Second Whole Foods

[Omaha Cowboy]

And I’ve contended on the forum, probably over the last year or so, North Downtown would make great sense as a landing spot for a full service, urban lifestyle grocery store…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I agree, but I'd rather see a Hy-Vee. Whole Foods is too special for me. I go there like once every couple years just to get some bulk brazil nuts. I'll give 'em that much. They have some stuff that I want rarely, but at least they have it. I would rarely go to Whole Foods for anything other than a specific item. So I definitely wouldn't be doing weekly shopping there.

I think North Downtown would make a great location for a grocer, but I personally doubt Whole Foods is seriously considering that area. I bet if there is a second location, it will be out west.

I honestly don’t see how Whole Foods wouldn’t give North Downtown or the general Downtown core area serious consideration.. The population in this area is poised to double before the end of this decade..economically it would make sense for an urban concept Whole Foods..

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I don't think DTO is big enough to differentiate demographically between Downtown and North Downtown. Even so the Downtown demographic as a whole makes the most sense to me for a second Whole Foods.

It's not particularly Busguy's jam, cool. I'm guessing you don't live downtown. Point being I suspect more current DTO residents would be in favor of a Whole Foods than any other part of the city. As Cowboy delineated, "urban lifestyle grocery store", which I'd say is embraced more by Whole Foods than any national grocer that comes to mind. True, DTO residents would at this point choose about anything full service(Hy-Vee, etc). I'd be curious to see a poll of what most DTO residents would prefer given the choice. I imagine a good many would also advocate for a Trader Joe's too(which also has a decent nut selection). However, if the Trader Joe's brand were to expand in Omaha, the Benson area is a no brainer.

I also know many people who go to Whole Foods to eat. They have a great selection of food to order and in many I've been in, they have premade meals you can buy and take home to use during the week. I think Whole Foods would do well downtown now, and even more so in the future as the population downtown is set to make a big jump.

I agree with all of you on all points …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Busguy2010]

I agree, if there is any demographic other than far west Omaha that would fit Whole Foods, it would be Downtown. I just doubt that there are enough of those people. I know for a fact there are a lot of lesser-to-do types living Downtown, so many that a Whole Foods might not appeal to, or to them. Yes there are $500,000+ condos and $2,000+ per month rentals, but there are also quite a bit cheaper options down there, that I think Whole Foods wouldn't appeal to. I would prefer to see a more normie grocer for Downtown.

[nebugeater]

And I’ve contended on the forum, probably over the last year or so, North Downtown would make great sense as a landing spot for a full service, urban lifestyle grocery store…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I agree, but I'd rather see a Hy-Vee. Whole Foods is too special for me. I go there like once every couple years just to get some bulk brazil nuts. I'll give 'em that much. They have some stuff that I want rarely, but at least they have it. I would rarely go to Whole Foods for anything other than a specific item. So I definitely wouldn't be doing weekly shopping there.

I think North Downtown would make a great location for a grocer, but I personally doubt Whole Foods is seriously considering that area. I bet if there is a second location, it will be out west.

I honestly don’t see how Whole Foods wouldn’t give North Downtown or the general Downtown core area serious consideration.. The population in this area is poised to double before the end of this decade..economically it would make sense for an urban concept Whole Foods..

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I don't think DTO is big enough to differentiate demographically between Downtown and North Downtown. Even so the Downtown demographic as a whole makes the most sense to me for a second Whole Foods.

It's not particularly Busguy's jam, cool. I'm guessing you don't live downtown. Point being I suspect more current DTO residents would be in favor of a Whole Foods than any other part of the city. As Cowboy delineated, "urban lifestyle grocery store", which I'd say is embraced more by Whole Foods than any national grocer that comes to mind. True, DTO residents would at this point choose about anything full service(Hy-Vee, etc). I'd be curious to see a poll of what most DTO residents would prefer given the choice. I imagine a good many would also advocate for a Trader Joe's too(which also has a decent nut selection). However, if the Trader Joe's brand were to expand in Omaha, the Benson area is a no brainer.

