Wild Whole Foods Rumor

[adamjab19]

perfect spot. parking right there. in between everything really.

[gthomas]

I've mention this awhile back in this thread, my doubter was raising hell about it. I'm very aware of what's happening in my city and is a big part of the business community here. Soon to be a business owner myself..also, Avalon Bakery will make the organic bread for Whole Foods.

[gthomas]

The Detroit store should be build something similar to this..

http://www.collinswoerman.com/images...esi-2200-5.jpg

[corktownyuppie]

The Pure Detroit Facebook page says:Attachment 10157

Ok...this news is starting to blow up all over Facebook, and everyone is citing the photo with the Whole Foods logo. But nothing on news. So if this is legit, which I hope it is, can someone give us something more viable than, "I have inside sources"?

At minimum, does anyone know when the official announcement would be made? Next quarterly earnings report is slated for last week of July.

[lo_to_d]

Meijer "signed" more than four years ago at eight mile and woodward. So this could be a long way off still, if true.

But I have to say I truly believe DYES had a direct impact by posting on their store location recommendation a couple of years ago 45 posts compared to the typical 1 to 2.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/foru...kCurrentPage=2

[corktownyuppie]

Meijer "signed" more than four years ago at eight mile and woodward. So this could be a long way off still, if true.

But I have to say I truly believe DYES had a direct impact by posting on their store location recommendation a couple of years ago 45 posts compared to the typical 1 to 2.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/foru...kCurrentPage=2

In Meijer's defense, it wasn't they who backed out. The entire development couldn't get financing because of the banking disaster that was in 2008. Then all the leases lapsed before the development got built.

With Whole Foods, they'd be acting unilaterally, so the wouldn't be waiting on 20 other parties to get into a room and agree on something. Though, you do have a point. Even if they announced the opening today, we're still 18-24 months away from here until final buildout.

[JDKeepsmiling]

Look, I want this to happen as much as the next Detroit booster, and it may be true. However, just because someone photoshopped a Whole Foods logo onto a screen shot from Google Maps does not make it a reality. I will wait for official word to get excited.

[jtf1972]

...and how about a Target like the one on Telegraph out in WB somewhere along the Woodward corridor? Parking below, store on the 2nd floor?

I'd prefer to see one similar to this

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Bronx,...58.51,,0,-2.98

Parking is on the roof!

[corktownyuppie]

Well, this story has legs, everyone...

http://detnews.com/article/20110714/...eal-shaping-up

Months of speculation about Whole Foods opening a store in Midtown Detroit are moving swiftly toward fact. On Tuesday, former Detroit Symphony Orchestra president and real estate developer Peter Cummings confirmed to me that he's negotiating to sell the Austin, Texas-based organic supermarket chain a 1.92-acre parcel he owns on Mack between Woodward and John R.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110714/...#ixzz1S5Bppd2E

[corktownyuppie]

Note, by the way, that Whole Foods isn't renting the space as most big box retailers do. They are buying the land, which drastically removes the number of obstacles to this project while also taking a much bigger risk.

Interesting. Is that normal MO for Whole Foods?

[downtownguy]

All this hysteria over Whole Foods is making me frustrated. Sure, Whole Foods would be great. Sure, it is a sign that some retailers recognize Detroit as an untapped market. It's a good sign and if they do open in Midtown, I might even go there and buy an overpriced organic tomato.

My frustration is this: While everybody is giddy over Whole Foods, Lafayette Foods is a very nice, full service grocery store that opened a few weeks ago in the city and I would love to see longer lines at their cash registers. It may not have the hoity-toity factor of a Whole Foods, but this store is Made in Detroit -- not an import. Three blocks east of the Greektown Casino. Parking is free and within a few feet of the entrance. Family run. Friendly, helpful staff. Practically everything you will need at a grocery store.

I don't know why some on this thread still feel the need to visit a Meijers or Krogers twice a month. Why not split your shopping between Honey Bee and Lafayette Foods? Their prices are very competitive. And even if they weren't, do you really want to put that extra $6 for gas into the pockets of big oil and add to global warming? Or, do you want to keep your money in the city?

I've seen this happen so many times, that we b*tch about the lack of services, but when we get something we need, we don't support it. Don't go on about how they should advertise more. That's expensive. Look at all the free publicity Whole Foods is getting just from a rumor.

Go to Lafayette Foods. If you like it, then spend as much time telling others about it as you are talking about Holy Foods.

[BrushStart]

All this hysteria over Whole Foods is making me frustrated. Sure, Whole Foods would be great. Sure, it is a sign that some retailers recognize Detroit as an untapped market. It's a good sign and if they do open in Midtown, I might even go there and buy an overpriced organic tomato.

My frustration is this: While everybody is giddy over Whole Foods, Lafayette Foods is a very nice, full service grocery store that opened a few weeks ago in the city and I would love to see longer lines at their cash registers. It may not have the hoity-toity factor of a Whole Foods, but this store is Made in Detroit -- not an import. Three blocks east of the Greektown Casino. Parking is free and within a few feet of the entrance. Family run. Friendly, helpful staff. Practically everything you will need at a grocery store.

I don't know why some on this thread still feel the need to visit a Meijers or Krogers twice a month. Why not split your shopping between Honey Bee and Lafayette Foods? Their prices are very competitive. And even if they weren't, do you really want to put that extra $6 for gas into the pockets of big oil and add to global warming? Or, do you want to keep your money in the city?

I've seen this happen so many times, that we b*tch about the lack of services, but when we get something we need, we don't support it. Don't go on about how they should advertise more. That's expensive. Look at all the free publicity Whole Foods is getting just from a rumor.

Go to Lafayette Foods. If you like it, then spend as much time telling others about it as you are talking about Holy Foods.

