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		<title>Whole Foods Market® to Expand in Ontario</title>
		<link>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2010/02/16/whole-foods-market%c2%ae-to-expand-in-ontario/</link>
		<comments>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2010/02/16/whole-foods-market%c2%ae-to-expand-in-ontario/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:18:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mwtm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Midwest]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/?p=1785</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Two New Locations Announced on Earnings Call ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Toronto (February 16, 2010) –</strong> Whole Foods Market<sup> </sup>(Nasdaq: WFMI), the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket announced Tuesday that two new locations will be opening in Ontario – one in Mississauga in the Square One shopping complex; the other in Toronto’s North York area.</p>
<p>“At Whole Foods Market, we want to share our enthusiasm for the freshest, most flavorful natural and organic foods available, and we are thrilled to grow our business in Ontario,” comments Michael Bashaw, Midwest Regional President. “I opened Whole Foods Market’s first Canadian store in 2002. Ever since then, I’ve been convinced that Ontario is a great location for more Whole Foods Market stores. We definitely plan for further growth in the area,” says Bashaw.</p>
<p>The stores will reflect the company’s mission of supporting sustainable agriculture and the environment by featuring natural, organic foods, which are free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats. With a focus on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty items, high-quality meats and poultry, everyday pantry staples and sustainable seafood, the store will appeal to a variety of customers ranging from the health conscious to serious gourmands.  </p>
<p><strong>About Whole Foods Market Team Members</strong></p>
<p>Whole Foods Market, which estimates it will add approximately 250 additional jobs in the areas, has been named by <em>Fortune</em> magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the U.S. for 13 consecutive years – every year since the List’s inception.</p>
<p>“Whole Foods Market celebrates a unique and diverse workforce. We’re proud that our Team Members are truly passionate about sharing the joys of great-tasting food and natural lifestyle choices with others,” Bashaw says.</p>
<p><strong>Commitment to the Community </strong></p>
<p>Whole Foods Market has a history of establishing a deep commitment to each of the communities it serves. “These stores will allow us to deepen our commitment to the community. We look forward to building relationships with our neighbourhood partners,” Bashaw comments.</p>
<p><strong>About the Mississauga Store</strong></p>
<p>The store, set to open in 2011, will be located at Rathburn Road and Square One Drive. It will be located at the northeast corner of the Square One shopping complex in Mississauga as a standalone store. Square One is a popular shopping area known for its fashion events, contests, community celebrations and holiday spectacles. The city of Mississauga has been recognized as the safest city in Canada for the past eight years, offering family-oriented sports, leisure and arts facilities with 11 community centres and a vibrant downtown city centre.</p>
<p>“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Whole Foods Market join the Square One family,” states Nance MacDonald General Manager Square One Shopping Centre. “Whole Foods Market embodies everything we stand for at Square One: a devotion to community, a provider of delicious, high-quality foods and a topnotch employer.”</p>
<p><strong>About the North York Store</strong></p>
<p>The store, located at the corner of Yonge and Sheppard in Toronto’s North York community, is scheduled to open in 2013. It will be the ground level anchor of the Hullmark Centre, a destination hub destined to become a defining landmark. The development will be served by direct indoor access to the Yonge and Sheppard subway station. Hullmark Centre is being built by Tridel, ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction for a Fourth Consecutive Year” by J.D. Power and Associates.  Hullmark Centre will be a Tridel Built Green, Built For Life<sup>®</sup> community that is registered with the Canada Green Building Council to pursue LEED<sup>®</sup> Certification. Yonge and Sheppard is the gateway to North York’s dynamic and growing downtown. Office towers, luxury condominiums, residential neighbourhoods, parks, restaurants and great shopping all make this an exciting community.</p>
<p>“Whole Foods Market is a natural fit for both the Hullmark Centre and the North York,” comments Dino Carmel, Chief Operating Officer, Tridel Builders Inc. “We cannot wait to get this store open and share Whole Foods Market’s wonderful natural and organic products with the community.”</p>
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		<title>Whole Foods Market Donates $25,000, for Midwest Farmers — Hoping to Match an Additional $10,000, via Customer Donations</title>
		<link>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2007/09/12/whole-foods-market-donates-25000-for-midwest-farmers-%e2%80%94-hoping-to-match-an-additional-10000-via-customer-donations/</link>
