A few months ago on my way to Gelson’s in Franklin Village I decided on a whim to stop and check out the little store I had driven by so many times called Locali. I had always been curious what this shop was all about and I had read a few things about it online, but since moving here from Chicago I had yet to get down with the West coast way of living organically and sustainably. Perhaps now was the time to start?

The self proclaimed “sustainable neighborhood market,” Locali aims to provide its customers “conscious convenience” – and it succeeds with that on many levels. With healthy and eco-friendly versions of most everything you’d find at a neighborhood convenience store, Locali gives Franklin Village and nearby Hollywood and Los Feliz residents an environmentally-friendly place to shop for everyday needs. They also serve up delicious salads, sides and sandwiches (The Franklin Phenomenon is my favorite).

Locali’s co-owner Melissa Rosen (herself a Franklin Village resident) was kind enough to answer some of my questions about how Locali got started, where it’s headed and what it all means.

Take Sunset: How do you feel Locali fits in with the local community?

Melissa Rosen: Locali’s aim is to provide delicious food and planet-friendly products to our community. I think the fact that we have garnered such wonderful support from our customers (and remarkably daily patronage from many) is not only a testament to the services we’re providing Franklin Village, but also a testament to the community-mindedness of Franklin Village residents. We are humbled by our customers spending their hard-earned money at a true mom and pop shop.

TS: What do you like about the community (Franklin village)?

MR: I know everyone says this, but t’s a real neighborhood. You run into the same people all the time. You have wonderful shops. Counterpoint Records & Books is one of the best places in L.A. to spend free time. Tailwaggers has one of the nicest staffs in the city. The proximity to Griffith Park doesn’t hurt either.

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