I also know many people who go to Whole Foods to eat. They have a great selection of food to order and in many I've been in, they have premade meals you can buy and take home to use during the week. I think Whole Foods would do well downtown now, and even more so in the future as the population downtown is set to make a big jump.

Going there to eat is not unique to Whole Foods. What it costs to do so is. I say that as someone who goes there on a semi reg basis

[nebport5]

Good point Dr. Fate. While I don't think the hot bar food is quite as good post Amazon, I still frequently rely on Whole Foods for ready to go options. I imagine the ease and variety of choice would appeal to the DTO central business folks on a clock.

[nebport5]

Going there to eat is not unique to Whole Foods. What it costs to do so is. I say that as someone who goes there on a semi reg basis

Perhaps what's unique is the general quality and variety. I'm assuming we're coming other grocers where you can dine like Hy-Vee? And yes, given that they charge by weight, Whole Foods isn't the place to go for Thanksgiving grub. Still, I think it would be a hugely popular option for Creighton kids.

[Omaha Cowboy]

And I’ve contended on the forum, probably over the last year or so, North Downtown would make great sense as a landing spot for a full service, urban lifestyle grocery store…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I agree, but I'd rather see a Hy-Vee. Whole Foods is too special for me. I go there like once every couple years just to get some bulk brazil nuts. I'll give 'em that much. They have some stuff that I want rarely, but at least they have it. I would rarely go to Whole Foods for anything other than a specific item. So I definitely wouldn't be doing weekly shopping there.

I think North Downtown would make a great location for a grocer, but I personally doubt Whole Foods is seriously considering that area. I bet if there is a second location, it will be out west.

I honestly don’t see how Whole Foods wouldn’t give North Downtown or the general Downtown core area serious consideration.. The population in this area is poised to double before the end of this decade..economically it would make sense for an urban concept Whole Foods..

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I don't think DTO is big enough to differentiate demographically between Downtown and North Downtown. Even so the Downtown demographic as a whole makes the most sense to me for a second Whole Foods.

It's not particularly Busguy's jam, cool. I'm guessing you don't live downtown. Point being I suspect more current DTO residents would be in favor of a Whole Foods than any other part of the city. As Cowboy delineated, "urban lifestyle grocery store", which I'd say is embraced more by Whole Foods than any national grocer that comes to mind. True, DTO residents would at this point choose about anything full service(Hy-Vee, etc). I'd be curious to see a poll of what most DTO residents would prefer given the choice. I imagine a good many would also advocate for a Trader Joe's too(which also has a decent nut selection). However, if the Trader Joe's brand were to expand in Omaha, the Benson area is a no brainer.

I also know many people who go to Whole Foods to eat. They have a great selection of food to order and in many I've been in, they have premade meals you can buy and take home to use during the week. I think Whole Foods would do well downtown now, and even more so in the future as the population downtown is set to make a big jump.

Going there to eat is not unique to Whole Foods. What it costs to do so is. I say that as someone who goes there on a semi reg basis

Definitely cost is a factor.. Maybe not so much if you’re occasional diner..but the more you consider dining at Whole Foods, cost becomes a more ominous factor for sure…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Doctor Fate]

Going there to eat is not unique to Whole Foods. What it costs to do so is. I say that as someone who goes there on a semi reg basis

Obviously it's not unique to Whole Foods and I never said it was. But there is a unique experience there compared with other grocers, a wider variety of options, and generally better quality.

Perhaps what's unique is the general quality and variety. I'm assuming we're coming other grocers where you can dine like Hy-Vee? And yes, given that they charge by weight, Whole Foods isn't the place to go for Thanksgiving grub. Still, I think it would be a hugely popular option for Creighton kids.

This is what I think creates the higher cost for consumers at Whole Foods. It's a "you get what you pay for". My brother is a kitchen manager at Piedmont Bistro in Lincoln and used to be a manager of one of the Hy-Vee in store restaurants and a manager of their department that does the food and salad bar and deli, etc. He said that in comparison to Whole Foods, both offered lower quality options and smaller sized portions.

