Seward Co-op is partnering with Minneapolis-based The Beez Kneez, to launch an urban beekeeping site on the rooftop of its Franklin store. The project, set to launch some time this month, will provide a safe habitat where bees will produce honey that, hopefully, will in turn be sold to Seward Co-op shoppers.

“The idea for an urban beekeeping hive site at Seward came after our team did a bee keeping class with The Beez Kneez,” says Tom Vogel, Marketing Manager at Seward Co-op. “Kristy Allen, owner of The Beez Kneez has been a great partner to Seward, and we look forward to working with her on this unique project.”

In late April, two beehives will be installed on the rooftop of Seward Co-op. The bees are gentle breeds that are not aggressive. The hope is that these hives will produce at least 100 lbs. of honey over the season, which will then be harvested at the Beez Kneez Honey House and, potentially, sold at Seward Co-op. When the bees arrive from a warmer climate, there will be a few thousand that go into each hive. By the end of the season in August, there could be as many as 50,000 bees a hive. If the program is successful, more hives may be added in the future.

“Our goal with zip code projects such as this one with Seward, is to produce honey in a community in which it will later be sold,” says Allen. “We’re excited to get this project underway in the Franklin neighborhood.”

To kick-off the partnership, on April 22 Seward Co-op will be a lead sponsor for the second year in a row in an event put together by The Beez Kneez called The Dandelion Honey Pastry Chef Challenge. The event will take place at The Lab Theater at 700 North 1st Street from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.