Tribe Opens Organics Food Store

Mazopiya [mah-zoh-pee-ya]—“a store, a place where things are kept,” in the Dakota language. 

Mazopiya is the new natural foods market in Prior Lake, owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The store celebrated its opening last Friday with the commitment to provide clean, organic food and other products, including produce grown from the tribe’s organic garden. The market, at just over 9,000 square feet, also has a deli, coffee bar and on-site chef, along with patio and cafe seating. 

Construction began in 2008, with the interior completed in 2010. The store is at 2571 Credit Union Drive in Prior Lake, next to the South Metro Federal Credit Union.

Open daily form 8 am to 9 pm, Mazopiya holds a farmer’s market every Thursday in the market’s parking lot. The store also offers classes that range from nutrition for young adults to season jams and tips for freezing berries. The courses are free and open to the public.