		<comments>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2007/09/12/whole-foods-market-donates-25000-for-midwest-farmers-%e2%80%94-hoping-to-match-an-additional-10000-via-customer-donations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:36:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mwtm</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/?p=687</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Violent storms in late August have led to the decimation of a number of organic and family farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>CHICAGO (Sept. 12, 2007)</strong>. Violent storms in late August have led to the decimation of a number of organic and family farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Whole Foods Market Midwest has joined a remarkable collaboration of farmers, nonprofits, restaurants and natural food cooperatives to implement a multifaceted, region-wide effort to assist these farmers, some of whom have lost use of several fields due to soil contamination and topsoil runoff. Specifically, 26 Whole Foods Market Midwest stores, located in MN, IL, NE, MO, WI and MI, are accepting donations from customers. In addition, the Company&#8217;s Midwest region is donating $25,000, and matching up to an additional $10,000 in customer donations.</p>
<p>&#8220;This flooding is a tragedy, not only for these farms, but for the country as a whole, since a large portion of organic production comes from these areas,&#8221; states Bobby Turner, Midwest regional vice president of purchasing for Whole Foods Market. &#8220;We vow to do our best to help these farmers as much as possible.&#8221;</p>
<p>Working with the Sow the Seeds Fund and Sustain, the Company is accepting customer donations in $2, $5 and $10 increments. Similar to Whole Foods Market&#8217;s Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, the donation is added to the customer&#8217;s bill, enabling customers to pay with credit and debit cards to encourage participation.</p>
<p>Due to USDA regulations and food safety concerns, the Company placed a temporary moratorium on products from all flooded farms. However, in a matter of days, the Company was able to visit each affected farm and determine what of each farm&#8217;s products are safe to sell. This quick action enabled all of the farms to continue selling at least a portion of their products, helping them carry on their business as they continue to assess flood damage and initiate cleanup efforts.</p>
<p>&#8220;We were very pleased by how quickly Whole Foods Market moved to help these farmers,&#8221; comments Mark Muller, program director at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) and coordinator of the Sow the Seeds Fund. &#8220;This collaboration demonstrates that when local farmers are hit with hardship, Whole Foods Market and many others in the Midwest food system are community advocates for safe, healthy foods from local farms.&#8221;</p>
<p>In addition, stores in highly affected areas are enlisting Team Members to volunteer on local-area farms that need help with cleanup and harvesting. The Company sees this as an extended opportunity to help local communities. For example, Whole Foods Market Madison Team Members are volunteering this Saturday to help Avalanche Farms with harvesting.</p>
<p>&#8220;This is a great example of how Whole Foods Market strives to help our local communities,&#8221; states Paul Sigmund, Whole Foods Market Madison store team leader. &#8220;We&#8217;re willing to do whatever we can. Volunteering is an excellent way to help our neighbors, but it also enables our Team Members to do more, as many have asked for additional ways they can help.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Company is also working on additional relief efforts. Each store&#8217;s prepared foods department is incorporating their products into recipes, since early harvest means the farmers have an abundance of foods that need to be sold quickly. In addition, some stores within the region are planning a Community Support Day, where 5 percent of one day&#8217;s net sales will be donated to the farms. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.sowtheseedsfund.org/" target="_blank">www.sowtheseedsfund.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>About the Sow the Seeds Fund</strong><br />
The Sow the Seeds Fund (<a href="http://www.sowtheseedsfund.org/" target="_blank">www.sowtheseedsfund.org</a>) is a project initiated by the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP). IATP promotes resilient family farms, rural communities and ecosystems around the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.iatp.org/" target="_blank">www.iatp.org</a>.</p>
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		<title>Whole Foods Market to Open Northalsted Location on July 25</title>
		<link>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2007/07/24/whole-foods-market-to-open-northalsted-location-on-july-25/</link>
		<comments>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2007/07/24/whole-foods-market-to-open-northalsted-location-on-july-25/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:21:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mwtm</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/?p=829</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq: WFMI), the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation's first certified organic grocer, opens its new 40,000-square-foot Northalsted store]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>CHICAGO (July 24, 2007)</strong>. Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq: WFMI), the world&#8217;s leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation&#8217;s first certified organic grocer, opens its new 40,000-square-foot Northalsted store on Wednesday, July 25. The much-anticipated store is located at Halsted and Waveland Aves., as the anchor to the Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Community Center in the Midwest. It is the first Whole Foods Market to have a presence in such an esteemed Center in the nation. This store provides Northalsted and surrounding-area residents with great-tasting, high-quality foods in a convenient and contemporary setting.</p>
<p>The store is one of four stores opening in the Chicago area in 2007. Other new stores include the recently opened Cicero and Peterson (Sauganash) and the Roosevelt and Canal (South Loop) location opening on August 8. The Northbrook store at Waukegan and Willow Roads is scheduled to open August 29.</p>
