About Us
Who Are We?
Nick's is a nonprofit grocery store working to make food more accessible and affordable without sacrificing dignity or choice. We are building a model where groceries are sold at cost, removing profit from basic needs and creating a system that serves people instead of margins. Through full-service stores, community programs, and a focus on consistency and access, Nick's is designed to meet people where they are and provide real, everyday support.
Mission & Values
What We Stand For
Our Mission
At Nick's, we believe food is a human right, not a commodity. We are leading a revolution to transform the grocery system in America by removing profit from basic nourishment and restoring dignity to how people access food. Our mission is to build a nonprofit, community-driven model that challenges the status quo. In this model, grocery stores serve people, not profit margins, and every individual has access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally relevant food.
We are also redefining what a nonprofit grocery store can be. At Nick's, we do not limit choice in the name of health. We believe that true dignity means trusting people to make their own decisions. That is why we provide a full-service grocery store that offers everything a traditional store would, without judgment, without scarcity, and without compromise.
Rooted in both rural and urban communities like Gilpin County and Denver, we are responding to rising food and housing costs with collective, systemic solutions. Through inclusive grocery stores, supportive programs, and strong partnerships, we are reimagining how food is shared, valued, and distributed. This is more than a service. It is a movement to create a just and sustainable future where food access is guaranteed for all.
Our Vision
At Nick's, our vision is clear: we see grocery stores as more than just places to buy food. They are essential community hubs where dignity, connection, and nourishment thrive. We envision a future where nonprofit grocery stores do not just fill shelves but uplift communities by redefining what food access means and who it serves.
We are committed to revolutionizing grocery systems in America. That means offering full-service stores that never restrict choice and serve every product with trust and respect. We believe food autonomy is a cornerstone of dignity. When we offer complete choice and full-service access, we show people that we see them, we trust them, and we honor their agency.
Our Values
We aim to build Nick's as a values-based organization that attracts and retains passionate people by living our values every day. Our work in Gilpin County, Denver, and beyond is guided by C.A.R.E.
- Communication
- We listen before speaking. We share clearly and openly. Honest dialogue, whether among team, shoppers, or partners, builds trust and inspires better solutions.
- Assistance
- We offer help without judgment. From guiding someone toward an item on the shelf to supporting a family with food insecurity, we serve with kindness, patience, and respect for each person's journey.
- Respect
- We honor every individual's experience, background, and voice. We celebrate contributions and elevate confidence. Respect means recognizing the whole person behind each transaction.
- Empowerment
- We trust in people's capacity to lead and thrive. We empower staff to take initiative. We empower shoppers to nourish themselves and their families. We begin with trust and stand alongside one another.
Our Namesake
Who is Nick?
Nick's Nonprofit Grocery is named in honor of Nick Signorino, a man whose life was defined by compassion, service, and unwavering faith in humanity. A U.S. Air Force medic, a devoted father of three, and a committed Christian, Nick lived his life in quiet dedication to others — volunteering at food banks, soup kitchens, clothing closets, and countless community projects throughout his life.
Nick passed away in early 2018 at just 52 years old, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, humility, and deep care for people, especially those facing hard times. He believed in the dignity of every human being and led by example, showing up for his neighbors with open hands and an open heart.
In founding this nonprofit grocery, his son, Domenick Signorino, sought to carry forward that legacy — not just in name, but in mission. Every shelf stocked, every family served, and every community partnership formed is a reflection of Nick's values: service over self, faith in action, and love through deeds.
Nick's Nonprofit Grocery is more than a store. It's a tribute. A living continuation of one man's commitment to a more compassionate world, one meal, one family, and one act of dignity at a time.
The Team
Founders
Domenick Signorino
Founder & Executive Director
Domenick brings a background in grocery operations, cooperative management, and community-focused food systems work. Experience across both traditional retail and cooperative environments has provided a strong foundation in store operations, team leadership, and project management, while staying closely connected to the communities those stores serve. His work has consistently focused on improving access to food while maintaining quality, consistency, and respect for the people being served.
Through this experience, it became clear how cost, supply systems, and location create real barriers for many households, especially in rural and underserved areas. That perspective shaped a model that is practical, structured, and grounded in real-world grocery operations, while prioritizing access, dignity, and long-term sustainability.
Madison Almaraz
Founder & Associate Director
Madison brings a strong background in operations, commercial kitchen leadership, and organizational management. With over a decade of experience in logistics, budgeting, compliance, and team leadership, she has managed large-scale kitchen operations and led teams in environments where consistency, safety, and efficiency are critical. Her experience in dietary and culinary management has included overseeing staff, managing inventory and vendor relationships, and maintaining strict health and regulatory standards.
Her work is defined by a hands-on leadership style that emphasizes clear communication, accountability, and team support. She brings experience in project coordination, financial tracking, and operational systems, helping ensure programs and daily operations run smoothly and stay aligned with organizational goals. Her ability to manage both people and processes plays a key role in building a structure that is reliable, efficient, and ready to scale.