Whole Foods opening its first store in Hawaii

[DannyWilliams]

Interesting.....

WHOLE FOODS is now in Hawaii well setting up the first store in Kahala Mall that is....


http://starbulletin.com/2007/05/30/news/story01.html





Anyone not familiar w/ WF ya gotta swing by at the bakery department......
Awwww Da sweets they have IMO broke da mouth fo me.....


Anyone back home lookin foward to WF?
They are plentyfull here in California

[Vanguard]

Excellent. If I ever return to Oahu, I hope to be able to do most of my shopping at WF. When I visited DC last year, I was dismayed to find a rather icky selection of hot foods, so if they want to successfully compete against Down to Earth in every sense, they'll need to be on the ball in that respect. They had better have a fairly good vegetarian selection.

[Kelly0040]

Used to shop at whole foods religiously when we lived outside of st. louis. Their deli/hotfood/salad bar was soooo yum, not to mention rather large in selection. It was always so hard to decide what to pick up. Maybe they just sucked in dc :(

[Vanguard]

Maybe they just sucked in dc :(

I hope you're right :) I went to the WF in DC one late morning last summer and I had some rather dry and old tasting hot tamales among other things. It's conceivable that it was a momentary failure in local quality assurance.

[TATTRAT]

Amazing store! Can be a little pricey, hence them being called Whole Paychecks by some people. They have an awesome variety of everything, and is one of the only places I can get my mushy peas for an English meal.

The prepared foods are great too! Awesome variety and quality!

[Kaukura]

I thought they were building a store also at Ward. that lot in progress on Auahi across from Ben & Jerry's behind Pier One?

[Glen Miyashiro]

They are still planning to open at Ward, too, but that project has been delayed due to the discovery of iwi on the construction site a while ago.

[tikiyaki]

Amazing store! Can be a little pricey, hence them being called Whole Paychecks by some people. They have an awesome variety of everything, and is one of the only places I can get my mushy peas for an English meal.

The prepared foods are great too! Awesome variety and quality!

WHOLE PAYCHECKS ...LOLOLOLOL!!!!

That is the laugh of the day, for sure.

I find Whole Foods to be just OK, and REALLY overpriced.

I'll take Trader Joes over them any day.

[DannyWilliams]

WHOLE PAYCHECKS ...LOLOLOLOL!!!!

That is the laugh of the day, for sure.

I find Whole Foods to be just OK, and REALLY overpriced.

I'll take Trader Joes over them any day.



WHOLE FOODS is awright and some of their stock is on the kinda expensive side. There are some good deals here and there but at TJ's ya can really stretch ur dollar there!

[WindwardOahuRN]

I'm in California right now and there is a Whole Foods store nearby. I didn't have time to stop by when I went to Long's this morning but it looked like a really interesting place.

I fell in love with a local supermarket called Cosentino's. Family-owned and in business for 60 years or so. They have the best crumb cake I've had since I moved from NY. Beautiful butcher-style meat department, gorgeous produce (with perfect baby bok choy lined up like sparkling newborns in a nursery) and a real Italian olive bar. Not chi-chi fancy, just good honest stuff.

And just when are we going to get a Trader Joe's? I asked the cashier at the TJ's here just why they were wearing Hawaiian print shirts and selling Hawaiian-print 99-cent reusable shopping bags when they won't build a store in Hawaii. He said "no there is no Trader Joe's in Hawaii and there will never be a Trader Joe's in Hawaii." He said this with quite an officious air and then went on to explain how "studies were done and it was determined that the population of Hawaii would not support a Trader Joe's."

I walked out with my cheap wine in my 99-cent Hawaiian-print reusable shopping bag. I respectfully disagree with whatever study the guy was quoting.

[LikaNui]

And just when are we going to get a Trader Joe's? I asked the cashier at the TJ's here just why they were wearing Hawaiian print shirts and selling Hawaiian-print 99-cent reusable shopping bags when they won't build a store in Hawaii. He said "no there is no Trader Joe's in Hawaii and there will never be a Trader Joe's in Hawaii." He said this with quite an officious air and then went on to explain how "studies were done and it was determined that the population of Hawaii would not support a Trader Joe's." I mentioned that study a month or so ago in another thread. (Maybe TutuSue will remember which thread it was.) Real bummer, but TJ's is very serious about not opening anything here.

:(

[DannyWilliams]

I'm in California right now and there is a Whole Foods store nearby. I didn't have time to stop by when I went to Long's this morning but it looked like a really interesting place.

I fell in love with a local supermarket called Cosentino's. Family-owned and in business for 60 years or so. They have the best crumb cake I've had since I moved from NY. Beautiful butcher-style meat department, gorgeous produce and a real Italian olive bar. Not chi-chi fancy, just good honest stuff.

And just when are we going to get a Trader Joe's? I asked the cashier at the TJ's here just why they were wearing Hawaiian print shirts and selling Hawaiian-print 99-cent reusable shopping bags when they won't build a store in Hawaii. He said "no there is no Trader Joe's in Hawaii and there will never be a Trader Joe's in Hawaii." He said this with quite an officious air and then went on to explain how "studies were done and it was determined that the population of Hawaii would not support a Trader Joe's."

I walked out with my cheap wine in my 99-cent Hawaiian-print reusable shopping bag. I respectfully disagree with whatever study the guy was quoting.


Da guy should have said something like.....

At this time Trader Joes has no plans to expand in Hawaii at the moment would have suffice....SHEESH :rolleyes:

[tikiyaki]

I mentioned that study a month or so ago in another thread. (Maybe TutuSue will remember which thread it was.) Real bummer, but TJ's is very serious about not opening anything here.