<p>&#8220;At Whole Foods Market, it is our goal to share our enthusiasm for the freshest, most flavorful natural and organic foods, and we are thrilled to open a store for the Northalsted community. Whether you&#8217;re seeking a wide variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty gourmet items, high-quality meats and poultry, or everyday pantry staples at great prices, you can find what you&#8217;re looking for here,&#8221; comments Tom Marciniak, store team leader. &#8220;We believe that food in its purest state &#8211; free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, colorings and trans fats &#8211; is the best tasting and most nutritious food available.&#8221;</p>
<p>The store celebrates its grand opening through the weekend with food samplings, giveaways, music and much more. The opening ceremoniously begins with a bread-breaking and ribbon-cutting at 7:45 a.m. The first 500 shoppers Wednesday through Sunday will receive a complimentary commemorative Whole Foods Market tote bag.</p>
<h3>On the Shelves and In the Aisles</h3>
<p>The new Whole Foods Market store offers a vast array of tempting foods and delights, sure to please even the most discerning palate. Featuring restaurant-quality prepared foods and the convenience of one-stop grocery shopping, the store features a number of unique and enticing elements chosen specifically with the Northalsted community in mind. Our extensive market research identified that the community is typically on the move, would like to get their shopping done efficiently and eats a high percentage of prepared foods weekly, versus homemade foods. This research led us to create this store with:</p>
<ul>
<li>A vast array of delicious, all-natural and organic prepared foods:
<ul>
<li>Freshly prepared pizza baked in a brick oven</li>
<li>Made-to-order sushi</li>
<li>Hot seafood chowders and soups</li>
<li>Meat carving sandwich station</li>
<li>Global cuisine</li>
<li>Vegetarian and vegan fare</li>
<li>A chefs case full of freshly prepared fare from Sonoma Chicken Salad and Portobello Spring Rolls to Almond &amp; Dill Crusted Sole and Grilled Marinated Lamb Salad</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Up to 20 unique flavors of gourmet, bistro-style gelato and sorbet &#8211; more than anywhere else in the neighborhood</li>
<li>An espresso, coffee and tea bar</li>
<li>An &#8220;enomatic&#8221; or Taste of Vino machine, allowing customers to taste a one-ounce pour of up to 16 varieties of wine</li>
<li>20 register lanes to reduce traffic for the busy Northalsted shopper</li>
<li>Free indoor parking with a $10 minimum purchase</li>
</ul>
<p>Also featured at this Chicago location:</p>
<ul>
<li>More than 200 varieties of seasonal and local produce, at least 100 of which are certified organic, with an emphasis on local</li>
<li>More than 200 varieties of natural and organic cheeses</li>
<li>More than 50 varieties of fresh seafood and shellfish, including wild Alaskan salmon and fresh sea bass; all harvested from sustainable practices</li>
<li>A large variety of choice custom-cut meats, including, dry-aged beef, and 20 varieties of fresh, made in-house sausages</li>
<li>Freshly baked artisan breads, cookies, pastries, muffins and other flavorful baked goods from the store&#8217;s in-house bakery</li>
<li>A robust and exciting selection of olives, handcrafted butters and cheeses</li>
<li>A vast array of vegetarian and vegan choices</li>
<li>A large selection of luxurious natural body care items and cosmetics</li>
<li>Advanced nutritional supplements and vitamins</li>
<li>A beautiful selection of fresh-cut flowers and plants</li>
<li>Essential grocery staples, including Whole Foods Market&#8217;s own 365 Everyday Value™ and 365 Organic Everyday Value™ signature lines of products offering the same high standards for taste and quality &#8211; at everyday value prices</li>
</ul>
<h3>About our Team Members</h3>
<p>Whole Foods Market, which created nearly 200 jobs in the Northalsted community, has been named by Fortune magazine as one of the &#8220;100 Best Companies to Work For&#8221; in America for ten consecutive years &#8211; every year since the list&#8217;s inception.</p>
<p>&#8220;Whole Foods Market celebrates diversity and embraces all lifestyles through our widely unique workforce. We&#8217;re proud that our Team Members are truly passionate about sharing the joys of great-tasting food and natural lifestyle choices with others,&#8221; Marciniak says.</p>
<h3>Commitment to the Community</h3>
<p>Whole Foods Market has a history of establishing a deep commitment to each of the communities it serves. &#8220;We&#8217;re looking forward to putting down roots and becoming an integral part of the Northalsted community,&#8221; Marciniak comments.</p>
<p>As part of that commitment, Whole Foods Market holds quarterly Community Support Days, in which five percent of a day&#8217;s gross sales are donated to a local non-profit organization. The store will also work extensively with the Center on Halsted to provide food for their cooking classroom, citywide festival partnerships and other support initiatives on an ongoing basis.</p>
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		<title>South Loop Location of Whole Foods Market Opening August 8</title>
		<link>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2007/07/18/south-loop-location-of-whole-foods-market-opening-august-8/</link>
