Clovers remains locally owned, people-first, and rooted in shared knowledge and care.

  • People first. Knowledge over trends. Care in practice.

    From the beginning, Clovers has operated with a simple belief: how a business treats people matters.

    We value:

    • People over profit — Employees are partners, not cogs. Many of our staff have been with us for decades, and their knowledge and care shape every aisle of the store.

    • Ethical sourcing — We prioritize local growers, responsible producers, and transparent supply chains whenever possible.

    • Education, not hype — We believe informed choices come from clear information, not trends or fear-based marketing.

    • Community connection — Clovers exists because of and for the Columbia community. Giving back is not an add-on; it’s part of how we operate.

    These values are not abstract. They show up in how we source products, train staff, support local partners, and welcome customers into the store.

  • Clovers is more than a place to shop—it is an ongoing experiment in how a grocery store can serve its community with integrity.

    We are committed to:

    • Remaining locally owned and independently operated

    • Supporting ethical agriculture and responsible producers

    • Investing in staff education and shared expertise

    • Offering resources that support informed shopping

    • Giving back through community programs and charitable action

    From 1965 to today, the name on the door has changed, but the spirit has not. Clovers continues to stand for food with integrity, people with purpose, and care that extends beyond the checkout line.

    That is the promise of Clovers Natural Market—then and now.