Terry Brett
FounderKimberton Whole Foods
Terry Brett is the founder, co-owner, and CEO of Kimberton Whole Foods, a privately-owned natural food grocery retailer serving Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Prior to establishing Kimberton Whole Foods, Terry and his wife, Pat, worked at the Seven Stars Biodynamic Dairy Farm in rural Chester County, PA. Pat managed the farm store, while Terry served as the dairy’s original yogurt maker, overseeing production, pricing, and sales distribution in support ot the farm’s mission.
After running the farm store for several years (1986-1994), Terry and Pat established the first Kimberton Whole Foods location in the village of Kimberton. The purpose of the move was to expand access to natural and organic products while maintaining a commitment to local sourcing and sustainable agriculture.
Today, Kimberton Whole Foods operates eight stores, a commissary kitchen, and a distribution center. Terry and his KWF team continue to champion local and organic producers, carrying products from over 200 vendors, located within 100 miles of their distribution center.
Terry is a member of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Advisory Board for the Center for Organic Excellence. He is also a long-time member of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA), where he served on the board of directors for five terms.
A true friend of the farmer, Terry is a longtime supporter of the Rodale Institute and Pasa Sustainable Agriculture (Pasa). He is widely recognized for his ethical business leadership and his contributions to regional sustainable agriculture.
Terry Brett’s Session(s):
11:00 am–12:00 pm | Thu, October 7, 2027
Shop Talk 8
From First Store to Real Scale: What It Takes to Grow a Multi-Location Retailer
Shop Talks are peer-to-peer, industry-focused conversations facilitated by speakers. In these smaller forums, attendees can ask questions, work through challenges, and share insights while tapping into our speakers' expertise. Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable feedback and network with your industry peers!
What does it actually take to grow from one store into a multi-location retail business — and do it well? In this interactive Shop Talk, experienced retailers share real-world lessons from scaling their footprint, including what they got right, what they’d rethink, and what changes as you grow. Together, the group will unpack site selection, cost structure, and operational complexity — plus how scale can unlock stronger margins and competitiveness when done right. Come ready to engage in a candid, peer-driven conversation focused on practical decisions and outcomes you can apply to your next stage of growth.