		<comments>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2007/07/18/south-loop-location-of-whole-foods-market-opening-august-8/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:33:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mwtm</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/?p=832</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq: WFMI), the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation's first certified organic grocer, opens its new 55,000-square-foot South Loop store]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>CHICAGO (July 18, 2007).</strong> Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq: WFMI), the world&#8217;s leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation&#8217;s first certified organic grocer, opens its new 55,000-square-foot South Loop store on Wednesday, August 8. The much-anticipated store, located at Canal Street and Roosevelt Road., is the anchor grocery store of the brand-new Southgate Market. Upon opening, the South Loop location is looking forward to becoming the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified grocery store in Chicago under the LEED® for Commercial Interiors program.</p>
<p>Whole Foods Market® has demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment since the company&#8217;s inception. In 2006, it was granted the EPA Power Partner of the Year award for its purchase of enough wind power to offset 100% of its electricity use throughout the country, one of the largest purchases in history. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.</p>
<p>&#8220;We couldn&#8217;t be more thrilled to join this wonderful community as the first LEED Certified grocery store in Chicago,&#8221; says Laura Henke, Whole Foods Market South Loop store team leader. &#8220;From our wonderful array of natural and organic foods and commitment to the environment to our cooking and lifestyle classes, we&#8217;ve got something for everyone in the neighborhood.&#8221;</p>
<p>Whether you&#8217;re seeking a wide variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty gourmet items, high-quality meats and poultry, or everyday pantry staples at great prices, you can find what you&#8217;re looking for at Whole Foods Market. The Company&#8217;s motto &#8211; Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet &#8211; emphasizes that the vision reaches far beyond just being a food retailer. Success in fulfilling this vision is measured by customer satisfaction, Team Member excellence and happiness, return on investment, improvement in the state of the environment and community support.</p>
<p>The store is one of four stores opening in the Chicago area in 2007. Other new stores include the recently opened Cicero and Peterson (Sauganash) and Halsted and Waveland (South Loop) locations. The Northbrook store at Waukegan and Willow Roads is slated to open August 29. These and other upcoming openings reflect the Company&#8217;s aggressive growth plan for the next few years.</p>
<p>&#8220;More and more consumers are embracing a healthier lifestyle and seeking better options to fulfill their ever-changing needs,&#8221; states Patrick Bradley, Midwest Regional president. &#8220;There is a greater awareness of food &#8211; where it comes from, how it is grown, produced and raised, and whether it&#8217;s organic and sustainable. Because of this, more shoppers are turning to natural and organic foods than ever before. Whole Foods Market is addressing these needs to help make natural and organic foods more accessible to people by broadening our product offerings and building more stores, such as our new South Loop location.&#8221;</p>
<h3>On the Shelves and In the Aisles</h3>
<p>The new Whole Foods Market South Loop store offers a vast array of tempting foods and delights, sure to please even the most discerning palate. Featuring restaurant-quality prepared foods and the convenience of one-stop grocery shopping, the store features a number of unique and enticing elements chosen specifically with the South Loop community in mind. Extensive market research identified that the community is typically on the move, prefer to get their shopping done efficiently and quickly and eats a high volume of prepared foods weekly, versus homemade items. Evidence of this research is apparent throughout the store by not only the food offerings, but also the more than 200 Whole Foods Market parking-specific spaces and the more than 100 feet of bike racks.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our goal is to make shopping at our store as convenient and as fun as possible,&#8221; says Henke. &#8220;This store was built with the Chicago urbanite in mind, as evidenced through the wide variety of grab-and-go, prepared items; the convenient location free parking and the exciting culinary and lifestyle classes.&#8221;</p>
<h3>About our Team Members</h3>
<p>Whole Foods Market, which created nearly 200 jobs in the South Loop community, has been named by Fortune magazine as one of the &#8220;100 Best Companies to Work For&#8221; in America for ten consecutive years &#8211; every year since the list&#8217;s inception.</p>
<p>&#8220;Whole Foods Market celebrates diversity and embraces all lifestyles through our widely unique workforce. We&#8217;re proud that our Team Members are truly passionate about sharing the joys of great-tasting food and natural lifestyle choices with others,&#8221; Henke says.</p>
<h3>Commitment to the Community</h3>
<p>Whole Foods Market has a rich history of establishing a deep commitment to each of the communities it serves. &#8220;We&#8217;re looking forward to putting down roots and becoming an integral part of the South Loop community,&#8221; Henke comments.</p>
<p>As part of that commitment, Whole Foods Market holds quarterly Community Support Days when five percent of a day&#8217;s net sales are donated to a local non-profit organization. The store will also work with local area groups on various partnerships. In fact, the South Loop store has hired a marketing specialist, Joyce Chacko, committed to working with community leaders and partners. Please visit the store&#8217;s web site at <a href="http://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroomr/wf/templates/www.wholefoods.com/stores/southloop/">www.wholefoods.com/stores/southloop</a> for more information on the store&#8217;s community outreach.</p>
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		<title>Whole Foods Market to Open New Chicago Location on February 21</title>
