Clearwater residents are in for a treat! Whole Foods Market, renowned as the leading natural and organic foods supermarket globally and the first nationally certified organic grocer in America, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new Clearwater store. On Wednesday, September 24th, at 9:00 a.m., the doors to this 38,000 square-foot culinary haven will swing open, welcoming the community to experience a grocery shopping experience unlike any other. Located within the Westfield Countryside Mall, Whole Foods Market Clearwater marks the company’s 21st store in the Sunshine State, bringing a fresh wave of healthy and sustainable options to Pinellas County.
The grand opening celebration will commence with a traditional Bread Breaking ceremony held right in front of the store. City of Clearwater officials, along with Whole Foods Market leaders and enthusiastic team members, will be present to mark this special occasion. Adding to the excitement, the first 500 customers who line up for the opening will receive a Whole Foods Market gift card, each holding a mystery value ranging from $5 to an incredible $500! The value of each gift card will remain a surprise until checkout, adding an element of fun to the opening day festivities.
Whole Foods Market Clearwater is designed to be more than just a grocery store; it’s envisioned as a vibrant hub that truly reflects the spirit and needs of the Clearwater neighborhood. From forging strong community partnerships to curating a selection of unique products and features, this store is poised to become a beloved local destination that the neighborhood can proudly call its own.
“We are incredibly excited and proud to become a part of the Clearwater and Pinellas County communities,” stated Mike Crandall, the Store Team Leader for Whole Foods Market Clearwater. “We are eagerly anticipating opening our doors and are equally enthusiastic about the numerous opportunities we will have to serve and connect with this wonderful community.”
To truly understand what makes Whole Foods Market Clearwater special, let’s delve into some of its standout features:
Discover a World of Flavors in Prepared Foods
The Prepared Foods department is a culinary adventure in itself, boasting over 100 delectable items. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy lunch or a complete dinner solution, you’ll find an impressive array of options. Explore the full-service chef’s case brimming with ready-to-eat meals, a hot bar featuring globally inspired dishes, comforting soups, and vibrant prepared salad bars packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Mediterranean Delights at the Pita Sandwich Venue
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with the dedicated Greek and Mediterranean pita sandwich venue. Indulge in authentic flavors with freshly made souvlaki, crispy falafel, and savory kabobs, all nestled in warm, soft pita bread. It’s a perfect spot for a flavorful and satisfying meal on the go.
Freshness and Quality at the Deli
Experience the difference of in-house roasted deli meats, prepared with care and expertise. For a personalized lunch or snack, the made-to-order sandwich and panini station offers endless possibilities to create your perfect combination of fillings and flavors.
Authentic Pizza from an Open Hearth Oven
Pizza lovers will rejoice at the open hearth pizza oven, the heart of the pizza department. Watch as skilled pizza makers craft a variety of pizzas, from full-sized pies perfect for sharing to personal pizzas for individual enjoyment. Grab a slice or order a whole pizza to experience the taste of authentic, oven-baked pizza.
An Expansive Beer and Wine Selection
The Beer and Wine department is a true beverage destination, showcasing more than 400 beers, with over 70 dedicated to craft brews. Take advantage of the “Build Your Own 6-Pack” option to sample a variety of craft beers. Wine enthusiasts will be equally impressed by the selection of over 750 wines from around the globe, catering to every palate and occasion.
Relax and Unwind at the Full-Service Bar
For a unique grocery shopping experience, the store features a full-service bar. Take a break from shopping and enjoy a glass of wine, bottled or draft beer, or a refreshing wine-based cocktail. A curated selection of food items is also available to complement your drink, making it a perfect spot to socialize or simply unwind.
Cheese Lover’s Paradise at Cheese Cutter’s Corner
Cheese aficionados will be captivated by the Cheese Cutter’s Corner, home to over 250 artisanal cheeses sourced from around the world. Each cheese is hand-cut and wrapped daily in the store, ensuring freshness and quality. Learn about the diverse world of cheese from the store’s very own American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional, who can guide you through tastings and pairings.
