The controversial head of West Philly’s Mariposa Food Co-op is out. Can it make a comeback? – Inquirer.com

The controversial head of West Philly’s Mariposa Food Co-op is out. Can it make a comeback?  Inquirer.com

After 10 years in charge, Aj Hess is no longer the head of West Philly's long-running food co-op. A new GM has lots of ideas. With more than 3,000 member-owners and a 55-year track record, the Mariposa Food Co-op looms large in West Philadelphia. But in recent years, many residents felt that it had lost its way — both financially and spiritually. So when the co-op board announced late last month that its longtime controversial head was out, effective immediately, the news sped through the neighborhood. “Co-op executive officer” and general manager Aj Hess had managed the co-op since 2016, despite repeated attempts by volunteer board members and workers to oust them.

On social media, some neighbors rejoiced as if a despot had finally been removed from the throne. “I want to dance in the streets,” one wrote. “It’s weird that someone who just basically ran a grocery store has so much ill will built up in the community that people are celebrating,” said Will Inglis, a local who was, himself, celebrating. Inglis worked at the co-op as an overnight stocker and helped organize a union there in 2022. He left in 2023 and was subsequently banned for life from the store for accusing Hess of wage theft in a public meeting. Founded in 1971 as a buying club run