		<link>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2007/02/19/whole-foods-market-to-open-new-chicago-location-on-february-21/</link>
		<comments>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2007/02/19/whole-foods-market-to-open-new-chicago-location-on-february-21/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2007 05:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mwtm</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/?p=764</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq: WFMI), the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation's first certified organic grocer, opens its new 40,000-square-foot Sauganash/Edgebrook store]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>CHICAGO (February 19, 2007).</strong> Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq: WFMI), the world&#8217;s leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation&#8217;s first certified organic grocer, opens its new 40,000-square-foot Sauganash/Edgebrook store on Wednesday, February 21. The much-anticipated store is the first Whole Foods Market to open in the Chicago area in more than four years, and is one of four stores planned for the area in 2007. Other new Chicago stores to open in 2007 include: Halsted and Waveland (Halsted), Roosevelt and Canal (South Loop) and Northbrook. Located at Cicero and Peterson Aves., this store will provide Sauganash and surrounding-area residents with great-tasting, high-quality foods in a convenient and contemporary setting. A grand celebration to ceremoniously open the doors begins with a bread-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:45 a.m.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>&#8220;At Whole Foods Market, it is our goal to share our enthusiasm for the freshest, most flavorful natural and organic foods, and we are thrilled to open a store for the Sauganash and Edgebrook communities. Whether you&#8217;re seeking a wide variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty gourmet items, high-quality meats and poultry, or everyday pantry staples at great prices, you can find what you&#8217;re looking for here,&#8221; comments Dave Baffa, store team leader. &#8220;We believe that food in its purest state — free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, colorings and trans fats — is the best tasting and most nutritious food available.&#8221;</p>
<p>The store celebrates its grand opening through the weekend with food samplings, giveaways, music, face-painting, balloon artists and much more. The first 500 shoppers Wednesday through Sunday will receive a complimentary commemorative Whole Foods Market tote bag.</p>
<h3>On the Shelves and In the Aisles</h3>
<p>The new Whole Foods Market store offers a vast array of tempting foods and delights, sure to please even the most discerning palate. Featuring restaurant-quality prepared foods and the convenience of one-stop grocery shopping, the store features a number of unique and enticing elements. A recent referendum enables this location to sell beer and wine, a first in this long-standing dry community. Also featured at this Chicago location:</p>
<ul>
<li>More than 200 varieties of seasonal and local produce, at least 100 of which are certified organic</li>
<li>More than 200 varieties of natural and organic cheeses, ranging from Wisconsin cheddar to French raw milk cheese</li>
<li>More than 50 varieties of fresh seafood and shellfish, including wild Alaskan salmon and fresh sea bass; all harvested from sustainable practices</li>
<li>A large variety of choice custom-cut meats, including, in-house smoked meats, dry-aged beef, and 20 varieties of fresh, made in-house sausages</li>
<li>Freshly baked artisan breads, cookies, pastries, muffins and other flavorful baked goods from the store&#8217;s in-house bakery</li>
<li>a robust and exciting selection of olives, handcrafted butters and cheeses</li>
<li>In-house roasted coffee beans</li>
<li>An espresso, coffee and tea bar</li>
<li>A bulk grocery department featuring 173 items, including nuts, dried fruits, cereals, grains, and so much more</li>
<li>A vast array of vegetarian and vegan choices</li>
<li>A large selection of luxurious natural body care items and cosmetics</li>
<li>Advanced nutritional supplements and vitamins</li>
<li>A beautiful selection of fresh-cut flowers and plants</li>
<li>Essential grocery staples, including Whole Foods Market&#8217;s own 365 Everyday Value™ and 365 Organic Everyday Value™ signature lines of products offering the same high standards for taste and quality — at everyday value prices.</li>
</ul>
<p>Whole Foods Market also features an extensive selection of restaurant-quality prepared food choices, chosen specifically with the Sauganash/Edgebrook community in mind, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>A first-of-its-kind in Chicago beer and brat station, called the Sauganash Grill</li>
<li>Freshly prepared pizza baked in a brick oven</li>
<li>Made-to-order sushi</li>
<li>Sixteen unique flavors of gourmet, bistro-style gelato and sorbet</li>
<li>Hot seafood chowders and soups</li>
<li>Meat carving sandwich station</li>
<li>Global cuisine</li>
<li>Vegetarian and vegan fare</li>
<li>Freshly prepared fare from Sonoma Chicken Salad and Portobello Spring Rolls to Almond &amp; Dill Crusted Sole and Grilled Marinated Lamb Salad</li>
</ul>
<h3>About our Team Members</h3>
<p>Whole Foods Market, which created nearly 150 jobs in the Sauganash/Edgebrook community, has been named by Fortune magazine as one of the &#8220;100 Best Companies to Work For&#8221; in America for ten consecutive years — every year since the list&#8217;s inception.</p>
<p>&#8220;Whole Foods Market is a mission-driven company and our Team Members are truly passionate about sharing the joys of great-tasting food and natural lifestyle choices with others. The goal of every Team Member is to delight each shopper every time they visit Whole Foods Market,&#8221; Baffa says.</p>
<h3>Commitment to the Community</h3>
