Our Story
Where We Began
In 1979, Herb Cole (Dr. Herb) purchased the Natural Food Pantry, in Hickory NC, and began serving the local community by promoting healthy eating and natural remedies. For nearly four decades, Dr. Herb pioneered an expansion of natural food availability and vastly increased his community’s understanding of the use of natural medicines.
Dr. Herb was widely renowned for his knowledge of natural medicines and his straightforward style of advising customers on remedies, diet, spiritual needs, and lifestyle change. He spent countless hours directly engaging with those who visited his store, and he treated the outreach to all customers as his life’s mission.
A Broad Legacy
Over the years, the single Natural Food Pantry expanded into a collection of stores in Hickory and a natural food restaurant. In the mid 90s, the main store moved to its current location and was renamed Natural Food Store. At its peak, the collection of businesses included four stores and one restaurant.
In 2017, Dr. Herb passed away and his family began managing the business, consolidating to a single store and renaming the business Dr. Herb’s Natural Food Store in his honor. Currently Dr. Herb’s Natural Food Store operates a physical location, serving the foothills region and western piedmont in NC, and an online store serving a much broader customer base.
Testimonials
“The ladies were super helpful! Very nice and respectful! Made sure I had everything I needed/looking for. Amazing variety of things!! And very well educated on the products.”
“They aren’t trying to sell you something; they just want to help you feel better. You can even explain your price restrictions and they’ll work to find you something helpful. Hats off to their staff and their helpfulness. I recommend this place to everyone I know. ”
“Love it. Great prices on all my favorite health food.”