Whole Foods Market officially opened its doors in Chicago’s vibrant Edgewater neighborhood on Wednesday, April 29, marking a significant addition to the community. Located at 6009 N. Broadway, this new store is not just another grocery outlet; it’s a culinary and community hub, representing the fourth of seven Whole Foods Markets launched in the Chicagoland area in 2015, and the 23rd in the broader region. For residents of Edgewater and beyond, “Whole Foods Edgewater” signifies a fresh, high-quality grocery experience right in their neighborhood.
Marco Leon, the enthusiastic store team leader, expressed his excitement about the opening, stating, “We are thrilled to become a part of Edgewater, one of Chicago’s most diverse and dynamic neighborhoods. Our aim is to be the go-to everyday grocery solution for local residents, while also providing the unique and exceptional culinary experiences that Whole Foods Market shoppers have come to appreciate.” This sentiment highlights the core mission of “whole foods edgewater”: to cater to the daily needs of the community while exceeding expectations in food quality and variety.
Spanning an impressive 54,000 square feet, the “whole foods edgewater” store is designed to be a food lover’s paradise. It boasts an extensive array of options, from ready-to-eat meals and beverages to classic Whole Foods Market staples. Among the standout features are:
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Wood-fired Grill: A centerpiece of the prepared foods section, offering mouthwatering grilled items like citrus achiote chicken, Peruvian chicken, chermoula chicken, carne asada, cilantro citrus marinated tilapia, and spicy garlic portabella mushrooms. This provides a delicious and convenient meal solution for busy Edgewater residents.
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Ramen Station: Dive into comforting and flavorful ramen bowls, featuring a variety of barbecue-inspired flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, the ramen station adds an international flair to the “whole foods edgewater” dining options.
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House-Made Naan and Pita Bread Station: Experience the aroma and taste of freshly baked naan and pita bread, made in-house. This station offers a taste of artisanal baking and complements various meal choices available throughout the store.
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Stir-Fry Station: Create your own customized stir-fry with a diverse selection of Pan Asian flavor profiles. This interactive station allows shoppers to personalize their meals with fresh ingredients and exciting sauces.
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Cut-to-Order Pasta Station: Indulge in fresh, specialty cheeses paired with perfectly cooked pasta, made to order. This station elevates the everyday pasta dish into a gourmet experience.
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Red Star Diner: More than just a grocery store, “whole foods edgewater” features the Red Star diner, a full-fledged dining area with 24 beers on tap. The beer selection includes craft brews like Evil Twin Brewing’s Mission Gose, Stone Brewing Company’s Russian Imperial Stout, Goose Island Beer Company’s Bourbon County Proprietors and Vanilla Rye, and Begyle Brewing’s Whole Foods Market exclusive, Edgewater American Pale Ale. This makes it a perfect spot to unwind after shopping or meet friends for a casual bite.
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Broadway & Norwood Café Area: For a more relaxed café experience, the Broadway & Norwood Café area offers pasta dishes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and a curated selection of wines by the glass. This space encourages shoppers to linger and enjoy the atmosphere of “whole foods edgewater”.
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In-House Smoked Cheese: A regional first for Whole Foods Market in the Midwest, the in-house smoked cheese adds a unique and smoky flavor dimension to the cheese selection, showcasing the store’s commitment to innovation and regional specialties.
Beyond these highlights, “whole foods edgewater” also includes a scratch bakery filled with tempting treats, in-house smoked meat and seafood for the freshest flavors, a gelato counter for a sweet indulgence, and an impressive selection of over 900 beers, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
To commemorate its grand opening, “whole foods edgewater” hosted a special “Bread-Breaking Ceremony,” a Whole Foods Market tradition replacing the conventional ribbon-cutting. Team members and Edgewater neighbors participated in this symbolic event before the doors officially opened at 9 a.m. Adding to the excitement, the first 500 customers received Whole Foods Market gift cards, with values ranging from $5 to an incredibly lucky $500, creating a buzz of anticipation and delight on opening day.
Shoppers at “whole foods edgewater” are greeted by the vibrant and colorful Responsibly Grown Produce section, reflecting Whole Foods Market’s dedication to sustainable and healthy food. The recently launched Responsibly Grown Produce rating system helps customers make informed choices by categorizing produce and flowers as “Good,” “Better,” or “Best” based on rigorous assessments of growing practices and their impact on health and the environment. This initiative reinforces Whole Foods Market’s ongoing commitment to providing fresh, wholesome food while minimizing environmental impact.
This commitment to quality and transparency extends throughout every department of “whole foods edgewater”. Whole Foods Market’s stringent quality standards mean no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives are allowed. Products are carefully evaluated not only on ingredients but also on ethical sourcing, responsible practices, proper labeling, and a deep-seated philosophy of building a business with uncompromising standards. This dedication is evident in:
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Prepared Foods: The grab-and-go meals and diverse food venues within “whole foods edgewater” are all crafted with high-quality natural and organic ingredients, ensuring both convenience and health.
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Meat: The meat department sources beef, pork, chicken, and turkey exclusively from farms certified in the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating Program, underscoring a commitment to animal welfare and ethical farming practices.
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Seafood: “whole foods edgewater”‘s seafood department adheres to the highest quality standards in the industry, collaborating with scientists, fishermen, government agencies, and organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council. This ensures that customers can make environmentally conscious choices when purchasing seafood, supporting sustainable fishing and aquaculture.
Whole Foods Market’s dedication to quality and service goes beyond the physical store, embedding itself in the Edgewater community. As Marco Leon emphasized, “At Whole Foods Market, we are committed to serving communities holistically, building lasting relationships with local organizations long before opening day.”
Reflecting this community-centric approach, “whole foods edgewater” launched its “Days of Community Giving” during opening week. For five days, 1 percent of each day’s net sales were donated to Chicago-based organizations, including The Peterson Garden Project, The Jackalope Theatre, Friends of Senn High School, Felines and Canines, and Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles. This initiative demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting the local ecosystem and contributing to the well-being of Edgewater.
Further strengthening its local engagement, “whole foods edgewater” participates in the One Dime at a Time program. Customers who bring their own shopping bags are given the option to receive a 10-cent refund per bag or donate it to a chosen charity. Friends of Swift Specialty School was the first recipient of this program at the Edgewater location, fostering a culture of sustainability and community support with every shopping trip.
In conclusion, “whole foods edgewater” is more than just a grocery store; it’s a vibrant community partner, a culinary destination, and a testament to Whole Foods Market’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement. For Edgewater residents and visitors, “whole foods edgewater” offers a unique and enriching shopping experience that extends far beyond the aisles.