<p>Whole Foods Market has a history of establishing a deep commitment to each of the communities it serves. &#8220;We&#8217;re looking forward to putting down roots and becoming an integral part of the Sauganash and Edgebrook communities,&#8221; Baffa comments.</p>
<p>As part of that commitment, Whole Foods Market holds quarterly Community Support Days, in which five percent of a day&#8217;s gross sales are donated to a local non-profit organization. The first Community Support Day will be held March 21, to benefit Sauganash Elementary. The school plans to use the money for a much-needed computer room technology update.</p>
<p><!--END PRINT--></p>
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		<title>Whole Foods Market to Open September 20 in Milwaukee</title>
		<link>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2006/07/31/whole-foods-market-to-open-september-20-in-milwaukee/</link>
		<comments>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2006/07/31/whole-foods-market-to-open-september-20-in-milwaukee/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:35:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mwtm</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/?p=796</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whole Foods Market®, the world's leading natural and organic supermarket, will open its doors in Milwaukee on Wednesday September 20, 2006. The much-anticipated store is the first Whole Foods Market located in the Milwaukee area.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>MILWAUKEE (July 31, 2006)</strong>. Whole Foods Market®, the world&#8217;s leading natural and organic supermarket, will open its doors in Milwaukee on Wednesday September 20, 2006. The much-anticipated store is the first Whole Foods Market located in the Milwaukee area. The new store located at East North and Prospect Aves., will provide Milwaukee and surrounding area residents with great tasting, high quality foods in a convenient and contemporary shopping experience.</p>
<p align="justify">&#8220;Milwaukee residents have been patiently waiting the opening of Whole Foods Market, and we are eager to share our passion for truly delicious, fresh, all natural foods with them,&#8221; said John Gass, Whole Foods Market Store Team Leader. &#8220;Whether they&#8217;re seeking the largest selection of organically grown produce, all natural and organic meats, fresh artisanal cheeses, or simply an enjoyable shopping experience with outstanding customer service, we look forward to opening our doors and being a part of the Milwaukee community.&#8221;</p>
<p align="justify">Spanning 55,000 square feet, the new Whole Foods Market store will offer a vast array of tempting features, sure to please the most discerning palate. Featuring restaurant-quality prepared foods and the convenience of one-stop grocery shopping, the store features a number of unique and enticing elements. Most notably: a first of its kind beer and brat station with flatscreen televisions and comfortable seating; a taqueria bar, freestanding brick pizza oven, made-to-order sushi and panini stations; and a state-of-the-art open kitchen area, viewable from the store floor.</p>
<p align="justify">Customers can shop with confidence knowing Whole Foods Market takes pride in being highly selective about the products on its shelves. All products must meet Whole Foods Market&#8217;s strict quality standards to ensure they are free of hydrogenated fats and artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings and preservatives.</p>
<p align="justify">&#8220;We believe food in its purest state — free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, and hydrogenated fats — is the best tasting. Our Team Members are excited to help shoppers explore delicious, natural foods,&#8221; said Gass. &#8220;At Whole Foods Market, we guarantee complete customer satisfaction and go to great lengths to delight our customers.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>Whole Foods Market Opens First Omaha Location</title>
		<link>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2005/09/21/whole-foods-market-opens-first-omaha-location/</link>
		<comments>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2005/09/21/whole-foods-market-opens-first-omaha-location/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2005 05:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mwtm</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/?p=893</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OMAHA, Neb. (September 21, 2005). Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq: WFMI), the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation's first certified organic grocer, opens its new 55,000-square-foot Omaha store today. Located at 1002...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>OMAHA, Neb. (September 21, 2005)</strong>. Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq: WFMI), the world&#8217;s leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation&#8217;s first certified organic grocer, opens its new 55,000-square-foot Omaha store today. Located at 10020 Regency Circle, the new store is the company&#8217;s first location in Nebraska. A celebration of great-tasting food is in store with a ribbon-cutting event at 9:00 am and a bread-breaking ceremony at 11:00 a.m.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>&#8220;At Whole Foods Market, it is our goal to share our enthusiasm for the freshest, most flavorful natural and organic foods, and we are thrilled to open a new store in Omaha. Whether you&#8217;re seeking a wide variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty gourmet items, all-natural meats and poultry, or everyday pantry staples at great prices, you can find what you&#8217;re looking for at Whole Foods Market in Omaha,&#8221; said Tom Marciniak, store team leader. &#8220;We believe that food in its purest state &#8211; free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, colorings and hydrogenated oils &#8211; is the best tasting and most nutritious food available.&#8221;The store will celebrate its grand opening through the weekend with food sampling, giveaways, music, face-painting, balloon artists and more. The first 500 shoppers Wednesday through Sunday will receive a free, commemorative Whole Foods Market Omaha tote bag.</p>
