They were both students of George Ohsawa, the founder of the modern macrobiotic movement, since after World War II.

In the late 1960s, the Kushis began forming study groups in New York and later in Massachusetts in which they lectured on wide-ranging topics, from philosophy and spiritualism, to healthy diet and disease prevention.

Their following began to increase, and as word spread, they decided to open a store to meet the ever-growing demand for macrobiotic and whole foods products.

By 1979, Erewhon's rapid growth stretched its cash flow and financing capacity and the company began experiencing financial difficulties.

[3] After a series of setbacks during the ensuing years, Erewhon celebrated its resurgence by acquiring[clarification needed] U.S. Mills in 1986.