PORTLAND, Ore. – Dec. 16, 2009 – Whole Foods Market announced today that Tuesday, Jan. 12, is opening day for its newest store in Portland, a 37,800 square-foot location in the heart of the bustling Hollywood district.
The neighborhood store, which is generating 130 jobs, occupies the entire ground floor of the new sustainably built Beverly Condominiums at 4301 NE Sandy Boulevard. In addition to offering a rich array of natural and organic groceries, meats, health and body products, gift items and more, the store will feature:
- The largest bulk selection of any Portland area Whole Foods Market, featuring more than 300 items, everything from grains, spices and herbs to honey and olive oil
- Chefs preparing ready-to-eat entrees, ethnic-inspired sandwiches and wraps, hearth-fired pizza, and rotisserie items
- A professional butcher serving up recommendations and expert advice for custom cuts, new meal ideas and marinade pairings
- A coffee bar featuring Whole Foods’ Allegro coffee, artisan gelato and locally made kombucha from Townshend’s Tea, a recent recipient of a loan from the Whole Foods Local Producer Loan Program
- More than 1,300 natural food products made locally by artisans and manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest
“Our employees are eager to get to know their neighbors, answer questions and share their knowledge about Whole Foods’ high quality natural and organic products,” said Steve Corbin, Hollywood store team leader. “Hollywood residents can look forward to knowing their butcher by name, finding great deals in every aisle and always having access to fresh, local ingredients for their next meal.”
Sneak Preview
On Sunday, Jan. 10, from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., the entire Portland community is invited to a festive celebration and sneak peek of the new store, complete with music, food samples and tours. The event is open to the public and free for kids, with a suggested $10 adult admission benefiting the Hollywood Theatre.
Opening Day Festivities
At 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, neighbors will celebrate opening day with a traditional Whole Foods Market bread breaking ceremony – a unique twist on a ribbon cutting, followed by the official store opening at 9 a.m. Mayor Sam Adams and Whole Foods Market executives will share perspective on the significance of the new store to the neighborhood.
“The new Whole Foods store is a welcome addition to the vital Hollywood neighborhood and our local business community,” said Jan Tolman, president of the Hollywood Boosters. “We appreciate Whole Foods working with us to make Northeast Portland a great place to live, work and shop.”
Shoppers are encouraged to get to the store early opening day for a chance to win door prizes, special local neighborhood packages, giveaways and more. Local food producers including Dave’s Killer Bread, Townshend’s Tea, Grand Central Bakery, Ruby Jewel Treats and Moonstruck Chocolates will line the aisles, sharing free samples. In addition, the first 365 lucky people through the door on Jan. 12 will each walk away with a free goodie bag of Whole Foods 365 brand products, valued at more than $25.
The store offers easy access for shoppers arriving on bike, on foot or by car with a convenient on-site covered parking garage. The Hollywood Whole Foods Market will be open 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday.
About Whole Foods Market® in Oregon and Southwest Washington The new Whole Foods Market Hollywood is the eighth store in the Oregon and Southwest Washington region – four in Portland, and one each in Hillsboro, Tigard, Bend and Vancouver, Wash. – all of which contribute 830 jobs to the local economy. Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and America’s first national certified organic grocer. The Whole Foods Market motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures the company’s mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Oregon’s Whole Foods Market stores are committed to their communities, sourcing locally grown and produced products whenever possible and donating more than $60,000 to local charities and nonprofit groups as a result of community giving programs in 2008. Based in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 12 consecutive years.
