Blue Lupine blooms on West Line

After an approximate six-month hiatus, Gale Wagner Lober reopened a health food store Blue Lupine) in January at the corner of West Line and Warren.

There’s been a health food store (previously Holmes Health Haven) at the same location for 44 years. Lober worked at the previous store for more than 20 years.

Lober opened the 1,900-square foot Blue Lupine following a beautiful renovation job (plaster, paint, lighting, et. al.) which she collaborated upon with landlord David Buck.

“I’ve been working at this so long … I just wanted to use my experience, build on it,” said Lober of her decision to continue with the business. “It’s my own investment capital—an adventure of mine. A lot of people my age are retired.”

Lober’s philosophy: “I’m an honest person who will listen, integrate what you’ve said, and provide you what you are looking for … I’m not a flamboyant, out on a soapbox person,” she said. “I try to be discreet,” added Lober, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of being interviewed. “I just want to stay focused on what I do.”

Everything she sells is organic and BPA free. You’ll find bulk rices, grains, flours, coconut, fibers, seeds, nuts. She also sells supplements, and the store has both a frozen section and produce section.

Her daughter, Lyndy Blanks, helps out at the store. Her three children live in Bishop, Big Pine and Gardnerville. She also has eight grandchildren.

Lober has lived in Bishop her whole life.

A significant number of the former Health Haven customers have returned. As one customer, Susie Hart, said, “It’s part of my routine. I go to pilates class at Flowmotion, and then walk next door to Blue Lupine after class.”

Store hours are 11-6 Monday through Saturday. The phone number is 442.228.5000.