Whole Foods in Elmhurst Set to Open May 27

A 45,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market is scheduled to open May 27 at 215 South Illinois Route 83 in Elmhurst.

The new Elmhurst location was first announced in Feb. 2014, and Whole Foods spent a year remodeling the old Dominick’s building “to reflect the Elmhurst community and the company’s mission of supporting sustainable agriculture and the environment,” according to the news release.

• What do you think about Elmhurst getting a Whole Foods Market? Tell us in the comments.

Whole Foods will host its version of a ribbon cutting ceremony, called a “Bread-Breaking Ceremony” on May 27 beginning at 8:45 a.m., according to a news release. Doors will open and shopping will officially begin at 9 a.m.

The first 500 customers through the doors will receive a Whole Foods Market Gift Card with a mystery value between $5 and $50. One customer will receive a $500 gift card.

Whole Foods is also holding an online sweepstakes for a $500 gift card. Entry is open until May 26.

The Elmhurst location will be the 24th Whole Foods Market in the Chicago area, according to Whole Foods.

Whole Foods Market hired about 150 team members for each new location, according to the release. Several job listings have been posted online for the store, including a lead baker, dishwasher, pastry supervisor, pizza cook and more

“At Whole Foods Market, we have a deep passion for fresh, flavorful natural and organic foods and we are elated to open a store for the Elmhurst community,” said Whole Foods Market Elmhurst store team leader Jason Krapausky in a statement. “Whether looking for high-quality meats and poultry or everyday pantry staples, residents from the health conscious to devoted food enthusiasts will find what they’re looking for.”

Specific to Elmhurst:

The Elmhurst store is designed to feel like a gathering of “boutiques within a store,” according to the release. The store features elements chosen with the Elmhurst community in mind.

Highlights include:

• Restaurant and Grill: Customers can stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner for some hot, delicious meals.
• 5-Step Rated Meat: The Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating system provides shoppers with a new level of transparency about how farm animals are raised.
• Seafood from Sustainable Sources: Customers can chose from a variety of responsibly sourced seafood options that are fresh, delicious and support a healthy marine ecosystems.
• Freshly Made Sushi: A variety of specialty rolls, including those made with brown or whole grain rice, made in-house by experts for customers.
• Salad and Hot Bars: The Elmhurst community will love the freshly prepared salads, build-your-own salad fixings and hot entrees available for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
• Panini and Pizza Venues: Customers can choose from a variety of delicious pizza and panini sandwiches for quick lunch or dinner options.
• Health Starts Here™ Program: This store will provide tools and education to help shoppers make healthier choices, including an assortment of specially crafted Health Starts Here dishes on the hot and cold food bars.
• Bulk Department: Back-to-basics pantry items for all of the Elmhurst community’s cooking needs.
• Foods from Around the Globe: A variety of foods to meet diverse cultural and dietary needs of the Elmhurst community.
• Scratch Bakery: Shoppers will enjoy a wide variety of freshly baked pastries including croissants, muffins, cookies, soft pretzels and more.
• Catering Service: Elmhurst shoppers will love the experienced catering department to help build a menu filled with fresh and delicious foods for parties, events and any special occasion.

Also featured at this location:

• More than 200 varieties of seasonal, organic and local produce, with a variety of hard-to-find items.
• More than 200 varieties of natural, organic and local cheeses.
• More than 50 varieties of fresh seafood and shellfish, all harvested using sustainable practices.
• A large variety of custom-cut meats from in-house butchers.
• A robust and exciting selection of olives, artisanal butters and cheeses.
• A vast array of vegetarian and vegan choices.
• A large selection of luxurious natural body care items and cosmetics including bulk soaps.
• Advanced nutritional supplements and vitamins made of only natural ingredients.
• A beautiful selection of Whole Trade Guarantee fresh-cut flowers and plants.
• Essential grocery staples, including Whole Foods Market’s own 365 Everyday Value® signature line of products offering the same high standards for taste and quality at everyday low prices.

Image courtesy of Whole Foods.

ALSO ON PATCH