Josh Clark didn’t just step into a leadership role at Clark’s Nutrition, he grew up in it, learning every corner of the business from the ground up. Today, he serves as Property and Project Manager, and Marketing Director, helping guide the company’s growth and daily operations. But his story, much like the business itself, is rooted in something far more personal than titles. It’s rooted in family.
Clark’s Nutrition traces back to 1972, when Josh’s great-grandparents opened a small shop in downtown Riverside. It wasn’t the fully developed health-focused grocery store it is today; it was a modest, mom-and-pop operation serving homemade pies, fresh sandwiches, and a small selection of vitamins. His great-grandmother, Verta, who was health-conscious made everything from scratch, while his great-grandfather welcomed customers one by one, often knowing their names, their families, and their stories. It was less about transactions and more about connection, a value that quietly became the foundation of the business
That small storefront grew over time, guided by each generation’s passion for nutrition and community. Josh’s grandfather expanded the vision, bringing a deeper focus on health and supplements, while continuing the personal, relationship- driven approach the store was built on. Locations expanded, buildings were transformed (including the conversion of an old movie theater into a full grocery store) and what began as a simple shop evolved into a trusted name across multiple communities. Yet through all that growth, one thing never changed: Clark’s Nutrition remained family-owned and operated.
Today, that legacy is still thriving. Josh’s grandfather continues to serve as CEO, his father is the company’s president, and many other family members including his in-law’s mother, and cousins, are actively involved in the business. Now, even a fifth generation has stepped in, a rare milestone that speaks not only to longevity, but to a shared commitment that continues to be passed down.
For Josh, being part of that legacy didn’t start in an office, it started with the basics. He spent his early years bagging groceries, collecting carts, and cleaning restrooms. From there, he worked his way through departments, learning dairy, grocery, and supplements before eventually stepping into management roles across multiple store locations. That hands-on experience shaped not only his understanding of the business, but also his respect for the people and processes behind it. It’s a foundation that continues to influence how he approaches his role today.
That foundation is also reflected in how Clark’s Nutrition approaches the products on its shelves. At a time when many consumers are becoming more aware, but still uncertain, about what’s actually in their food, the company has made it a priority to go beyond the minimum standards. Their produce department strives to be entirely organic, offering a full commitment to cleaner, more responsibly grown food. The reasoning is simple: most people don’t realize how much they don’t know about conventional growing practices, from the chemicals used to the conditions in which food is handled and transported.
Clark’s Nutrition addresses those concerns by taking extra steps that many retailers don’t. Clark’s uses advanced reverse osmosis systems to purify the water used to wash and maintain their produce, removing potential contaminants and ensuring a higher level of cleanliness. It’s a detail most shoppers never think about, but it reflects a broader philosophy of protecting the customer at every stage.
That same philosophy extends to the people working in the store. Employees are not simply staff, they are trained nutritional consultants who undergo extensive education on topics like digestion, vitamins, minerals, and how different compounds interact within the body. This knowledge allows them to guide customers in a meaningful way, helping them understand not only what they’re buying, but why it matters. And because they don’t work on commission, the focus remains entirely on education and support rather than sales.
It’s this level of care, both seen and unseen, that often explains why Clark’s Nutrition may cost a little more than a typical grocery store. The difference isn’t just in the product itself, but in everything behind it: the sourcing, the standards, the systems, and the knowledge. It’s an investment in quality and trust, built on decades of experience and a genuine desire to help people make better choices for their health.
Clark’s Nutrition stands out not just because it has been around for over 50 years, but because it has stayed true to its roots through every stage of growth. From a small Riverside shop filled with homemade food and conversation, to a multi-location business serving communities across the region, it has remained grounded in the same core values: family, education, and care.
In a world where convenience often outweighs awareness, that commitment feels important now more than ever. The bottom line is that what we choose to put into our bodies shapes how we feel, how we live, and ultimately, how we show up for the people around us.
For the Clark family, this has never been just about running a business, it’s been about taking responsibility for the well-being of the communities they serve. It’s about asking the extra questions, taking the extra steps, and holding a higher standard, even when it would be easier not to.
And for the customer, that means something simple, but powerful: peace of mind; because when you walk into Clark’s Nutrition, you’re not just choosing what to buy, you’re choosing to be more aware, more intentional, and more connected to what you’re putting on your table. In many ways, that’s exactly how it all began, one family, taking care of another.
