LIFESTYLE:
Dosa, Chaat and Good Health: Whole Foods Market Opens in Fremont
America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market, opened a new store in Fremont, Calif., Sept. 25. In addition to many exotic healthy offerings, it features a dosa and chaat station. A Siliconeer report.
(Above): The crowd waiting outside to enter Whole Foods Market in Fremont, Calif., on its grand opening, Sept. 25. [Photo: PhilBondPhotography]
Fremont residents celebrated the opening of Whole Foods Market at the store’s Whole Planet Foundation Festival, Sept. 21. The free event was held ahead of the official grand opening date of Sept. 25, and featured more than 50 vendors and community organizations, live music, multi-cultural dance performances and kids’ activities.
The 39,000 sq.ft. Fremont store, located at the corner of Mowry Avenue and Paseo Padre Parkway, features local vendors who provide a wide range of local products from within 100 miles of Fremont. These include organic produce like cauliflower, tomatoes, lettuce, and broccoli from Perry Organic Farms in Fremont; olive oil from Hillcrest Ranch in Sunol; organic Lamb Haas avocados from Ramavtar Singh Farms in Fremont Hills.
(Above): Local forager for Whole Foods Market, Fremont, Harv Singh explains the extensive organic produce sourcing and procurement process. [Photo: Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer]
There is a delicious offering for every palate, East West Gourmet Afghan food in hot bar including bolanis and sauces; Roti-Paratha wraps from Indian Bento in San Francisco.
For the thirsty, Mission Peak Tap Alley serves seven beers on tap in a tap room housed within the store. Additionally, customers can enjoy wines by the glass, hand-crafted Italian sodas and a selection of delicious menu items. [You will need to be at least 21 years of age to enter the room and will be required to show proof of age upon entrance].
There is also a café that has lattes and cappuccinos made to order and a lounge to hang out with free Wi-Fi. Children ages 2 through 8 are eligible to receive a free treat as part of the ‘Kid’s Club.’
The store has about 250 parking spaces, with pay-to-use electric car charging stations as well.
(Above): Lisa Marie Wilson talks about gluten-free products at a tour of the Whole Foods Market’s Fremont store. [Photo: Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer]
If you have a sweet tooth, the Artisan Bakery features breads and cakes baked from scratch daily. Customers can also find baked-from-scratch pies with all-butter crusts and locally sourced fruit. Plus, fresh-baked brownies, cookies, cupcakes and gluten-free, raw and vegan treats.
A palate of prepared foods made by a team of in-house chefs offers specialties including a daily selection of seasonal soups; Indian Dosa and Chaat; full-service wok/stir-fry, burrito, sandwich and pizza stations; and an extensive salad bar featuring organic offerings. Healthful and tasty lunch selections are also available daily. Catering is available for local businesses and events.
(Above): The Dosa and Wok counters at Whole Foods Market in Fremont, Calif. The store has special foods to serve the ethnic tastes of the diverse community that lives in Fremont.. [Photo: Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer]
The store offers high quality produce. A wide selection of organic items, with pre-cut fruit and vegetables “made right here” in store as well as a variety of fresh squeezed juices in addition to other grocery items. A large selection of more than 500 wines and 300 beers and hundreds of cheeses from around the world as well local favorites, more than 40 olive and antipasti mixes and a savory station serving waffles and grilled cheese sandwiches are available to entertain your guests. For the meat, poultry and seafood lovers, large meat and seafood counters offer fresh, cut or smoked meat, poultry and seafood.
Then there is all the general stuff including grains, flours, nuts, spices, oils and vinegar. Nut Butters offers grind-your-own organic peanut and almond butters.
The store also features health, beauty and wellness products, recipes and more.
(Above): A lavish spread of Whole Foods products at a media dinner, Sept. 19. [Photo: Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer]
Four times a year, Whole Foods Market sets aside a day on which five percent of the day’s net sales is contributed to a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Fremont store will kick off a “Week of Giving” on Sept. 30 and have five one-percent days that will benefit Fremont non-profit organizations. Additionally, when customers bring in their own bags for groceries they have the option of receiving a five-cent refund (per bag) or donating the money to a selected charity. The first non-profit beneficiaries are Furry Friends Rescue and Kidango.
STORE INFORMATION
Location: 3111 Mowry Ave., Fremont, CA 94538 • Phone: (510) 401-5880
Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily
Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/fremont-ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WFMFremont
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