The familiar and beloved grocery shopping experience that Massachusetts residents appreciated at Bread & Circus Whole Foods Market is set to continue under a simplified name: Whole Foods Market®. As of June 9, the leading retailer of natural and organic foods in the nation officially transitioned its Massachusetts branding, with twelve local Bread & Circus Whole Foods Markets becoming simply Whole Foods Market. While the name has been shortened, the distinctive shopping environment and commitment to quality remain unchanged, especially at locations like the Hadley store.
David Lannon, Northeast Region President, emphasized the deep roots of Bread & Circus within the Whole Foods Market family. “Bread & Circus has been an integral part of Whole Foods Market since our acquisition of the original stores in 1992,” Lannon stated. He further explained the gradual integration of the Whole Foods Market name, noting, “We have been progressively incorporating the name change into various in-store materials, from staff aprons to shopping carts and grocery bags. Consequently, the primary alteration customers will observe is the change in our external signage.”
Anthony Harnett, the founder of Bread & Circus, confirmed that the foundational values of Bread & Circus are alive and well within Whole Foods Market stores today. “The dedication to food quality, the unique display styles, and the overall integrity that Bread & Circus championed are still evident at Whole Foods Market. As a shopper at Whole Foods Markets near my home in California, I consistently find what I need and trust in the superior quality of their offerings,” Harnett remarked.
A particularly insightful perspective comes from A.C. Gallo, who began his journey stocking shelves at the Brookline Bread & Circus store in 1977 and now serves as the Executive Vice President of Operations for Whole Foods Market nationally. Reflecting on the company’s growth and commitment to standards, Gallo shared, “When we consider how Whole Foods Market has managed to maintain its integrity while expanding, it might seem like a greater challenge as the company grows larger. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Back when we launched the Hadley store in 1983, our product selection was limited. Packaged soy milk and cereals that met our strict criteria were scarce. Today, our increased scale allows us to collaborate effectively with food producers, influencing them to adopt growing practices that align with our stringent quality benchmarks.” This growth directly benefits stores like Whole Foods Market Hadley, ensuring a wider variety of high-quality products.
Dana Leavitt, formerly a Newton Store Team Leader and currently serving in the same capacity at the Mill Valley, CA store, highlighted the dynamic nature of the food industry and Whole Foods Market’s proactive role in it. “Life is inherently about change. As Whole Foods Market has expanded, so too has its capacity to drive positive change among growers and vendors within the organic and natural foods sector. What remains constant is our unwavering commitment to providing our communities with the freshest, purest, and most flavorful foods, sourcing exceptional local products, and delivering an unmatched shopping experience.” This dedication is mirrored at every Whole Foods Market location, including Whole Foods Market Hadley, ensuring customers consistently receive the best.
It’s worth noting that while most locations transitioned to the Whole Foods Market name on June 9, the Hadley location was slated to finalize its name change in Fall 2003 due to ongoing renovation projects. This detail underscores the commitment to maintaining a high standard and ensuring each store, including Whole Foods Market Hadley, is presented in the best possible way to its community.