[Athomsfere]

I agree, if there is any demographic other than far west Omaha that would fit Whole Foods, it would be Downtown. I just doubt that there are enough of those people. I know for a fact there are a lot of lesser-to-do types living Downtown, so many that a Whole Foods might not appeal to, or to them. Yes there are $500,000+ condos and $2,000+ per month rentals, but there are also quite a bit cheaper options down there, that I think Whole Foods wouldn't appeal to. I would prefer to see a more normie grocer for Downtown.

I'd also prefer that.

But one other random note: A lot of the people who work more creative fields, don't live in the more expensive units, and aren't as well to do also obsess about things like eating organic and never going out west.

And it could save anyone in CB, Carter Lake, and Bellevue a significant drive if they prefer WF over Hyvee for whatever reason. So what is that, 120k people that would have a more convenient location when shopping for a WF.

The real problem I see is that if you have a list of stores you need to visit: Downtown is currently out of the way for a large percentage of these same people. I'm thinking if you needed to hit The Container Store, Lowes, and Whole Foods for example.

[nebport5]

Going there to eat is not unique to Whole Foods. What it costs to do so is. I say that as someone who goes there on a semi reg basis

Obviously it's not unique to Whole Foods and I never said it was. But there is a unique experience there compared with other grocers, a wider variety of options, and generally better quality.


This is what I think creates the higher cost for consumers at Whole Foods. It's a "you get what you pay for". My brother is a kitchen manager at Piedmont Bistro in Lincoln and used to be a manager of one of the Hy-Vee in store restaurants and a manager of their department that does the food and salad bar and deli, etc. He said that in comparison to Whole Foods, both offered lower quality options and smaller sized portions.

Actually that top quote is from Bugeater. I agree with your point.

Definitely cost is a factor.. Maybe not so much if you’re occasional diner..but the more you consider dining at Whole Foods, cost becomes a more ominous factor for sure…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Hence the name "Whole Paycheck".

But one other random note: A lot of the people who work more creative fields, don't live in the more expensive units, and aren't as well to do also obsess about things like eating organic and never going out west.

The real problem I see is that if you have a list of stores you need to visit: Downtown is currently out of the way for a large percentage of these same people. I'm thinking if you needed to hit The Container Store, Lowes, and Whole Foods for example.

Yes, not everyone who shops there is well to do. I know some think of WF as too niche. That's exactly how I think of Trader Joe's in spite of the sizable cost difference. I'm in a Whole Foods at least three times a week but I don't buy groceries there exclusively. I think the people you're referencing above don't either. As far as a list of stores to visit including grocery and non-grocery retail I don't shop that way. I typically shop two or three grocery stores in one outing and leave the other places for another outing. Maybe the exception would be in the dead of winter when you don't have to worry about leaving perishables in the car. Instead I try to shop grocery when there's the least amount of people and when the store is least likely to be cleaned out of meat and produce.

[Doctor Fate]

Going there to eat is not unique to Whole Foods. What it costs to do so is. I say that as someone who goes there on a semi reg basis

Obviously it's not unique to Whole Foods and I never said it was. But there is a unique experience there compared with other grocers, a wider variety of options, and generally better quality.


This is what I think creates the higher cost for consumers at Whole Foods. It's a "you get what you pay for". My brother is a kitchen manager at Piedmont Bistro in Lincoln and used to be a manager of one of the Hy-Vee in store restaurants and a manager of their department that does the food and salad bar and deli, etc. He said that in comparison to Whole Foods, both offered lower quality options and smaller sized portions.

Actually that top quote is from Bugeater. I agree with your point.

Oh yeah, my bad. I got the quotes switched around on accident when I was trying to do that on my phone lol. I fixed it.

[Garrett]

A thing to remember is that Whole Foods does have quite a selection of affordable options. Yeah it has the high end organic stuff, but they are also consistently my cheapest option for produce, fresh meats, and dairy in NYC. And their 365 line is quite accessible too. Unless they have the same prices at all their stores nationwide, I’m sure they’d have quite a few affordable options in Omaha too. The Amazon buyout led to them dropping a lot of their prices, and I don’t think everyone quite realizes that. I always make a mental note to compare prices when I go back to Nebraska, and they’re often comparable to bakers and hy-vee.

