Glastonbury, Connecticut welcomed a new haven for natural and organic food enthusiasts with the grand opening of Whole Foods Market in March 2008. Located at 55 Welles Street within the Fox Run Mall, this marked the fourth Whole Foods Market to grace Connecticut, joining its counterparts in Greenwich, West Hartford, and Westport. This new store not only expanded access to high-quality groceries but also introduced innovative green technology to the region.
Prior to its official opening, Whole Foods Market Glastonbury demonstrated its commitment to the local community by hosting a special “sneak peek” day. This event successfully raised over $5,000 for numerous Glastonbury charities, including the Glastonbury Education Foundation, the YMCA, Glastonbury Relay for Life, Glastonbury Rotary Club, the Audubon Society, Connecticut Farmland Trust, Glastonbury Partners in Planting, and the Humane Society. Attendees were treated to a delightful array of culinary samples crafted by Whole Foods Market chefs and local Connecticut vendors, fostering a sense of community partnership even before the doors officially opened.
Kim Hall, the store team leader at Whole Foods Market Glastonbury, emphasized the company’s dedication to local engagement, stating, “Caring for the local community is at the core of what we do at Whole Foods Market. We want to be actively involved in every community we are part of and we are excited to become a trusted community partner in Glastonbury.” This sentiment underscored the brand’s ethos of integrating into and supporting the neighborhoods it serves.
Pioneering Green Energy with Fuel Cell Technology
Setting itself apart, the Whole Foods Market Glastonbury store distinguished itself as the first supermarket to incorporate on-site green energy generation through PureCell® fuel cell technology from UTC Power. This forward-thinking approach enabled the store to generate over 50% of its required electricity and heat, and nearly all of its hot water, directly on-site, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and promoting environmental sustainability.
The fuel cell technology operates through an electrochemical process, converting fuel into electricity, heat, and water without fossil fuel combustion. This method is not only highly efficient but also positions fuel cells as one of the cleanest energy generation options globally, adhering to the most stringent U.S. emission standards.
By generating a significant portion of its power on-site, Whole Foods Market Glastonbury actively diminishes the strain on the public power grid and substantially lowers its carbon footprint. To achieve the equivalent carbon dioxide reduction of this single fuel cell through traditional means, one would need to plant 21 acres of forest. Furthermore, the annual reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions is comparable to removing 100 passenger cars from the roads. The implementation of fuel cell technology at the Glastonbury location prevents over 90 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year, compared to traditional power plants. An added benefit of this on-site power generation is energy security; in the event of a grid power outage, the store can continue to operate seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted service to the Glastonbury community.
Jeff Turnas, then president of Whole Foods Market’s North Atlantic Region, highlighted the significance of this technological integration: “We are incredibly excited to introduce such a promising new technology in our Glastonbury store. We are generating responsible power, providing energy security to customers and reducing our carbon footprint, which is a huge step in our ongoing mission to go green and protect the environment. We hope this will be the first of many Whole Foods Market stores to open with fuel cell technology.” This underscored Whole Foods Market’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in sustainable practices.
Uncompromising Quality and Freshness: The Hallmarks of Whole Foods Market
Consistent with all Whole Foods Market locations, the Glastonbury store provides shoppers with the assurance of purchasing the freshest, most flavorful, and purest foods available. Whole Foods Market is renowned for its rigorous quality standards, ensuring every product meets stringent criteria. This commitment means that all items are free from artificial additives, sweeteners, colors, flavors, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils, reflecting a dedication to natural and wholesome ingredients.
Exploring the Vibrant and Expansive Glastonbury Store
Spanning over 46,000 square feet, the Whole Foods Market Glastonbury store was designed to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. A prominent cupola bathes the café area in natural light, creating a pleasant space for shoppers to enjoy freshly prepared meals or beverages and socialize.
The store boasts expansive natural meat and poultry departments, featuring an on-site dry-aged beef room and a wide array of high-quality natural and organic options. Knowledgeable team members, reminiscent of traditional neighborhood butchers, offer expertise in custom cuts, cooking advice, and personalized recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience with personalized service. A selection of pre-marinated and oven-ready entrees further caters to convenience and culinary inspiration.
In the seafood department, expert fishmongers are available to assist customers in selecting from the freshest daily catches and provide recipe suggestions. Whole Foods Market’s unique position as the only supermarket owning and operating three seafood processing and distribution facilities guarantees the freshest and highest quality seafood offerings. From delectable seafood salads and pâtés to fresh whole fish displayed on ice and ready-to-cook entrees prepared in-store, the variety and quality are exceptional.
Jeff Turnas aptly described the enhanced grocery shopping experience: “Grocery shopping won’t feel like a chore once you enter Whole Foods Market— it will be an interactive experience you look forward to! From the bright colors of the fresh fruits and vegetables, the smell of freshly roasted coffee and delicious homemade breads, our extensive selection of all natural meats and cheeses from around the world, and our wide selection of restaurant quality prepared-foods, Whole Foods Market can accommodate the tastes and needs of all shoppers.”
For those seeking restaurant-quality prepared foods, Whole Foods Market Glastonbury offers an extensive selection crafted by talented in-house chefs. Two salad bars, a hot bar featuring Italian and international cuisines, and freshly made soups are available daily. Sushi Island provides a variety of options, including dim sum, hibachi, noodle bowls, and fresh sushi. Brick oven pizzas, freshly pressed paninis, and pre-packaged sandwiches complete the prepared foods selection, offering convenient and delicious meal solutions.
The bakery department stands as a destination in itself, offering freshly baked breads made from scratch, cakes, pastries, and treats prepared daily on-site. Catering to diverse dietary needs, the bakery also features vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free items. The specialty department further enhances culinary offerings with unique, freshly made compound butters prepared in-store. For beer enthusiasts, Whole Foods Market Glastonbury showcases a distinctive assortment of local and specialty beers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Shoppers are also treated to a wide selection of fresh and flavorful fruits and vegetables, available in both organic and conventional varieties. For a sweet treat, the gelato and espresso bar provides a delightful escape. The full-service cheese case, featuring homemade mozzarella produced daily, and the ready-to-order guacamole station, where shoppers can enjoy a fresh snack while shopping or to take home, add unique and engaging elements to the store.
Whole Body™ at Whole Foods Market offers an extensive range of luxurious natural body care items and cosmetics, alongside a diverse selection of high-quality nutritional vitamins and supplements. A dedicated children’s section includes items such as Born Free baby bottles and accessories, organic clothing lines, shoes, and music. All products within the Whole Body department adhere to the highest standards, made with premium natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals and unnecessary fillers.
A Mission Rooted in Community
Whole Foods Market operates as a mission-driven company, with a core value centered on commitment to the local community. Annually, the company donates five percent of its profits to various non-profit organizations. Additionally, through quarterly regional five-percent days, stores donate five percent of their daily sales to local non-profit organizations, further solidifying their dedication to community support and engagement.
Whole Foods Market Glastonbury stands as more than just a grocery store; it represents a commitment to quality, community, and environmental responsibility, offering Glastonbury residents a unique and enriching shopping experience.
