Englewood Neighborhood Gets First Whole Foods, Starbucks

A new Whole Foods Market will open in Chicago’s Englewood Wednesday, bringing fresh food and much-needed economic development to one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. 

Mayor Rahm Emanuel will join Whole Foods Market Co-CEO Walter Robb and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the doors open to the 18,000-square-foot store that has been three years in the making.

“Today we are doing much more than opening the doors to a new Whole Foods. We are opening doors to a new future for the Englewood community,” Mayor Emanuel said. “This store is also putting products from dozens of local suppliers on its shelves, helping turn small businesses into big businesses and creating even more economic opportunities that reach across Chicago.” 

The store will work with more than 35 local suppliers to bring fresh products on the shelves. 

The Whole Foods store is the result of an effort by Emanuel and Robb to revitalize the South Side community, bringing in jobs and healthy food options at the same time.

"I feel great because I am a Whole Foods shopper," said Englewood resident Latasha Sanders. "I'm into health. I think it's a wonderful thing and I also think Halsted is coming back."

More than 100 residents have been hired as a result of the new development. 

“Working alongside the many individuals and organizations bringing positive change in their community was inspiring. Englewood has more good happening here and we’ve had the privilege to support the next class of food innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs of the South Side; helping to bring healthy food access to their community,” Robb said. “We hope to this store provides wholesome food choices and continues to help support the economic growth in the community.” 

Just across from the Whole Foods, located in the strip mall at 63rd and Halsted Streets, is a new Starbucks which also opens its doors for the first time Wednesday; another first for the Englewood community.

The Starbuck’s storefront has added 26 new hires and will offer a job training program aimed for at-risk young adults.

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