Eden’s Market, 99 Alfred Street, a longtime South Hills destination known for its organic foods, homeopathic remedies and its gluten-free selection, is entering a new era under owner John Bromage.

Bromage officially took over the store earlier this year, about 30 years after first crossing paths with founder Jeff Weiner — not through groceries, but through ballet.

A native of Maine, Bromage was accepted into Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s year-round program in 1993 as a high school sophomore. With no local family, he was placed with the Weiner family through a host program and lived with them for a few years. At the time, Eden’s Market did not exist.

“Most of the kids we hosted were only with us during the school year, but John was with us full time,” Weiner said. “He became like a member of the family.”

Weiner went on to open Eden’s Market nearly 18 years ago after seeing a need for a specialty store focused on safe, gluten-free foods.  Now retired, he serves on the board of the Gluten Intolerance Group, traveling nationwide to promote gluten-free education and food safety.

Bromage, whose ballet career was cut short by a knee injury, pursued work in the music industry and relocated to London for seven years. After his visa expired, he moved to California and transitioned into the wine business, eventually becoming a wine specialist for a Napa Valley winery. Managing a territory spanning the United States and Michigan, Bromage traveled constantly.

“It sounds great in theory, but after a while that lifestyle takes a toll on your health,” Bromage said. “That’s when I decided I need to take a step back, do something different and value my health a little bit more.”

During his career transition, he reconnected with Weiner online.

“And that was it,” Bromage said, “About 30 years later, a LinkedIn message led me back to Pittsburgh to own the store and sell healthier things.”

As a former ballet dancer, Bromage is no stranger to taking supplements and being mindful of what he eats. Today, he is committed to preserving Eden’s Market’s core mission while layering in modern updates aligned with four guiding principles: health, sustainability, community and convenience.

“What people love about this place isn’t going anywhere,” he said. “That sense of community, that trust in our products — I’m here to protect that.”

Bromage has expanded the store’s supplement selection, introduced more specialty items and broadened its offerings to appeal beyond gluten-free shoppers, including adding more convenience items for customers seeking healthy snacks and drinks, particularly in warmer weather. He has continued working with local farmers and is teaming up with local bakeries and other nearby suppliers.

To improve access and education, he has also introduced a QR code scanning system in-store that lets shoppers view detailed health and sustainability information.

“We’re giving people more access to information so they can make choices that feel right for them,” Bromage said.

A revamped website is in the works, which will allow customers to order food and supplements for delivery or in-store pickup.

“The way consumers are shopping is a lot different now,” Bromage said.

Weiner sees promise in the store’s direction under its new ownership.

“We were not computerized,” he said. “John wants to get everything set up that way. He’s taking it up a notch with technology.”

Bromage also plans to revive Eden’s Market’s educational offerings, such as nutrition workshops and wellness events, honoring its original foundation.

“We’re more than a store,” he said. “We’re a place where people come to ask questions, learn and feel supported.”

For store hours and additional information, visit edens-market.com.