I concur. I've shopped at Lafayette several weeks in a row now and they are top-notch. There is plenty of money in the city to go around for all of these grocers, but people need to stop driving to the 'burbs when everything you need is right here. I'm getting tired of seeing people in my building walking in on Sunday afternoon with bags from suburban big box stores. I always try to tell them about the local grocers and many of them have no idea they even exist. Old habits are hard to break I suppose.

[corktownyuppie]

I concur. I've shopped at Lafayette several weeks in a row now and they are top-notch. There is plenty of money in the city to go around for all of these grocers, but people need to stop driving to the 'burbs when everything you need is right here. I'm getting tired of seeing people in my building walking in on Sunday afternoon with bags from suburban big box stores. I always try to tell them about the local grocers and many of them have no idea they even exist. Old habits are hard to break I suppose.

Guilty. Though I'm a regular at the Honeybee...I haven't checked out Lafayette yet. This weekend I'll make sure to do my weekly shopping there!

[downtownguy]

Guilty.

Hahaha! I really didn't mean to "out" you, but you're a good sport.

[LafayetteFoods]

For all of you waiting on Whole Foods, please stop in at Lafayette Foods and I'll guarantee you satisfaction. If we don't have the items you're looking for we will do our best to get them, and have been since the doors have opened. Customer service is top of the line; anything less is not an option. We have a large selection of organic, gluten free, milk products and much more. If you choose- you can make this YOUR store! I truly believe your SHOPPING EXPERIENCE will be outstanding! Stop on by! Any questions/suggestions? Ask for Lance. Thank you and God bless.
Lafayette Foods 1565 E. Lafayette Detroit, MI 48207 [[directly across from the 1300 building)
[[313) 396-5600

[corktownyuppie]

For all of you waiting on Whole Foods, please stop in at Lafayette Foods and I'll guarantee you satisfaction. If we don't have the items you're looking for we will do our best to get them, and have been since the doors have opened. Customer service is top of the line; anything less is not an option. We have a large selection of organic, gluten free, milk products and much more. If you choose- you can make this YOUR store! I truly believe your SHOPPING EXPERIENCE will be outstanding! Stop on by! Any questions/suggestions? Ask for Lance. Thank you and God bless.
Lafayette Foods 1565 E. Lafayette Detroit, MI 48207 [[directly across from the 1300 building)
[[313) 396-5600

I stopped by last Friday and endorse Lafayette Foods...quick, convenient, and decent selection. Not as big as a big box store, but local! Go check it out.

[ResurgetCineribus]

I too visited Lafayette recently and agree with yuppie. Although, correct me if I just missed it, no beer?

[English]

I enjoyed my visits to Lafayette Foods. Hopefully there will be room in a revitalizing Detroit for all kinds of grocery stores, farmer's markets/fruit stands, and restaurants.

[Zacha341]

I must get over there and check it out. High gas prices has cut back on my suburban grocery store routines... and it's good that we are getting more stores.... Very good!

I concur. I've shopped at Lafayette several weeks in a row now and they are top-notch. There is plenty of money in the city to go around for all of these grocers, but people need to stop driving to the 'burbs when everything you need is right here. I'm getting tired of seeing people in my building walking in on Sunday afternoon with bags from suburban big box stores. I always try to tell them about the local grocers and many of them have no idea they even exist. Old habits are hard to break I suppose.

[Zacha341]

What happened to Honeybee? I'd never been but noted when they moved from the apartment on Woodward that went bust and later burn to across the street, no that place is vacant. Did HB relocate again?

Guilty. Though I'm a regular at the Honeybee...I haven't checked out Lafayette yet. This weekend I'll make sure to do my weekly shopping there!

[LafayetteFoods]

No beer and wine yet, we are working hard on getting the license.

[bartock]

What happened to Honeybee? I'd never been but noted when they moved from the apartment on Woodward that went bust and later burn to across the street, no that place is vacant. Did HB relocate again?

It's on Bagley near St. Anne's [[16/17th street).

[gthomas]

I go almost three-times a week faithfully. Great price, selections, and location. I love walking to get my grocery early in the morning. Keep up the good work!

For all of you waiting on Whole Foods, please stop in at Lafayette Foods and I'll guarantee you satisfaction. If we don't have the items you're looking for we will do our best to get them, and have been since the doors have opened. Customer service is top of the line; anything less is not an option. We have a large selection of organic, gluten free, milk products and much more. If you choose- you can make this YOUR store! I truly believe your SHOPPING EXPERIENCE will be outstanding! Stop on by! Any questions/suggestions? Ask for Lance. Thank you and God bless.
Lafayette Foods 1565 E. Lafayette Detroit, MI 48207 [[directly across from the 1300 building)
[[313) 396-5600

[casscorridor]

The problem with Lafayette park is that it doesn't follow urban rules. So "three blocks" from Greektown is actually more like five blocks because you have to go around the freeway and superblocks. The transition from urban CBD to suburban apartment district is extremely dramatic. One block you have the vibrant Greektown, the next block it is completely dead and silent. I'd take what was there before over what is there now any day, even if it was a grimy blighted mess.

[BrushStart]

The problem with Lafayette park is that it doesn't follow urban rules. So "three blocks" from Greektown is actually more like five blocks because you have to go around the freeway and superblocks. The transition from urban CBD to suburban apartment district is extremely dramatic. One block you have the vibrant Greektown, the next block it is completely dead and silent. I'd take what was there before over what is there now any day, even if it was a grimy blighted mess.

Eh, Lafayette Park ain't so bad. Most cities have at least a few districts like that. There's also no reason why denser developments can't occur in that area in the future. I know, it's doubtful, but not completely impossible if the demand was there.