US natural foods retailer Whole Foods Market reached a milestone this week with the opening of its 500thstore earlier, in Midtown Atlanta.
Whole Foods says the 70,000 square-foot, multi-level flagship store will be a “community gathering destination”, featuring four fast-casual eateries and more than 1,500 local items from 250 suppliers, many new to the retailer
“Whole Foods Market Midtown will be a true gathering space for the community,” said Bobby Turner, President of the South Region at Whole Foods Market. “We worked hard to create a place that offers our neighbours a destination to get together, enjoy great food and connect with members of the local community through a variety of culinary, wellness and cultural events. We’re proud that our new South Region flagship has the honour of opening as Whole Foods Market’s 500th store, marking an incredible milestone for the company.”
Located across four floors, shoppers will have a food hall experience with four unique fast-casual eateries offering exclusive food menus, curated selections of locally sourced beer and wine as well as Wi-Fi:
- Canopy Court: Located on rooftop terrace with skyline views, stadium seating, games and TVs, Canopy Court will feature a food truck serving an assortment of wines, local beers and a rotating food menu. Hours will vary seasonally.
- 14th Street Bar: 14th Street Bar will offer a selection of wines, local beers and soft drinks. It includes a private outdoor dining balcony overlooking 14th Street and West Peachtree Street.
- Capital Commons: This cozy full-service Allegro coffee and espresso is pitched as a tribute to its location in the state’s capital. With wine, local beers, baked goods sandwiches and more, Capital Commons will have indoor seating for 60 customers.
- Farm Burger: Part of the Friends of Whole Foods Market programme, which partners with outside culinary and lifestyle brands for residence inside Whole Foods Market stores to bring shoppers innovative experiences, Farm Burger’smenu focuses on locally sourced grass-fed, grass-finished beef burgers.
Along with the neighbourhood’s newest shopping and dining experience, Whole Foods Market Midtown will also host weekly culinary, health and wellness and social community events, including open mic nights for local musicians and comedians, meet-the-maker events with owners and artisans behind the products sold in-store, a monthly artist gallery night featuring local artists and their work, rooftop fitness including Zumba, yoga and cycling, as well as The Chef’s Table – an exclusive event with one-on-one cooking experiences alongside local chefs and farmers.