MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Riverwest Co-op will close after nearly 25 years, with the natural-food grocery and cafe selling remaining inventory to members and volunteers Monday, with public shopping being open Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

A board member said on Monday that community efforts and a large loan from the Greater Milwaukee Association were not enough to keep the operation financially viable. Leadership said they plan to wind down while paying staff what they are owed.

"We are really hoping that the community that has been built here for 25 years, while it might not be able to sustain this business anymore, and this particular cooperative, that there's more to do in the world, more to do in this community and this city," said Wendy Mesich, coordinator and board member.

Customers made final trips as staff expressed hope the store’s spirit will continue.