Nestled among the car dealerships, auto repair shops and fast food restaurants on North Crain Highway is Chesapeake Gardens, an organic and all-natural cafe and carry-out. While unique compared to its surroundings, the cafe is also a one-of-a-kind business in the organic food industry.

Chesapeake Gardens may be the only organic and all-natural food establishment with wholesale and retail operations. Owner Alan Magan as well as officials from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Lancaster Fresh Farm Cooperative are not aware of any other similar operations in the country.

The nonprofit Lancaster cooperative, which...