Olive Oil Expertise with the Olive Bar Concierge Program
Enhance your culinary knowledge with the Specialty Olive Bar Concierge Program. Team members are ready to assist you in navigating the selection of premium olive oils and offer recommendations for cooking and enjoying these liquid gold treasures.
Old-Fashioned Butchery at the Meat Department
The Meat department brings back the tradition of old-fashioned, in-house-style butchers. Expert butchers are on hand to provide personalized service, answer your questions, and offer custom cuts. Discover dry-aged beef for exceptional flavor and tenderness, and savor fresh sausage made in-store daily. The department also features high-quality, responsibly sourced meats like grass-fed beef from White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, GA, White Oaks Pastures Whole Fryer Chicken, and Thompson Farms Pork from Dixie, GA.
Local and Organic in Grocery, Dairy, and Frozen
Explore the Grocery, Dairy, and Frozen aisles to find a treasure trove of products, including over 50 locally produced items. Whole Foods Market Clearwater is committed to supporting local producers and bringing the best of the region to its customers.
Abundant Produce Department with Local and Organic Options
The expansive Produce department is a vibrant showcase of colors and flavors, featuring a wide variety of locally and organically grown fruits and vegetables. Discover seasonal produce at its peak freshness and support local farmers with your choices.
European-Style Bakery with Artisan Breads and Gluten-Free Options
Indulge in the aromas and tastes of the European-style Bakery department. From artisan breads crafted with traditional techniques to locally crafted specialties, there’s a treat for every palate. Those seeking gluten-free options will also find a dedicated selection of delicious baked goods.
Freshly Made Donuts with Mr. Fresh Donuts Machine
For a fun and sweet treat, don’t miss the Mr. Fresh Donuts machine. Watch as donuts are made fresh right before your eyes, offering a warm and delightful indulgence.
Commitment to Local Seafood and Sustainability
Whole Foods Market Clearwater is deeply committed to seafood sustainability. Through its partnership with The Safina Center (formerly Blue Ocean Institute), Whole Foods Market utilizes a color-coded sustainability rating system to inform customers about the sustainability status of all non-MSC-certified wild-caught seafood. This commitment extends to supporting local fisheries and day-boat fishermen, ensuring the freshest and most sustainable seafood options for Clearwater shoppers.
Suppliers like Gary’s Seafood (Madeira Beach), Cox Seafood (Tampa), Keys Fisheries (Marathon), and D & D Seafood (Marathon), along with day-boat fishermen from Panama City, ensure a wide variety of locally caught seafood, often available within just one day of being caught.
Supporting Local Farms through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Continuing Whole Foods Market’s dedication to local communities, the Clearwater store participates in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This initiative allows local farmers to use the store as a convenient drop-off and pick-up point for their CSA subscribers, fostering direct connections between farmers and consumers, free of charge.
Animal Welfare Standards
Reflecting Whole Foods Market’s commitment to animal welfare, the store emphasizes the Global Animal Partnership’s (GAP) 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating system. Team members are trained to educate customers about this system, which provides transparency and helps shoppers make informed choices about products from animals raised with care. All beef, poultry, and pork sold in the fresh cases meet GAP criteria and are certified by independent third-party auditors.
Healthy Eating Guidance from a Dedicated Specialist
Reinforcing the Health Starts Here program, Whole Foods Market Clearwater features a full-time Healthy Eating Specialist. This expert resource is available to educate customers on making healthy food choices, conduct cooking classes, lead guided store tours, and serve as a community resource for nutritional information and healthy living tips.
Whole Foods Market Clearwater is set to become an integral part of the community, offering a unique and enriching grocery experience. The store will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., ready to welcome you to explore its diverse offerings. Stay connected and get the latest updates by following the store on facebook.com/WholeFoodsMarketClearwater and twitter.com/wfmclearwater. We look forward to seeing you at the grand opening!
