Whole Foods Market made its grand entrance into Nebraska on September 21, 2005, bringing its renowned selection of natural and organic foods to Omaha. The opening of the 55,000-square-foot store at 10020 Regency Circle marked a significant milestone for the company, establishing its first location in the state and providing Omaha residents with a premier destination for high-quality groceries. From the moment the doors opened, Whole Foods Market Omaha promised a unique shopping experience centered around fresh, flavorful, and wholesome food choices.
The grand opening was a festive occasion, commencing with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:00 am followed by a traditional bread-breaking ceremony at 11:00 am. Tom Marciniak, the store team leader, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At Whole Foods Market, it is our goal to share our enthusiasm for the freshest, most flavorful natural and organic foods, and we are thrilled to open a new store in Omaha.” He emphasized the store’s commitment to offering a wide array of options, from organic produce and gourmet items to natural meats and everyday pantry staples, all at competitive prices. Whole Foods Market Omaha aimed to provide food in its purest form, free from artificial additives, aligning with the growing consumer demand for healthier and more transparent food options.
To celebrate its arrival in Omaha, Whole Foods Market hosted a weekend-long grand opening celebration filled with engaging activities. Shoppers enjoyed food sampling, exciting giveaways, live music, face painting, and balloon artists. Adding to the excitement, the first 500 shoppers each day from Wednesday through Sunday received a complimentary commemorative Whole Foods Market Omaha tote bag, creating a memorable welcome for the community.
Exploring the Aisles of Whole Foods Market Omaha
Stepping into Whole Foods Market Omaha is an exploration of culinary delights. The expansive 55,000-square-foot store is meticulously organized to showcase an impressive range of products designed to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences:
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Produce Paradise: The produce section boasts over 400 varieties of seasonal and local fruits and vegetables, with at least 100 certified organic options. This commitment to fresh, locally sourced, and organic produce ensures shoppers have access to the best the season has to offer.
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Cheese Connoisseur’s Corner: Cheese lovers can rejoice in a selection of over 300 natural and organic cheeses. From local Wisconsin cheddar to imported French raw milk cheese, the cheese department offers a global tour of flavors and textures.
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Seafood Sensations: Freshness is paramount in the seafood department, featuring more than 50 varieties of fresh seafood and shellfish. Highlights include wild Alaskan salmon, fresh Maine lobsters, and Dungeness crab, flown in and delivered six days a week to guarantee peak quality.
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Butcher Shop Excellence: Meat eaters will appreciate the selection of choice natural meats, including all-natural pork, in-house smoked meats, dry-aged beef, and an impressive 24 varieties of fresh sausage made daily in-house. This dedication to quality and variety sets the meat department apart.
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Bakery Bliss: The in-house bakery fills the store with enticing aromas of freshly baked artisan breads, cookies, pastries, muffins, and a wide assortment of other baked goods. Perfect for a treat or to complement any meal.
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Unique Culinary Stations: Adding to the unique shopping experience, Whole Foods Market Omaha includes a chocolate enrobing station for creating custom chocolate-covered treats, and a robust selection of olives, pâté, handcrafted butters, and cheeses for gourmet snacking and entertaining.
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Beverage Variety: Coffee aficionados can enjoy coffee beans roasted in-store and a full-service espresso and coffee bar. Wine enthusiasts can explore a walk-in wine cellar, offering a curated selection to pair with any meal.
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Bulk Buying and Beyond: The bulk grocery department is a treasure trove of 268 items, including nuts, dried fruits, cereals, grains, and more, allowing shoppers to buy exactly the quantity they need and reduce packaging waste.
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Dietary Diversity: Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based options, Whole Foods Market Omaha provides a vast array of vegetarian and vegan choices throughout the store.
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Wellness and Beauty: Beyond food, the store offers a large selection of luxurious natural body care items and cosmetics, advanced nutritional supplements, and vitamins, catering to holistic wellness needs.
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Floral and Home: A beautiful selection of fresh-cut flowers and plants adds a touch of nature, while essential grocery staples, including frozen foods and a full dairy selection featuring Whole Foods Market’s 365 Everyday Value™ and 365 Organic Everyday Value™ lines, ensure all shopping needs are met with value and quality.
Restaurant-Quality Prepared Foods
For those seeking convenient and delicious meal solutions, Whole Foods Market Omaha provides an extensive selection of restaurant-quality prepared foods:
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Daily Delights: Enjoy delicious daily specials and a variety of global cuisines, offering a rotating menu of flavors from around the world.
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Plant-Based Plates: Vegetarian and vegan fare is readily available, ensuring flavorful and satisfying options for plant-based diets.
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Brick Oven Pizza: Freshly prepared pizza baked in a brick oven offers a classic favorite with high-quality ingredients.
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Customizable Bowls: Made-to-order noodle and teriyaki bowls allow for personalized meals tailored to individual preferences.
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Gelato Dreams: Indulge in 24 unique flavors of Italian gelato, from peanut-butter banana to passion fruit and wild strawberry, perfect for a sweet treat.
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Sushi Selections: Made-to-order sushi provides fresh and expertly prepared Japanese cuisine.
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Seafood Your Way: The “u-buy, we-fry” seafood and fish option allows shoppers to select their seafood and have it freshly fried in-store.
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Comforting Soups and More: Hot seafood chowders and soups, a BBQ sandwich station, and freshly prepared fare ranging from Sonoma Chicken Salad and Portobello Spring Rolls to Almond & Dill Crusted Sole and Grilled Marinated Lamb Salad offer diverse and convenient meal choices.
A Commitment to Team and Community in Omaha
Whole Foods Market’s arrival in Omaha created 150 jobs, contributing to the local economy and fostering a positive work environment. The company has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America for eight consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to its team members. Tom Marciniak emphasized this, stating, “Whole Foods Market is a mission-driven company and our Team Members are truly passionate about sharing the joys of great-tasting food with others. The goal of every Team Member is to delight each shopper every time they visit Whole Foods Market.”
Beyond employment, Whole Foods Market is dedicated to community engagement. Marciniak affirmed, “We’re looking forward to putting down roots and becoming an integral part of the Omaha area community.” This commitment is exemplified through initiatives like quarterly Community Support Days, where five percent of a day’s gross sales are donated to a local non-profit organization. The inaugural Community Support Day on November 3 was planned to benefit Omaha Performing Arts, supporting their educational and outreach programs, demonstrating Whole Foods Market Omaha’s dedication to giving back to its new community.