[nebugeater]

A thing to remember is that Whole Foods does have quite a selection of affordable options. Yeah it has the high end organic stuff, but they are also consistently my cheapest option for produce, fresh meats, and dairy in NYC. And their 365 line is quite accessible too. Unless they have the same prices at all their stores nationwide, I’m sure they’d have quite a few affordable options in Omaha too. The Amazon buyout led to them dropping a lot of their prices, and I don’t think everyone quite realizes that. I always make a mental note to compare prices when I go back to Nebraska, and they’re often comparable to bakers and hy-vee.

Agree with the point that prices have dropped on average after the Amazon take over.

[nativeomahan]

Whole Foods is the closest large grocery store to my Omaha home, yet I probably only visit it 3 or 4 times a year. I love their quality, and their deli counter is the best in town, but I am turned off by their prices on most (not all) items. I’m an Amazon Prime member so I suppose I could get reduced prices on many items, but I prefer to shop at ALDI and Baker’s for 80% of what I typically purchase at a grocery.

[omaha1234]

Sounds like the Elkhorn area would be the plan if this does happen.

[nebugeater]

Sounds like the Elkhorn area would be the plan if this does happen.

Based on what?

[nebport5]

Sounds like the Elkhorn area would be the plan if this does happen.

I just don't get that thinking. I doubt most people living in Elkhorn give two shats about WF.

[omaha1234]

Sounds like the Elkhorn area would be the plan if this does happen.

Based on what?

Just what I've been told from people involved. A second location isn't guaranteed or anything, so things can change.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Sounds like the Elkhorn area would be the plan if this does happen.

Based on what?

Just what I've been told from people involved. A second location isn't guaranteed or anything, so things can change.

I’ve always kind of hoped for an urban concept Whole Foods located within the downtown core. I contend it would be a big hit…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[iamjacobm]

Demographics are way better for Whole Foods out west than DT, they already capture Fair Acres with the Westroads, DT doesn't add much for them. Quite specifically the site that makes the most sense to me is the proposed box SE of 192nd and Dodge at Avenue One. Great visibility, high incomes, great access. Slam dunk site for them IMO.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Growth in the downtown core area is projected to double this decade which makes it an attractive area to plant roots with a full service grocery store downtown.. Population shifts where developments are; this is happening for the core downtown. Whole Foods (or whoever rolls the dice) would benefit..

Growth is not limited to just the western suburbs..I believe it’s only a matter of time downtown Omaha benefits from an announced grocer downtown..and I wouldn’t be surprised if a development is announced within the next 18 months…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Athomsfere]

Demographics are way better for Whole Foods out west than DT, they already capture Fair Acres with the Westroads, DT doesn't add much for them. Quite specifically the site that makes the most sense to me is the proposed box SE of 192nd and Dodge at Avenue One. Great visibility, high incomes, great access. Slam dunk site for them IMO.

I'm not sold on the better demographics:

West Omaha "money" is middle to upper middle class, planet destroyer SUV drivers who would generally shop anywhere, as long as the parking was easy.

Downtown / Midtown tends to have every income bracket. From the residents of the Flora Apartments, to one million dollar plus condo owners. And of course fair acres, Dundee, Benson etc..

For a lot of that, downtown is still the easier drive than 102nd and Dodge.

Still the overall population base isn't that large in the downtown / midtown area that would have an easier drive to downtown, but as stated it is growing very quickly. And it is growing in the affluent mostly. More importantly, these are the shoppers that generally like Wholefoods, and are shedding their cars (Or are most likely to). So to me, they are WF's ideal demographics.


I could see Wholefoods opening both locations as ideal too, though. The way west store, and a downtown location, and closing the current one. (LOOOOONG TERM). But I wonder to what extent being right next to Westroads remains beneficial to them.

