Whole Foods comes to Columbus

[Goin' Coastal]

Today was the grand opening for the new Whole Foods store in Columbus. I have read so much about the store on the BB - I was anxious to see it. From what I saw, it looked wonderful! The produce looked like it was from a photo shoot. They were sampling things all over the store. I did not stay too long because of the crowds ( I had to wait in line to get a cart). Checkout lines were long and I noticed an employee walking around, and if someone had only 1 or 2 items, they put it in a bag and said it was on the house. Very nice way of keeping the lines down! It is the second largest Whole Foods - second to the flagship store in Austin (?). I can't wait to go back after the grand opening rush is over. What is your favorite item to buy at Whole Foods?

[donleyk]

I'm excited to have it here but I'm annoyed to no end that EVERYTHING (Trader Joes, Fresh Market...) is in the NW section of town. Sawmill is easily a 50 minute drive (home) for me. I will probably continue to stop at Wild Oats (still out of the way but nothing like Sawmill/161) but I will check it out at some point. I bet the place was a zoo Wednesday.

[lindrusso]

Ooooo, so now Columbus has TJ's, Penzeys AND Whole Foods?

We drive through Columbus by way of 33 on our way to visit my parents in VA. So for us, the NW corner is perfect. ;) Columbus always temps me to stop, but it's hard when you're traveling a 12-hour day. But sometimes we have time if we stay halfway in Chillicothe.

Well, 50 minutes beats 2.5 hours that I have to drive to get to a Whole Foods (with no Wild Oats for back up). ;) But I know what you mean - so close, and yet so far away.

[Goin' Coastal]

[QUOTE=donleyk]I'm excited to have it here but I'm annoyed to no end that EVERYTHING (Trader Joes, Fresh Market...) is in the NW section of town. QUOTE]


Yes, I certainly agree with you there! I am in Southern Delaware county, so it is not quite as far for me, but with all the traffic headaches atround here, it seems like a lot further!

[tholbrook]

Yea!!! I'm so excited! :D I had no idea Whole Foods was coming to Columbus! I've always been jealous when there are posts about how wonderful it is.

I don't live in Columbus but I drive there at least once a week and I'll be there this weekend. It will be a little out of my way, but I'll have to stop by anyway. It's a pity I've already done my grocery shopping for the week. I'm pretty sure that won't stop me from stocking up on more food.

For those of you who also shop at Wild Oats - how do the prices at Whole Foods compare? I think the prices at Wild Oats (except for their own brand) are pretty steep for a lot of things.

I stumbled across Penzey's while I was looking for something else a few weeks ago. I had no idea it was there either. Unfortunately, it was closed for the evening. So I still need to make that trip too.

[Lrimerman]

I am green with envy. I want a big, new, gorgeous WF closer to me (MI). We have a large store in Ann Arbor, but that is too far for me. I shop at the one in West Bloomfield and it is at least 30 minute drive each way. That is our main food store, I really don't shop anywhere else, most items I get from our Co-op or other local sources. Seems I go to WF at least once a week for staples like bananas, onions, etc.

I will have to visit the new big one next time I am in Columbus. I have been to the Penzey's there a couple of times. We do have a new Penzey's about 1/2 hour from me, haven't been there yet. We also have TJ's near the WF.

We are lucky that they are here, but I wish they would build one in Northern Oakland County.

Lisa

[CathyT]

You're going to LOVE your new Whole Foods! There are two within five minutes of me and I'm envious b/c your store is bigger, lol :)

I hope you don't mind if I suggest a few WF favorites:


Old World muesli bread loaf and muesli rolls (in the bakery section - they'll slice the loaf for you if you ask)
Chicken hot dogs (in the deli section)
Beef (I get all of my meats at WF b/c they're growth hormone-free, and whenever I have guests, they always comment on the taste of the beef itself)
365 store brand products (as good as name brands)


Happy Shopping!

Cathy
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[donleyk]

stumbled across Penzey's while I was looking for something else a few weeks ago. I had no idea it was there either. Unfortunately, it was closed for the evening. So I still need to make that trip too.

Yes, the hours are not worker friendly. Thankfully, it's close and I can usually manage it.

I haven't taken too many exceptions with Wild Oats prices except for their prepared foods. They are expensive but the quality has always been outstanding in my experience. I love too that I can buy just a quarter lb of something. I am not usually feeding a whole family tho'.

[Kyra]

I haven't been to check this out yet (I don't go over to Sawmill all that often because I hate the traffic), but I'm curious. Mostly, I'm curious to know what they have to offer that I can't already get somewhere else. (I am already happy with local sources for bread, meat/poultry/pork, seafood, and farmer market produce.)

So, all you Whole Food fans, tell me what to look for there. I promise to give it a try!

Editing to add, I forgot to mention that not EVERYTHING in is the NW section of town. There is a TJ out at Easton (OK, admittedly probably not closer for you, but good to remember if you're out there shopping), and the North Market is right next to downtown. Gotta love the North Market!

[HealthyinMN]

For those of you who also shop at Wild Oats - how do the prices at Whole Foods compare? I think the prices at Wild Oats (except for their own brand) are pretty steep for a lot of things.


They are pretty close in terms of pricing out here in AZ.

[memartha]

I was just at WF today. I stocked up on non-perishables, as I was not going to be home for a few hours. I love:

all of their produce, beef, chicken, fish, sausages
365 Organic Pasta Sauce (NOT the marinara, which has cheese in it)
365 Balsamic Vinegar
Simply Organic taco seasoning
granola (bulk bins), raisins, yogurt pretzels (DS likes these)
WF Wheat English Muffins
I.M. Healthy honey soy nut butter
great selection of bagged, caffeine free teas
great selections of chips, salsas
great selection of natural cereals and bars
very nice salad bar (I had a spinach and strawberry salad for lunch and I added some tempeh from the salad bar)

I could go on but those are my favorites. I have never had their baked goods, so I can't comment on them.

[donleyk]

Editing to add, I forgot to mention that not EVERYTHING in is the NW section of town. There is a TJ out at Easton (OK, admittedly probably not closer for you, but good to remember if you're out there shopping), and the North Market is right next to downtown. Gotta love the North Market!


Snort! Yeah, Easton really isn't an improvement- 6 of one, half dozen of the other.

I thought the news reports said WF was planning on planting themselves within a stone's throw of the North Market so I was actually surprised to hear they're at Sawmill/161. I don't know if they are planning on the NM area or not.

We do buy all our fish, chicken and any red meat at the NM. That is at least somewhat convenient and a great place to eat! I've heard the sushi is very good but we've not tried it yet.

[KristiB]

Their 365 sodas are good and they don't have the evil HFCS. I like the Key Lime.

Enjoy your Whole Foods-or as I call it-Whole Paycheck :D

[kima]

West Vancouver BC has one now (wealthiest neighbourhood in Canada) and when I visit my sister I go there. I can not believe how expensive it is! I consider it a museum with pricelss works of art.

I spend abit but have more fun watching the other people there spend big bucks! :eek: :D