Chase’s Market: A family legacy of health and nutrition

Recently I had the privilege of interviewing Michael and Emily Chase, owners of Chase’s Market in Ontario, formally Oregon Natural Market.

 Michael’s grandfather opened the first health food store in Idaho, Chase’s Market, in Boise in 1956. Chase’s Market has been a family business ever since.

 Michael grew up spending time in the stores and, at the early age of three, became interested in the business. As he grew his interest became focused on nutrition science.

 In the late 1960s or early 1970s Michael’s father purchased a store in Ontario and named it Oregon Natural Market.

 In 1991 Michael began working full time in the family business. Later Emily also started working in the business. In April of 2024 the couple changed the name to Chase’s Market making the store’s name consistent with traditional family and business values.

 Michael’s educational credentials are impressive yet he is humble, knowing there is always more to learn. He has an undergraduate degree from Willamette University in Oregon and a Master’s Degree in human nutrition from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He then received certification as a nutritional therapy practitioner from the Nutritional Therapy Association. Currently he is pursuing certification in holistic nutrition.

 Emily is also a nutritional therapy practitioner.

 The couple agree they see Chase’s Market as a modern, contemporary store with old-fashioned values.

 Michael explained there is a definite place for pharmaceuticals which have probably saved millions of lives throughout history. The focus of pharmaceuticals is on treating illnesses whereas the focus of nutrition is on disease prevention. Good health begins with understanding the role of nutrition and delivering the right nutrients, in the correct potency, to every human cell. Pharmaceuticals cannot do that. Some doctors have taken advanced training and use nutritional protocols as a part of their treatment programs.

 Michael will not prescribe any specific supplement. He and Emily see their role as educators and gate-keepers protecting customers from erroneous purchases and giving customers the information needed to make wise choices. He emphasized how he would rather not make a sale than to have customers purchase any product not right for them.Michael stressed the fact they are an evidence-based company.

 “Contrary to popular belief,” he explained, “there are hundreds, if not thousands, of research articles available for people to read on health and nutrition.”

 He confessed his favorite parts of the business are talking with customers and community outreach such as providing seminars.

 The two agreed how the company’s policy is to practice integrity, never gimmicks.

 The couple also seek integrity in the grocery side of the store. Their products contain no dyes, high fructose corn syrup or preservatives, and they strive to avoid contaminants.

 Emily shared, “This is a labor of love as it is personally satisfying to help others in their health goals, whatever those goals are.”

 Chase’s Market is located on the corner of SW 4th Avenue and SW 1st Street, just one block up from downtown Ontario.

 The store hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The website is chasesmkt.com and the phone number is (541) 889-8714.

 Feel free to drive down and explore as there is no obligation to purchase anything, or give them a phone call and ask for Michael, Emily, Timmie or Kaylee. 

 I was pleased to learn Chase’s Market provides a mail order service. Customers may call in an order and the company will mail products.

 With my interest in health and nutrition I am grateful to have knowledgable and compassionate store owners within easy driving distance.