[riceweb]

West Omaha is growing very quickly, too. Literally thousands of higher-end homes going up around Blue Sage, Woodbrook, and Sagewood Elementary schools. The area will be awash in upper-income households.

I think a high-end grocer like Whole Foods would also do well downtown. If I were a Whole Foods exec, I'd build two new locations.

[nebport5]

Avenue One I understand, but that isn't fully developed either. Of course a far West and a DT location would be great but it may take four years or so before the powers that be feel that's viable. What I'd hope for for a DT location would be something in the 20K Sq Ft with the ability to expand to 30K. As for an Avenue One location is feels like giving people in Linden Estates and etc two options that will be chosen based on how long it takes to park. Therefore, Regency would become the second choice.

[iamjacobm]

I may have said this, but I’ve heard the owners of the land NW of 90th and Center have actively courted Whole Foods. I don’t see that as an upgrade over their Dodge site though.

[nebport5]

I may have said this, but I’ve heard the owners of the land NW of 90th and Center have actively courted Whole Foods. I don’t see that as an upgrade over their Dodge site though.

Way too close to Regency.

[nebport5]

I'm not sold on the better demographics:

West Omaha "money" is middle to upper middle class, planet destroyer SUV drivers who would generally shop anywhere, as long as the parking was easy.

Downtown / Midtown tends to have every income bracket. From the residents of the Flora Apartments, to one million dollar plus condo owners. And of course fair acres, Dundee, Benson etc..

For a lot of that, downtown is still the easier drive than 102nd and Dodge.

Still the overall population base isn't that large in the downtown / midtown area that would have an easier drive to downtown, but as stated it is growing very quickly. And it is growing in the affluent mostly. More importantly, these are the shoppers that generally like Wholefoods, and are shedding their cars (Or are most likely to). So to me, they are WF's ideal demographics.


I could see Wholefoods opening both locations as ideal too, though. The way west store, and a downtown location, and closing the current one. (LOOOOONG TERM). But I wonder to what extent being right next to Westroads remains beneficial to them.

I agree about Dundee, Benson, Midtown and DT collectively for ideal demographics. That of course also includes Creighton and UNMC too. People in these areas on the whole are much more likely to care about food ingredients and thus willing to pay more for higher quality than people in a 5-10 minute radius of 192nd & Dodge income aside. I know many lower income people without cars who shop at Whole Foods for that very reason.

[Athomsfere]

I may have said this, but I’ve heard the owners of the land NW of 90th and Center have actively courted Whole Foods. I don’t see that as an upgrade over their Dodge site though.

Yeah, I'd say absolutely not. Regency is right off of the Dodge Expressway, and 680. And right next to the mall. It gives a ton of Omaha quick-ish access, as well as mall shoppers who also want to grab a bite.

There are also the office parks on 108th and Dodge, 90th and Dodge, Childrens, and further west where WF can work as a decent lunch spot. 90th and center has none of that.

It's a great spot for the Hy-Vee and the meats place... But unless WF's model changes to competing directly with local grocers I can't see that location making any sense.

[Athomsfere]

West Omaha is growing very quickly, too. Literally thousands of higher-end homes going up around Blue Sage, Woodbrook, and Sagewood Elementary schools. The area will be awash in upper-income households.

I think a high-end grocer like Whole Foods would also do well downtown. If I were a Whole Foods exec, I'd build two new locations.

I think we have something like 5-6000 homes across the metro being built, mostly out west.

And for condos and apartments in the midtown / downtown areas maybe a third of that. As a rate (r = n/p or so), downtown and midtown are growing much, much faster. As a round number, west Omaha is growing faster...

[Busguy2010]

I say this in jest... But with the $600,000 townhomes on 46th north of California getting close to completion, along with the Saddle Creek Family Fare property potentially up for sale, or lease, or just a change of hands... Maybe that would be a great location for a Whole Foods haha kill me now. I don't want to live in that city.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I may have said this, but I’ve heard the owners of the land NW of 90th and Center have actively courted Whole Foods. I don’t see that as an upgrade over their Dodge site though.

Way too close to Regency.

