The long awaited Whole Foods is open for business on Lakeway Drive.
Though some fear what additional competition might mean for local favorites like the Community Food Co-Op and Terra Organic and Natural Foods, it’s hard to deny that the values and personality of Whole Foods seem a good fit for Bellingham.
The founders of Whole Foods, John Mackey and Renee Lawson, opened their first store in 1978. For a time they even lived out of the store itself, showering with a hose run from the dishwasher. After six years of successful business in their native Austin, Whole Foods began expanding to other communities while remaining true to their values of sustainable agriculture and high-quality products.
Whole Foods now occupies the 1030 Lakeway Drive location vacated last year by The Markets and features a big meat and seafood selection, and a lovely deli in addition to the organic grocery.
Have you visited the new Whole Foods? What is your first impression? Let us know on Facebook.