Saint Paul, MN—WholeFoods Magazine has named Mastel’s Health Foods as the 2026 Retailer of the Year, recognizing the independent, woman-owned natural products retailer for its enduring commitment to education, personalized service, and community-centered retailing that has spanned nearly six decades.
Founded in 1968 by John James Mastel Sr., Mastel’s Health Foods was built on the belief that education and individualized guidance are as essential as the products on the shelf. Mastel passed away on June 2, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape one of the Midwest’s most enduring independent health food stores.
His founding philosophy continues to guide the establishment today under co-owners Lauren Gaffney and Alina Hornfeldt.
A founding vision rooted in education and care
From the beginning nearly six decades ago, Mastel’s Health Foods gained loyal shoppers through a focus on education, staff expertise, and personalized customer support. These principles would become central to the store's identity for decades.
John Mastel remained actively involved in the store for decades before stepping back from day-to-day management in 2000. He continued as owner until 2023, and the transition of Mastel’s Health Foods into new ownership was led from within the store itself. Longtime Mastel's employees Gaffney and Hornfeldt, who had each spent years building careers within the company, stepped forward to ensure the business would remain independently owned and rooted in its Saint Paul community.
Education, trust, and the modern independent retailer
Today, Gaffney and Hornfeldt are building on John Mastel’s values while adapting to an evolving retail landscape shaped by e-commerce, shifting consumer expectations, and increasing demand for transparency in wellness products.
At the center of their approach is a belief that independent retailers succeed by offering what digital-first competitors cannot: “Value in natural retail has always gone beyond price—it’s based in trust and guidance,” the co-owners told WholeFoods Magazine. “While we may not compete on speed with large e-commerce platforms, we offer something more meaningful: curated selection, education, and human connection.”
A legacy continued, a future being built
For Gaffney and Hornfeldt, stewardship of Mastel’s Health Foods extends beyond maintaining a business. The greater focus is on preserving a community institution while also preparing the business for the future. “We’re in it for the long run,” they share. “We are asking ourselves what business we would like to pass on.”
As WholeFoods Magazine recognizes Mastel’s Health Foods as its 2026 Retailer of the Year, the honor reflects not only a legacy nearly 60 years in the making, but also the deliberate work of two leaders ensuring that legacy continues to evolve without losing the trust, education, and human connection that built it in the first place.
In the September issue of WholeFoods Magazine, we will explore what makes Mastel's Health Foods such a success, including leadership insights, lessons learned the hard way, and the focus that makes the positive difference. Join us in honoring their efforts!