<h3>On the Shelf and In the Aisles</h3>
<p>Spanning 55,000 square feet, the new Whole Foods Market store offers a vast array of tempting foods and delights sure to please the most discerning palate, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>more than 400 varieties of seasonal and local produce, at least 100 of which are certified organic;</li>
<li>more than 300 varieties of natural and organic cheeses, ranging from Wisconsin cheddar to French raw milk cheese;</li>
<li>more than 50 varieties of fresh seafood and shellfish, including wild Alaskan salmon, fresh Maine lobsters and Dungeness crab, flown-in and delivered fresh six days per week;</li>
<li>a variety of choice natural meats, including all-natural pork, in-house smoked meats, dry-aged beef, and 24 varieties of fresh sausage made in-house;</li>
<li>freshly baked artisan breads, cookies, pastries, muffins and other flavorful baked goods from the store&#8217;s in-house bakery;</li>
<li>a chocolate enrobing station to dip fruit, nuts, candies and dried fruits in chocolate;</li>
<li>a robust and exciting selection of olives, p?té, handcrafted butters and cheeses;</li>
<li>coffee beans roasted in-store;</li>
<li>an espresso and coffee bar;</li>
<li>a walk-in wine cellar;</li>
<li>a bulk grocery department featuring 268 items, including nuts, dried fruits, cereals, grains, and so much more;</li>
<li>a vast array of vegetarian and vegan choices;</li>
<li>a large selection of luxurious natural body care items and cosmetics;</li>
<li>advanced nutritional supplements and vitamins;</li>
<li>a beautiful selection of fresh-cut flowers and plants;</li>
<li>and essential grocery staples, including frozen foods and a full selection of dairy products, including Whole Foods Market&#8217;s own 365 Everyday Value™ and 365 Organic Everyday Value™ signature lines of products offering the same high standards for taste and quality &#8211; at everyday value prices.</li>
</ul>
<p>Whole Foods Market also features an extensive selection of restaurant-quality prepared food choices, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>delicious daily specials;</li>
<li>global cuisine;</li>
<li>vegetarian and vegan fare;</li>
<li>freshly prepared pizza baked in a brick oven;</li>
<li>made-to-order noodle and teriyaki bowls;</li>
<li>24 unique flavors of Italian gelato such as peanut-butter banana, passion fruit and wild strawberry;</li>
<li>made-to-order sushi;</li>
<li>&#8220;u-buy, we-fry&#8221; seafood and fish;</li>
<li>hot seafood chowders and soups;</li>
<li>a BBQ sandwich station;</li>
<li>and freshly prepared fare from Sonoma Chicken Salad and Portobello Spring Rolls to Almond &amp; Dill Crusted Sole and Grilled Marinated Lamb Salad.</li>
</ul>
<h3>About our Team Members</h3>
<p>Whole Foods Market, which has already created 150 jobs in the Omaha community, has been named by Fortune magazine as one of the &#8220;100 Best Companies to Work For&#8221; in America for eight consecutive years &#8211; every year since the list&#8217;s inception.</p>
<p>&#8220;Whole Foods Market is a mission-driven company and our Team Members are truly passionate about sharing the joys of great-tasting food with others. The goal of every Team Member is to delight each shopper every time they visit Whole Foods Market,&#8221; Marciniak said.</p>
<h3>Community Commitment</h3>
<p>Whole Foods Market has a history of establishing a deep commitment to each of the communities it serves. &#8220;We&#8217;re looking forward to putting down roots and becoming an integral part of the Omaha area community,&#8221; Marciniak said.</p>
<p>As part of that commitment, Whole Foods Market holds quarterly Community Support Days, in which five percent of a day&#8217;s gross sales are donated to a local non-profit organization. A Community Support Day will be held November 3 to benefit Omaha Performing Arts and the group&#8217;s educational and outreach efforts.</p>
<p><!--END PRINT--></p>
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		<title>Whole Foods Market to Open May 4th in Oakville</title>
		<link>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2005/05/02/whole-foods-market-to-open-may-4th-in-oakville/</link>
		<comments>http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/midwest/2005/05/02/whole-foods-market-to-open-may-4th-in-oakville/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2005 05:00:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mwtm</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/?p=909</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OAKVILLE, Ontario (May 2, 2005). Whole Foods Market®, the world's leading natural and organic supermarket, will open its doors on Wednesday May 4, 2005, in Oakville. The much-anticipated store is the second Whole Foods Market located in the Toront...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>OAKVILLE, Ontario (May 2, 2005)</strong>. Whole Foods Market®, the world&#8217;s leading natural and organic supermarket, will open its doors on Wednesday May 4, 2005, in Oakville. The much-anticipated store is the second Whole Foods Market located in the Toronto area. The first store opened in May 2002 in Hazelton Lanes in downtown Toronto. The new store will provide Oakville and surrounding area residents with great tasting, high quality foods and a convenient and contemporary shopping experience.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>&#8220;We know the Oakville area residents have been patiently awaiting the opening of Whole Foods Market on May 4, and we are eager to share our passion for truly delicious, fresh, all natural foods,&#8221; said Tanya Kleider, Whole Foods Market Store Team Leader. &#8220;Whether they are seeking the largest selection of organically grown produce, all natural and organic meats, fresh artisanal cheeses, or simply an enjoyable shopping experience with outstanding customer service, we look forward to opening our doors and being a part of the Oakville community.&#8221;</p>
