Willoughby General

Jul 6, 2020 / Photo: Courtesy of Willoughby General

Bed-Stuy resident Lauren Cawdrey was a regular patron at Willoughby General, a sweet, community-focused space selling locally-produced food and home goods. But when she learned that owner Rae Tutera and their mother in law Barbara Lester were moving on from the business in 2018 and looking to pass it in, she jumped at the opportunity to continue their mindful legacy.

Together with her friends and fellow women workhorses Dianna Daoheung and Lacey Voss, Cawdrey updated the shop into a “wants and needs” based grocery store that stocks and sells wares from local makers. And though Daoheung and Voss later stepped back from the effort, Cawdrey continues to run the general store today with a dedicated team of “Willoughby women”.

Along with prepared foods and snacks (including vegetarian and vegan offerings) the shop also has pantry staples, hot sauces, home goods, coffee, tea, cocktail fixings, and CBD products, many of which come from, local, mindful and women-owned businesses.

They also host different community events through their “Generally Speaking” series, including open mic nights, guided meditations, craft nights and “planting parties.”

Though the pandemic has put Cawdrey’s events on hold, she is still is eager to expand the shop in the future welcome even more brands and community operations. More about the Willoughby General, located on 518A Willoughby Avenue in Brooklyn, can be also found on its website.