Urban Roots General Manager Has Retired
Patti Jablonski-Dopkin leaves the Buffalo cooperative after 17 years at the helm.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Organic Food
General Manager Patti Jablonski-Dopkin has retired from the Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market after a 17-year tenure. The Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for a new leader to guide the Buffalo market.
Why it matters
The vacancy marks a significant leadership transition for the organization, which stands as the only community-owned cooperative garden market in the United States. Finding a successor is essential for maintaining operations as the co-op approaches its 20th anniversary.
Located at 428 Rhode Island Street, the market currently serves a base of 2,030 member-owners. It remains the only community-owned cooperative garden market in the country.
The players
Patti Jablonski-Dopkin
She is the outgoing General Manager of Urban Roots who led the cooperative for 17 years.
Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market
This is a unique, community-owned garden market located on Buffalo's West Side.
The details
Founded by neighborhood residents 19 years ago, the organization continues to host free community educational workshops throughout the winter months. The Board of Directors is currently managing the search process to fill the vacant general manager role.
Timeline
The market first opened its doors in the spring of 2007.
The organization intends for the new General Manager to start in January 2027.
Urban Roots plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary in the spring of 2027.
Culture Shift
This leadership transition highlights the unique challenges faced by the cooperative business model's democratic governance structure. Unlike traditional retail, the organization relies on member-owners to oversee the continuity of its community-focused mission.
Members and shoppers can expect the market to continue its regular programming, including free winter educational workshops. The transition is expected to conclude by early 2027, ensuring the cooperative remains stable for its upcoming anniversary.
The takeaway
The search for a new general manager is a critical moment for the long-term success of the West Side staple. Members interested in the future of the co-op can stay informed through board-led updates as the organization prepares for its 20th anniversary celebrations.
Further reading
For more information on the local food landscape, see Buffalo Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Buffalo Rising.
