(DANBURY, CT – May 14, 2013) –Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM), the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket, is opening its ninth Connecticut location on Friday, May 17th at 9:00AM in Danbury, CT.  The new store at 5C Sugar Hollow Road in the Shops at Marcus Dairy is located directly across from the Danbury Fair Mall. The store opening celebrations will kick-off with a traditional bread breaking ceremony at 8:30 a.m. followed by storewide tastings, vendor sampling, special sale items, giveaways and other events for all ages.  

With this opening marking the 350th store in the company, Whole Foods Market: Danbury will celebrate by offering the first 350 customers entering on May 17th both a free pound of raw & peeled shrimp and a free pound of fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast. The store’s Whole Body department will be holding an Early Bird Sale from 9:00AM to 1:00PM on body care and supplements.

In connection with Whole Foods Market’s deep commitment to its local communities as well as its interest in honoring the location’s history, 5% of the day’s sales will be donated to the Danbury Museum and Historical Society. In continued support of Danbury and its surrounding communities, Whole Foods Market has also dedicated 5% day grants to four other local organizations through the Summer of 2014, including:

–      The Ridgefield Playhouse – Fall 2013

–      CityCenter Danbury – Winter 2014

–      The Land Trust of Danbury – Spring 2014

–      Plow to Plate of New Milford – Summer 2014

Conveniently located along the border of western Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, the new Danbury store will feature more than 35,000-square-feet of retail space and offer the highest quality natural and organic goods, with a heavy emphasis on products catering to the distinct tastes of the area.   Customers can expect to see favorites like local and seasonal fresh produce.  The new store will also showcase in-store venues and departments for a truly one-stop shopping experience. 

In addition to its expansive grocery options, the new store will pay homage to the location’s former resident, Marcus Dairy. The Burgers & Shakes bar draws inspiration from the location’s history and its famed Dairy Bar Restaurant. Topnotch burgers (grass-fed beef, turkey and veggie options available), push-cart style hot dogs and made-to-order milkshakes are all featured on the menu. 

“We’re excited to join the Danbury community and fulfill the needs of its shoppers with natural, organic and wholesome products,” said Pat Mulrooney, Whole Foods Market Danbury Store Team Leader. “With its rich agricultural history, Danbury was a natural fit for Whole Foods Market, and we look forward to this fruitful partnership as we aim to provide the town with a unique shopping experience.” 

The Danbury store will be introducing several “first to market” specialties such as all-natural varieties of retro-inspired desserts in the Bakery Department. The store will also feature made in-house fruit juicing and smoothie kits available in 14 varieties, offering nutritious flavor combinations like Berry Berry, Kale and Celery, Apple and Beet, as well as the company’s first fill-your-own coconut water growler option, giving customers the opportunity to reuse containers and purchase coconut water in bulk. The Prepared Foods section will showcase a stir-fry bar allowing shoppers to create a quick and customized meal, while the Meat Department will offer a variety of cheese and meat stuffed burgers just in time for grilling season. Whole Foods Market: Danbury will be the area’s first location to offer in-house dried fruit, offering a variety of traditional and tropical fruit options. 

In line with the Whole Foods Market commitment to excellence, the new Danbury store will continue to deliver high quality meat free of antibiotics and added hormones, including locally sourced options from farms in the Northeast and offer fresh-caught seafood, sourced by local vendors throughout the Northeast. With our Whole Foods Market 365 Everyday Value™ line of high-quality household staples, the grocery department is a one-stop shop for all your pantry needs. Dedicated to pampering and well being, the Whole Body department will feature top-of-the-line, natural and organic ingredients for personal care and beauty items as well as nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and baby care items. 

For more information about our Danbury location, find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/WholeFoodsDanbury or on Twitter @WFMDanbury. To learn more about opening day celebration events and dates, please contact Jessica Alter at 212.829.0002, x. 104; ja@sharpthink.com. 

Whole Foods Market – Danbury

The Shops at Marcus Dairy

5c Sugar Hollow Road

Danbury, CT 06810

 Regular Store Hours:  [Mon –Sun] 8 AM – 10 PM

Phone Number: (203) 730-0599