<p>Spanning 43,000 square feet, the new Whole Foods Market store will offer a vast array of tempting features sure to please the most discerning palate. Featuring restaurant-quality prepared foods and the convenience of one-stop grocery shopping, Whole Foods Market features a number of unique and enticing features including: freestanding pizza and sushi stations, an extensive selection of prepared and specialty foods, an incredible variety of olives and pastas, and a state-of-the-art open kitchen area where shoppers can view the company&#8217;s premier chefs preparing meals. Designed with a vibrant, welcoming flair, the café area offers shoppers the opportunity to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal or snack in a relaxed setting.</p>
<p>Customers can shop with confidence knowing that Whole Foods Market takes pride in being highly selective about the products placed on its shelves. All products must meet Whole Foods Market&#8217;s strict quality standards to ensure that they are free of hydrogenated oils and artificial additives, sweeteners, colourings, and preservatives.</p>
<p>&#8220;We believe food in its purest state &#8211; free of artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils &#8211; is the best tasting. Our Team Members are excited to help shoppers explore delicious, natural foods,&#8221; said Kleider. &#8220;At Whole Foods Market, we guarantee 100 percent customer satisfaction and go to great lengths to delight our customers.&#8221;</p>
<p>The new Whole Foods Market store will also provide shoppers with the attention and convenience of a neighbourhood butcher shop with the widest collection of prime meats and poultry raised to the company&#8217;s strict natural meat standards, free of antibiotics and hormones, minimally processed and never fed animal byproducts.</p>
<p>For the bakery lover, there will be freshly baked hearth breads and tempting cookies. For those with dietary concerns, the bakery will include a delicious variety of gluten-free and wheat-free baked goods sure to please even the most discerning taste buds.</p>
<p>Additionally, the Whole Body™ department will present the largest selection of luxurious natural and organic body care items and cosmetics and a large array of unadulterated nutritional supplements and vitamins. Customers will be able to enjoy a make-up station where they can test selected products and take home samples. All products in Whole Body are made with the highest quality natural ingredients, are free of harsh chemicals and unnecessary fillers, and have never been tested on animals.</p>
<p>Whole Foods Market has a history of maintaining a deep commitment to each of the communities it serves. The company donates at least five percent of its after-tax profits to non-profit organizations, and Whole Foods Market also holds quarterly Community Support Days, in which five percent of the day&#8217;s gross sales are donated to a local non-profit organization.</p>
<p>A Community Support Day for the Oakville Hospital Foundation to support Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital will be held on June 15, 2005. On that day, five percent of the store&#8217;s sales will be donated to the Foundation. The Foundation strives to ensure that Oakville residents have access to the highest quality healthcare services, which government funding alone cannot provide. With community support, the Foundation works to ensure essential healthcare services and resources will continue to be available to meet the community&#8217;s increasing needs.</p>
<p>Whole Foods Market is a progressive employer offering competitive compensation, benefits and a respectful work environment. In fact, the company was named by Fortune Magazine as as one of the &#8220;100 Best Companies to Work For&#8221; in America for the past eight consecutive years. Its team structure emphasizes customer service, respect, empowerment and professional and financial rewards. Store Team Members make decisions that impact their areas of responsibility and contribute to their overall success and that of the store.</p>
<p>What Makes Whole Foods Market Oakville So Special?</p>
<ul>
<li>Fresh, in-store roasted coffee beans and espresso bar</li>
<li>Meat carving station for hot sandwiches</li>
<li>Made-to-order sushi</li>
<li>Brick oven pizzeria</li>
<li>Made-to-order noodle and teriyaki bowls</li>
<li>Rotisserie chicken station</li>
<li>Italian kitchen</li>
<li>More than 30 feet of help-yourself food bars featuring cold salads and hot entrées</li>
<li>Ready-to-eat prepared foods that are healthy and delicious</li>
<li>Ethnic cuisine from the deli, prepared fresh daily</li>
<li>No artificial flavours, additives, preservatives or colours</li>
<li>Largest selection of fresh, locally grown organic produce</li>
<li>Fresh seafood delivered six days a week</li>
<li>Organic and free range poultry and pork that is antibiotic and hormone-free</li>
<li>Hormone and antibiotic-free Ontario beef</li>
<li>Dry-aged beef</li>
<li>More than 300 varieties of artisan cheeses</li>
<li>International olive bar</li>
<li>Organic and European artisan hearth-style breads baked fresh daily</li>
<li>Organic and additive-free frozen foods</li>
<li>Many organic dairy products</li>
<li>Bulk foods including granolas, nuts and pastas</li>
<li>Whole Foods Market store brands: 365 Everyday Value™, 365 Organic Everyday Value™, Whole Kids Organic™</li>
<li>A floral and garden centre with a selection of cut flowers, plans and seasonal organic flowers.</li>
<li>All natural beauty and body care products, including bulk herbs</li>
<li>Dietary supplements</li>
<li>Environmentally-friendly cleaning products</li>
<li>Natural pet food</li>
</ul>
<p><!--END PRINT--></p>
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