Unless it’s changed hands, I believe Slosburg still owns that parcel..

And regarding the location- think about it, if a Whole Foods were to be actually courted for that parcel, it would be right across the street (to the north) from a HyVee and right across the street (to the west) from a Fareway. Over saturation much?..

I don’t think it’s a locale WF would give serious consideration to…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[TransitOriented]

West Omaha "money" is middle to upper middle class, planet destroyer SUV drivers who would generally shop anywhere, as long as the parking was easy.

Wow

Since we are all just throwing out wild guesses, I would guess that an Amazon component would matter more to your fellow Omaha citizens who live a couple miles west of you. I don't know what that Amazon component is, as I am not an Amazon customer or follow their business processes.

[MadJack]

Actually, I think Whole Foods is considering the southeast corner of 192nd & Dodge. I heard from a reliable source that they were considering it. Not sure if they still are. If they do end up doing that, I wouldn't be shocked if they opened a location at the new Crossroads and closed the Regency store. That way they would split the market, covering both urban and suburban parts of Omaha. 2 would be the maximum number of Whole Foods stores Omaha could support.

[nebport5]

Actually, I think Whole Foods is considering the southeast corner of 192nd & Dodge. I heard from a reliable source that they were considering it. Not sure if they still are. If they do end up doing that, I wouldn't be shocked if they opened a location at the new Crossroads and closed the Regency store. That way they would split the market, covering both urban and suburban parts of Omaha. 2 would be the maximum number of Whole Foods stores Omaha could support.

I would think WF would wait to see how Avenue One progress, with at least completed housing projects before pulling the trigger. As for closing Regency that's hard to imagine given how full the parking lot typically is...and its proximity to 680 & Dodge. How many stores could Omaha support? The original idea was only one hence the location and size of the store. That's a well above average WFs location by square feet(50k). Any future location/s wouldn't be nearly as big. I think an additional 2 locations in the 20-30k sqf would be the way to go in the 5-10 year future. I'm not saying Crossroads would be a bad location but I think 72nd & Dodge isn't a good representation of serving Eastern Omaha. Of course I'd love to see a DT location but midtown may have a leg up with the recent Mutual announcements and NExT gaining momentum. It'll be particularly interesting to see how the current Mutual space develops.

[Omaha Cowboy]

While I’d like for it to be a Whole Foods, I still believe it’s inevitable that a full service grocery store will open in the downtown core within the next 3 years..

If it’s not WF, another grocer with an “urban concept” type store which fits the needs/trends of people who live downtown would be a big hit.. I still believe we’ll hear an announcement within the next 12-18 months..

Fingers crossed anyway…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[S.O.Boy]

I can see WF out West, it would help Amazon deliver groceries out there.

[Jakewhite]

I was in a development meeting with Noddle Companies last week for a different project and Second Whole Foods had come up. Noddle was waiting for Whole Foods to sign off on a deal for the southwest corner of 180th and Dodge. SInce the deal wasn't signed yet, there was speculation it would fall through.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I was in a development meeting with Noddle Companies last week for a different project and Second Whole Foods had come up. Noddle was waiting for Whole Foods to sign off on a deal for the southwest corner of 180th and Dodge. SInce the deal wasn't signed yet, there was speculation it would fall through.

Interesting intel there and thanks for posting it..

It sure seems if Whole Foods builds a 2nd Omaha location, the target areas are the western suburbs..West of 168th street.. Which makes sense if they’re committed to stay at their current location near Westroads…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Guest]

Whole Foods higher ups were in Omaha again this week looking at locations. Sounds like further out west like others have mentioned, but I'm not sure how far along they are.

[Brad]

Whole Foods higher ups were in Omaha again this week looking at locations. Sounds like further out west like others have mentioned, but I'm not sure how far along they are.

Probably trying to keep up with the second trader joes.

[djc311]

Whole Foods higher ups were in Omaha again this week looking at locations. Sounds like further out west like others have mentioned, but I'm not sure how far along they are.

Probably trying to keep up with the second trader joes.

Where's the second TJs going?