Whole Foods Boise press release

I've added emphasis to some things I consider particularly relevant, and struck through stuff that really isn't (the pre-opening tours are filled, so if you're not already signed up then you're out of luck).  Anyone else as excited about this as I am? - Track

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Whole Foods Market Boise store opens November 14

Two days of sneak peek tours planned for first Boise store

BOISE, Idaho (Oct. 29, 2012) — The first Whole Foods Market in Boise is opening its doors on Wednesday, November 14 at its 401 S. Broadway Street address. With a commitment to offering quality organic and all-natural products, partnering with local vendors and supporting community nonprofits, the store will feature something for everyone in the Treasure Valley. The new store is 42,000 square feet, will employ more than 120 full-time team members, and will include several unique features that embody the spirit of Boise.

Boise residents are invited to attend the pre-opening tours and official opening celebration:

· Sneak Peek tours, Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors should sign up in advance athttp://wfmboise.eventbrite.com starting today.

· Official opening, Wednesday, November 14

o 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Oatmeal breakfast to benefit the Food Bank of Idaho.

o 9:30 – 10:00 a.m., Speeches by Matt Collins, marketing and community relations specialist, Mayor David Bieter, Bruce Green, store team leader, and Will Paradise, regional president of the Rocky Mountain region. Check presentation to community partners and bread breaking ceremony.

o 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Local vendor fair.

o 7 p.m., live bluegrass by Reilly Coyote in the River Room.

“The Boise store was designed to complement and represent the independent and creative spirit found in Boise,” said Bruce Green, store team leader. “From our strong lineup of local vendors to our community partnerships, our store’s number one priority is to be a reflection of the community, a true neighbor.”

The new store will feature a variety of food venues – from catering to quick, convenient lunches – including a coffee bar, hot bar, soup bar, juice bar, salad bar, sushi, pizza, full bakery, grab-and-go meals and a sandwich station. Whole Foods Market Boise will also feature a pop-up food cart that will feature a rotating menu of “street-style” foods.

In addition, the Boise store will have its very own restaurant, The River Room, located on the second level of the store. Customers can order food from the store’s Prepared Foods department and have it delivered to their table. In addition, the River Room will have at least 16 beers and wines on tap and will boast an extensive bottle selection. Live music will also be featured every Thursday. For River Room updates and events please visit: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/river-room.

The Boise store will continue the Whole Foods Market tradition of regularly supporting local nonprofits to give back to and be closely involved with the community. Supporting local vendors, farmers and ranchers is a core value of Whole Foods Market. The Boise store will sell products from more than 50 local businesses, including Homestead Natural Meats, Ballard Cheese, Wildflour Bakery, Big Bend Trout and Cinder Wines.

The store plans to expand the local vendor list and, additionally, aims to help companies grow their businesses through the Local Producer Loan Program. The Boise store will also host a variety of local demos and tastings throughout the week post-opening, with a hyper-focus on Boise locals.

Staying true to the natural beauty and rustic feel of the mountainous region, Whole Foods Market Boise was built with numerous green practices, including recycled materials.

Along with these green practices, the store will also undergo a “Green Globes” certification process. Green Globes (www.thegbi.org) is an online rating and assessment system for eco-friendly design and operating functions. The store is currently on track to receive a Globe certification based on features such as: easy-access public transport, energy efficient lighting, water efficient faucets, and use of sustainable, local building materials.

Boise residents can stay in touch with store opening celebrations and giveaways through the store’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WFMBoise.

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About Whole Foods Market^®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFMI), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” byHealth magazine. The company's motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s nearly 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America byFortune magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.