Portland, Maine welcomed a new destination for food enthusiasts and health-conscious shoppers on Wednesday, February 14, 2007, with the grand opening of Whole Foods Market. Located at 2 Somerset Street, at the prominent intersection of Somerset and Franklin Arterial, this marked the arrival of the first Whole Foods Market in Maine, promising to redefine the grocery shopping experience for Portland residents. The opening was celebrated with a traditional “bread breaking” ceremony at 10:00 a.m., officially launching a new chapter in the city’s culinary landscape.
Spanning an impressive 48,000 square feet, the Whole Foods Market Portland Maine store is designed to be more than just a supermarket. It’s a comprehensive food emporium offering a range of unique attractions rarely found under one roof. Customers can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee at the in-store coffee bar, witness the nostalgic charm of an all-natural taffy-pulling machine, indulge in expertly prepared sushi at the sit-down sushi bar, or savor hot Italian entrees and grilled-to-order items from the trattoria, complete with a hearth oven. This new store effectively combines the best aspects of a farmer’s market, a specialty food store, a traditional grocery, a butcher shop, a fish market, a bakery, and a take-out restaurant, presenting Portland with a dynamic and diverse food shopping experience.
The anticipation for Whole Foods Market Portland Maine was evident in the overwhelming response to pre-opening sneak peek tours. Over 1,000 local residents were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the store two days prior to the public opening, demonstrating the community’s eagerness to embrace this new grocery option.
Marissa Perry, the Store Team Leader, expressed her enthusiasm about the opening, stating, “From sourcing the very best local foods to providing culinary treasures from around the world, Whole Foods Market has created a dynamic shopping experience, and we hope to dazzle our shoppers. We offer restaurant-quality prepared foods, freshly baked breads, the highest quality fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as unmatched quality and freshness in our seafood and meat department.” Highlighting the Valentine’s Day opening, she added, “How fitting that we are opening on Valentine’s Day as we will be extending our most heart-felt welcome to Portlanders when we open our doors on February 14.”
Community engagement and local sourcing are central to the Whole Foods Market philosophy. The Portland Maine store is committed to actively participating in the local community, offering its café as a meeting space and planning monthly collaborations with local non-profit organizations. Furthermore, the store will institute quarterly “Five Percent Days,” where a percentage of the day’s sales will be donated to support local charities, reinforcing their dedication to giving back to the Portland community.
True to its commitment to local sourcing, Whole Foods Market Portland Maine is actively partnering with Maine’s esteemed local producers and farmers. Shoppers will find products from beloved local names such as Caldwell Farms, Silvery Moon Creamery, Sunrise Acres Farm, and Crown O’ Maine Cooperative, showcasing the rich agricultural offerings of the region directly within the store.
David Lannon, President for Whole Foods Market’s North Atlantic Region, emphasized the importance of local food, stating, “At Whole Foods Market, we understand that some of the best food is local food. We have always placed a priority on seeking out foods as locally as possible. With our store-based buying program, we have the flexibility to make the product mix of all our stores reflect the community, and we work hard to develop relationships with growers and food producers.” This store-based buying program ensures that the Portland store accurately reflects the tastes and preferences of the local community.
Adding another layer to the story, Whole Foods Market’s arrival in Portland was preceded by the acquisition of The Whole Grocer in January 2006. The Whole Grocer, a long-standing natural foods store in Portland, became part of the Whole Foods Market family due to shared values of quality and exceptional customer service. All employees from The Whole Grocer transitioned to the new Whole Foods Market Portland Maine location, and The Whole Grocer closed its doors on February 11, paving the way for this exciting new venture.
Lannon further commented on the acquisition’s positive impact on the community: “The Whole Grocer has been an important part of the Portland community for more than two decades, and the natural and organic food industry has grown so quickly in that time. By joining forces and linking The Whole Grocer’s knowledge of Portland and Whole Foods Market’s purchasing strength and ability to offer value prices on all natural and organic products, it is the Portland community that will be a winner for years to come.”
The opening of Whole Foods Market Portland Maine represents a significant step forward for the city’s grocery scene, promising a unique shopping experience centered around quality, community, and the best in natural and organic foods.
