Whole Foods Market opens in North Naples
The grand debut of Whole Foods in the new Mercato (US-41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road) on September 5 created quite a buzz - eager customers began lining up two hours before the 9am opening. By the time the doors opened, a crowd of 700 had formed. And so it continued all day! When I arrived at noon, the parking lot was indescribable. But the store was just organized chaos - no one was disappointed - the 54,000 square foot organic and health food supermarket features a 4,000 square foot produce department, more than 1,000 organic wines, a 24' long seafood counter, more than 100 gluten free items, a wine and cheese tasting station, fresh coffee brewing area - and chocolates!!! There is even an area to sit and eat the food you purchased. There is a big focus on locally produced items - from the fresh produce and seafood to the materials and decor used in the building. They emphasize they are not a health food store; they are a full service grocery store that sells all natural, quality food.
The next enterprise to open in Mercato later this month will be the Capital Grille, nationally known for its dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and fine wines. Stay tuned....