Good food, done right

SPRöUT is a grocery store in development phase.

The work right now is steady and practical — shaping the model, testing the numbers, and understanding what it would actually take to open a worker-owned grocery that serves Leicester properly.

There’s no rush. No hype. Just careful development.

What matters most at this stage is awareness and conversation.

If this idea speaks to you:

• Tell people about it
• Share it with friends
• Sign up to the newsletter
• Stay connected

Over the summer, SPRÖUT will move into the next stage of development.

Everyone’s invited

Help shape SPRöUT

SPRöUT is still in development, and we want everyone who cares about good food to be part of it. Whether you’re a future customer or worker, a grower, investor, or a maker, your ideas now will help decide what this grocery store becomes.

Share what you’d love to see on the shelves, how you like to shop, or ways SPRöUT could work with the local community. Use the newsletter form below to stay in touch and we’ll email when there are new chances to get involved.

If you are able to help with spreading the word and promoting the project we would be very grateful. We have created a SPRöUT Outreach Volunteer group on WhatsApp. Here is a link to the form to let us know how you can help: Outreach form

What we’re building

SPRöUT is designed to make everyday shopping simpler, fairer, and more sustainable.

Seasonal, quality-first produce

Food that tastes great and reflects the seasons.

Local suppliers where possible

Supporting nearby growers and independent producers.

Low-waste shopping

Refill and reduced packaging options built into the plan.

A practical everyday range

Not just “speciality” — staples you’ll actually use week to week.

Our next phase

Member recruitment

Community

What we are building

SPRöUT (Grocery) is a worker-owned co-op, and we are building it for Leicester—not just as a shop, but as something that can grow into a real community asset over time: a welcoming community space, serving prepared food, and the ability to reinvest in community projects that fit our purpose.

Founding Member

To make things happen

We’re looking to bring a minimum of four additional founding member-owners on board—people who want to take real ownership and help make SPRöUT practical, accessible, and financially solid.

Application Form

Are you interested?

If this interests you, please complete the form below.

Founder member form

Community Happenings

We're working on

Location

Premise Search

Approx 500 to 1200 sq m (6,000 to 10,000 sq ft), ground floor, with parking, near the city centre on a main road, close to a bus stop. Finding a location that genuinely serves Leicester well.

Financial modelling

Business plan

If the numbers don’t work, none of the community vision can happen.

Investors

Looking for funding

We are seeking funding from ethical investors and organisations, so we can finance this responsibly and sustainably.

If you can help with the above please get in touch! hello@sprout-grocery.co.uk

SPRöUT is being developed by a small worker‑owned co‑operative in Leicester. We’re neighbours, food‑lovers, and organisers who want a better way to shop for everyday essentials.

Who’s behind SPRöUT?

Rajiv Shah

Founding Member.

Expertise: Wholefood retail, Design, IT, Catering

Born in Kenya and raised in Uganda, Rajiv’s lifelong love of fresh produce led him to a plant-based, low-waste lifestyle. He’s passionate about good honest food and creating a simpler more sustainable way to shop and eat together.

Reach me at rajiv@sprout-grocery.co.uk

Tamsin Robinson

Founding Member

Expertise: Marketing, Catering

Tamsin ran a café serving fair trade coffee and organic veggie burgers long before they were mainstream menu items. Twenty years later she has a better work/life balance but still wants the same thing - somewhere to buy good quality food, service with a smile from a committed team, and a sense of community and connection.

Reach me at tamsin@sprout-grocery.co.uk