New Orcas Co-op

Just got this note from Madden Surbaugh about our neighbors over on Orcas and their new Food Co-op…

New Orcas Co-op General Manager Learner Limbach (L) and Assistant/Deli Manager Madden Surbaugh (R) – Regina Zwilling photo

Orcas Food Co-op Announces Senior Management Team

The Orcas Food Co-op has announced that they have hired their Senior Management Team. Learner Limbach, one of the founding board of directors members, was officially named the store’s General Manager on January 2nd. Limbach has hired Madden Surbaugh, a local Chef/Restaurateur, to be his Assistant Manager & Deli Manager. The Board of Directors is excited about the progression of the management team and the foundation that is being established by hiring a solid opening core.

Lisa Byers, Board of Directors President, stated “We took another positive step toward opening day when Madden agreed to join the team as Assistant Manager. He compliments Learner’s skills and experience in many ways and as a volunteer, has already demonstrated his keen eye for design and his commitment to excellence.”

Learner Limbach moved to Orcas Island in 2001. He was born and raised in Seattle surrounded by a strong natural foods culture. Throughout his childhood the family ate almost exclusively of food purchased at PCC Natural Markets where his father, William Limbach, worked as a store manager for 13 years.

In his early twenties Learner made a living landscaping and gardening. His focus was on creating edible landscapes, the installation of vegetable gardens, berry patches and small orchards. Learner also managed a small off-grid homestead. The homestead produced much of its own food and provided seasonal visitors and residents with educational opportunities geared toward sustainable practices and self-sufficiency.

In 2010 Learner spearheaded the formation of Food Masters, a grassroots group dedicated to increasing sustainable food production and food security on Orcas Island as well as building community around the culture of local food. In 2012 Learner served as the Director for both Food Masters and F.E.A.S.T (Farm Education and Sustainability for Teens) in collaboration with the Funhouse Commons who provided organizational support while acting as the fiscal agent of both programs.

As the director of Food Masters and FEAST, Learner found himself regularly discussing the idea of a food Co-op on Orcas Island with local community members. In early 2013, upon hearing that Orcas Homegrown could be potentially selling, Learner began shifting his focus towards bringing the Co-op to fruition. “In the beginning I just wanted to help get the ball rolling. The idea for a food co-op on Orcas was around long before I moved here, and many people have worked on making it happen. Ultimately, the more involved I got, the more it made sense for me to set everything else aside and make the Co-op my number one priority. I’m just excited for the opportunity to be a part of this team. I’m extremely grateful for the board of directors, founding members and for everyone in the community who has been manifesting this dream for so many years.”

Madden Surbaugh moved to San Juan Island in early 2003 in order to work as the Sous Chef at the venerable Duck Soup Inn. He went on to open his own restaurant, Steps Wine Bar & Café, in down town Friday Harbor in May of 2005 to much critical acclaim. Madden was featured as “One of the Best Chefs in the Northwest” on KCTS 9 television, received the “Award of Unique Distinction” for his beverage program from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and was featured on the Food Networks “Rachel Ray’s Vacations”. Madden relocated to Orcas Island in 2010 after closing Steps. In the spring of 2010 Madden opened The Quilted Pig Restaurant in the Historic Rosario Mansion. The Quilted Pig closed after the 2010 season and Madden has been serving as the Catering & Special Events Chef at The Outlook Inn & New Leaf Café since.

Madden has been a long time supporter and promoter of the Farmers & Ranchers in San Juan County. He was a founding member of the San Juan County Agricultural Committee where he spearheaded the Island Certified Local program, now known as Island Grown. In 2007 Madden helped to start the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, a non-profit entity with the mission to “foster a vibrant, resilient and sustainable local agriculture and food system in San Juan County, Washington”. Serving as an Ag Guild board member until 2010, Madden helped with site location, preliminary business plan, viability, fundraising and purchase of the Brickworks building in Friday Harbor, now year round home to the San Juan Island Farmers Market and Friday Harbor Art Market. Madden is excited to be a part of the Co-op’s opening team. “I am so excited to be able to use both my business degree and my culinary/food knowledge to do something I am so proud of. The continued promotion and growth of local agriculture and availability of wholesome food sources strengthens our local economy, provides food safety and delivers physical, mental & emotional health to our local community members.”

Opening [of the new Orcas Co-op] is right around the corner and we’re looking for full-time team members who are visionary and hard-working who can help us get off to a strong start!

The Co-op will be hiring for all remaining positions including Grocery Manager, Produce Manager, Cashier, Deli Cook, and various supporting positions within each department. You can view job descriptions, employment application and up-to-date information on our website at www.orcasfood.coop/employment. To apply, please send completed application, cover letter and resume or summary of qualifications to Learner Limbach at:
learner [@] orcasfood [.] coop

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