About Us
Meet the Staff
Fearless Leader & CEO
Ryan Youngman -- Ryan hails from Seattle and joined Ellwood Thompson's in 2007. With years of experience in the both the conventional and natural grocery businesses, Ryan talks the talk and walks the walk and he does so very quickly. His partner Jennifer and daughter Sierra keep him on his toes at home; while at work he's a fast-paced, get-it-done guy who moves seamlessly from his executive responsibilities to fine tuning the store's operations and presentation. Ryan knows every facet of the business and is helping Ellwood Thompson's hone its core values and expand its horizons. When he's not in the midst of all things grocery, he dives into his passions -- music and travel. When at home he enjoys spending time with Jennifer, Sierra and their pets, labs Dexter and Snowy, and horse Lady.
Director of Operations
Garland McQueen -- What does an electrical engineer know about the ins and outs of running a grocery store? A lot apparently -- especially when it's Garland McQueen, who's worked in grocery stores since high school. Garland is such a grocery guru, he decided to make it his career and we're so glad he did. He joined Ellwood Thompson's management team after working for several conventional and natural grocers. Most recently he ran a very successful co-op in the Boston area. Here at ET's he oversees the store's operations and keeps all circuits moving. Garland's ideals are ideal for Ellwood's -- he's community-oriented and believes in educating the consumer and purchasing local products whenever possible. Garland is married with two college-age children. In his spare time he enjoys activities such as traveling, reading and cooking.
Director of Finance
Yong Mi Koenig -- Yong Mi has worked in the accounting profession for more than 10 years. Resourceful, constructive and supportive are all accurate words to describe Yong Mi and her work ethic. However, amid all her efforts to keep us financially fit, is an infectiously charming personality and admitted chocoholic. Outside of ET's, Yong Mi spends time with her husband, precocious pre-schooler, and toddler and enjoys crafts and cooking; all in her "spare time."
Director of Marketing
Lesley Johnson -- Lesley has nearly 10 years experience in marketing. Before joining Ellwood Thompson's she worked in the non-profit sector and later in e-commerce and on-line content. She continues to volunteer her time to animal welfare and rescue organizations as well as ACORN, which works to protect the integrity of Richmond's historic neighborhoods. Lesley enjoys spending time with her partner and their 10-year-old daughter as well as their three dogs and three cats ... five of them rescued!
Executive Chef
Jannequin Bennett -- The Executive Chef of Ellwood's Kitchens comes to ET's from TJ's Restaurant in the Jefferson Hotel, where she was Executive Chef and General Manager for nine years. Before coming to Richmond, Chef Bennett honed her culinary skills in New York restaurants from SoHo to the Upper East Side and in some of Charlottesville's best restaurants. Her vegetarian cookbook, The Complete Vegan Kitchen, is in its second printing; her accomplishments and charitable work have brought her widespread recognition; and she is a frequent and prominent presence in local and national press. Jannequin's career as a chef, her vegan lifestyle and her commitment to fresh, local ingredients make her the perfect match for Ellwood's Kitchen. Under Jannequin's lead, Ellwood's Kitchen is moving to the next level in prepared foods, increasing its hot bar size, adding an in-house bakery and opening a new coffee shop in Carytown.
Store Manager
Cyndi Watkins -- Cyndi, ET's Store Manager, worked in Ellwood Thompson's kitchen before being quickly promoted to the store's management team. She has nearly 20 years experience in retail management, including owning a business. Her beliefs in diversity, community and support of local businesses make Cyndi a great fit with ET's philosophy. Outside of work she spends time with her 11-year-old daughter, fosters rescue dogs like three-year-old pit bull Bella and enjoys herb gardening and making soy candles.
Assistant Manager
Mandy Musclerat -- Mandy, a talented visual artist, approaches work at Ellwood Thompson's much like her artwork. Through her creative vision she combines a variety of things to achieve positive results. For Ellwood's this means she jumps in and helps whenever and wherever she is needed. She supports healthy lifestyles, community activities, local sustainable businesses and all the freaky people. In her life as an artist, she incorporates bits of the world, recycled materials and found objects while attempting to save the planet one piece at a time. The result is a mix of mosaic sculptures and collage displays, which sometimes can be seen at ET's. Her free time is spent at home with her wonderful husband and two young sons. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, experimenting in the kitchen, going on road trips, reading and sleeping.
Meet a few of our employees
Check this out
Want to join our team?
Visit the Work for Us page in this section.
Want an Ellwood Thompson's near you?
Do you wish you had a mid-sized, friendly market in the heart of your neighborhood? Maybe you and your neighbors have difficulty finding natural and organic products? Let us know! Ellwood Thompson's is expanding and always looking for new locations. Email Ryan Youngman.
Sign up for Ellwood's E-newsletter
