Whole Foods Market To Host Festival This Saturday

by Zoneil Maharaj


To build anticipation for the grand opening of the new 39,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market in Fremont, the high-end grocery store chain is holding a community festival boasting food, art and music. 

The Whole Planet Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at the new Whole Foods Market, located at 3111 Mowry Ave. at the corner of Paseo Padre Parkway.

According to Whole Foods Market, the festival will feature more than 50 food vendors, live music, dance performances, a kids’ zone and a skate demo by former pro skater Jordan Richter. There will also be store preview tours on a first-come, first-served basis.

The festival will serve as a hint of things to come before the store’s grand opening next week on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Whole Foods Market will also hold a celebration during the grand opening, starting with a bread-breaking ceremony by Mayor Bill Harrison at 9:45 a.m. The store will open at 10 a.m. The first 250 shoppers will receive a gift bag stuffed with the store’s signature items, according to Whole Foods Market.

Anticipation has been growing for the popular chain store since construction crews broke ground in January.  

In addition to products from dozens of local vendors such as Perry Organic Farms in Fremont and Niles Pie. Co in Union City, the Fremont Whole Foods Market will include a fresh juice and smoothie bar; a bakery; a Smokehouse Grill serving up brisket, pulled pork, wings and other meats; a coffee bar; and the Mission Peak Tap Alley — a tap room that seats 40 people and features seven beers on tap, wine and food.

The store will also feature a health specialist on site, electric car charging stations and catering for local businesses and events.

“Whole Foods Market looks forward to being part of Fremont’s diverse community, as well as building lasting relationships with local vendors, the business community and residents alike," said Pedro Fonseca, store team leader of Whole Foods Market Fremont. “And with our cool Tap Room, we also hope to become a community gathering spot – a place where folks can grab a drink, enjoy some great food and kick up their heels after a busy day.”