Whole Foods Market officially opened its new 53,004 square-foot store at 2748 Green Bay Road on July 29. This is Whole Foods Market’s third location in Evanston. The store will continue the tradition of creating custom seasonings and prepared food items for Whole Foods’ customers, and it will provide a number of unique offerings.
“Evanston residents are no stranger to Whole Foods Market,” said Dan Gordon, the store team leader. “We’ve had the privilege of serving this community since 1996. At the same time, I think they are really going to be surprised and delighted with everything this store has to offer … For example, this store is the first Whole Foods Market in Evanston to have a beer and wine bar, a feature to please new and loyal shoppers.”
In addition to beer and wine bar venues, the store will include a coffee bar, a sandwich station, a juice bar, a bakery, a gelato station, Neapolitan-style pizza, in-house smoked bacon and seafood, dry-aged steaks, cut-to-order cheeses, and more.
To celebrate opening day, Whole Foods Market hosted its version of a ribbon cutting called a “Bread-Breaking Ceremony” with Whole Foods Market Team Members and more than 200 people gathered outside the store.
Mr. Gordon told the crowd that Whole Foods would continue its tradition of giving back to the community. Whole Foods will sponsor five “Days of Community Giving” where 1% of each day’s net sales will be donated to a non-profit organization in the community. He added that shoppers who bring in their own bag for groceries have the option of receiving a 10 cent credit per bag or they can choose to donate the amount to that month’s selected charity organization. The first group to receive amounts deposited to that fund will be Curt’s Café, said Mr. Gordon.
Seventh Ward Alderman Jane Grover said, “Whole Foods has already been an extraordinary neighbor,” saying that it addressed neighbors’ concerns about signage, agreed to provide bike storage, and will provide give-back programs.
Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl said, “Welcome to the neighborhood. Thank you for being here.” She said Whole Foods would be a strong part of the neighborhood and add to the quality of life in Evanston.
Allison Phelps, public relations specialist for Whole Foods, told the RoundTable that the new Whole Foods store has hired 220 people, including both full- and part-time workers. Of those, 54 reside in Evanston.