Pass Health Foods is marking 31 years of helping customers live healthier lives.
Located at 7228 W. College Drive in Palos Heights, the independently owned shop has built a loyal following among health-conscious residents seeking carefully curated health foods, specialty teas and high-quality supplements. What began as a modest neighborhood store has grown into a community fixture, known as much for its personal service as its commitment to wellness.
“We love being in Palos Heights,” said co-owner Carolyn Johnson, who lives in Mokena. “This town is filled with so many great small businesses, and the support from the community has been incredible.”
Johnson co-owns Pass Health Foods with Liz Ryan, who lives in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. The store’s roots stretch back to 1995, when Johnson’s aunts, Joanne and Theresa, found themselves at a professional crossroads.
Both women had been working for the same company when they were unexpectedly downsized. Rather than pursue separate career paths, they took a leap of faith and purchased what was then a small health food store, laying the foundation for what would become Pass Health Foods.
Over the decades, the store has grown both in size and reputation, expanding its product offerings to meet a wide range of health needs. Today, the shelves are stocked with an extensive selection of supplements, teas and natural foods that appeal to customers of all ages and wellness goals.
In a retail landscape increasingly dominated by big-box chains such as Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart, Johnson said small businesses like Pass Health Foods provide something those stores cannot.
“A small business like ours can stay focused on our mission to actually help people,” she said. “Of course, we’re a business, but our number one goal is to help each person find the products that are right for them and to live a healthier life.”
That personal approach has helped the store retain long-time customers while welcoming new ones. Whether shoppers are seeking a specific supplement, guidance on wellness options or simply a friendly conversation, Johnson said the staff takes pride in offering individualized attention.
With shelves full of health-boosting products, choosing a favorite can be difficult. Johnson said some of the store’s most popular items include its wide variety of specialty teas, healthy snack foods and top-quality supplements.
Pass Health Foods celebrated its 31st anniversary with a one-day event on Saturday, Jan. 3. The celebration featured 30% off all in-stock supplements, the biggest sale of the year, including brands that rarely go on sale. The event also included raffle giveaways from local businesses.
As Pass Health Foods enters its fourth decade, Johnson said she remains grateful for the customers and community that have supported the store since its earliest days.
The anniversary reflects a mission that began in 1995 and continues today: helping people live healthier lives, one visit at a time.