:(

Trader Joes is super picky about where they open stores. Where i used to live in Sunland, CA, people in town wrote them letters all the time (including me) about opening a store...they just wouldn't even consider it.

One other thing they do, and this is COMPLETELY on purpose...They make all the parking lots TOO small....the effect is that whenever you see a Trader Joes, the parking lot is always packed, thus making Trader Joes stores appear like people are killing each other to shop there.

It has been successful for them, but pretty much EVERYBODY complains about the parking situation at Trader Joes Stores...Alot of times, it makes me not want to go, so it DOES have an adverse affect, but certainly has not affected their patronage.

Too bad for Hawaii, tho' Trader Joes are have great stuff at great prices.

[WindwardOahuRN]

One other thing they do, and this is COMPLETELY on purpose...They make all the parking lots TOO small....the effect is that whenever you see a Trader Joes, the parking lot is always packed, thus making Trader Joes stores appear like people are killing each other to shop there.



The TJ's here in California is not free-standing. It's part of a large shopping complex so parking is not an issue.

The one I frequented in NY (Merrick, Tiki, which might inspire shudders in those who are familiar with the animal) certainly did have a small parking lot. I remember casually pulling into a parking spot there, getting out, locking my car, walking about ten feet or so, and having a Merrick Matron come racing up to my spot in her car. She boldly declared that she had "seen that spot first." It was her spot, she saw it first, and she was demanding that I vacate that parking spot. I kept walking. I do believe I was smiling and humming a pleasant ditty.

Ah, ya gotta know Merrick. Home town of Lindsay Lohan and Amy Fisher. Need I say more? I think not. :eek:

[DannyWilliams]

One other thing they do, and this is COMPLETELY on purpose...They make all the parking lots TOO small....the effect is that whenever you see a Trader Joes, the parking lot is always packed, thus making Trader Joes stores appear like people are killing each other to shop there.

It has been successful for them, but pretty much EVERYBODY complains about the parking situation at Trader Joes Stores...Alot of times, it makes me not want to go, so it DOES have an adverse affect, but certainly has not affected their patronage.



Not to be defending TJ's
Their parking situation per store is challenging I say.
I don't drive but when my roomate who does stops by there are a lot of cars there when were looking for a space to park.
And BOY, certain hours like rush hour and holidays are usually not a good time to be shopping there.

And the workers there are pretty nice when I am there...

[tutusue]

I mentioned that study a month or so ago in another thread. (Maybe TutuSue will remember which thread it was.) Real bummer, but TJ's is very serious about not opening anything here.

:(
Sorry, LN, I don't remember the thread. Trader Joe's has been mentioned so many times it would take a full day to search all the threads!!!

I don't know why TJs is so against charging higher prices in Hawaii. Every other business does. Gotta pay for the shipping and rent somehow and I bet that residents would be willing to pay those prices for the opportunity to shop at that great store.

[OahuGirl]

I am so happy about this one. Trying to feed a tween vegetarian~ means more options for me :D : http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/30/br/br8570126439.html

[WindwardOahuRN]

I am so happy about this one. Trying to feed a tween vegetarian~ means more options for me :D : http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/30/br/br8570126439.html

Don't forget to buy the t-shirt:

"WHOLE FOODS: GOT KALA?"

[OahuGirl]

Oh, sorry, I got so excited I posted it in community area. Anywho...I am so happy~ now if we could just get a Trader Joe's because they have awesome sales and great food! http://www.traderjoes.com/

[tutusue]

Oh, sorry, I got so excited I posted it in community area. Anywho...I am so happy~ now if we could just get a Trader Joe's because they have awesome sales and great food! http://www.traderjoes.com/
As mentioned above, TJs isn't coming to Oahu unfortunately. This subject has also been covered in other threads. Love TJs, tho'.

[LikaNui]

It was her spot, she saw it first, and she was demanding that I vacate that parking spot. I kept walking. I do believe I was smiling and humming a pleasant ditty.
Heheheheh...

Ah, ya gotta know Merrick. Home town of Lindsay Lohan and Amy Fisher. Need I say more? I think not. :eek:
BWAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
[/high five] (And I think I speak for most HT readers on this one.)


:D

[tikiyaki]

The TJ's here in California is not free-standing. It's part of a large shopping complex so parking is not an issue.

The one I frequented in NY (Merrick, Tiki, which might inspire shudders in those who are familiar with the animal) certainly did have a small parking lot. I remember casually pulling into a parking spot there, getting out, locking my car, walking about ten feet or so, and having a Merrick Matron come racing up to my spot in her car. She boldly declared that she had "seen that spot first." It was her spot, she saw it first, and she was demanding that I vacate that parking spot. I kept walking. I do believe I was smiling and humming a pleasant ditty.

Ah, ya gotta know Merrick. Home town of Lindsay Lohan and Amy Fisher. Need I say more? I think not. :eek:


Let's not forget Debbie Gibson :eek:

Merrick, I know it well....

Isn't it nice to say you once lived near Merrick and now you live in Hawaii ?

That in itself is a MAJOR accomplishment...

Just getting out of Long Island is....

Well, at least they got Trader Joes as a diversion from the horrific boredom of the place.
That, and good pizza and bagels....

[OahuGirl]

I contacted TJs and they replied with a positive message about coming here. If it does happen...that would so rock!

[Vanguard]

Just getting out of Long Island is....

Yarr, it be a hellish place! :p

WindwardOahuRN: That story about the parking space -- it sounds so typical of the south shore of LI. I used to be in Cederhurst!

[WindwardOahuRN]

Yarr, it be a hellish place! :p

WindwardOahuRN: That story about the parking space -- it sounds so typical of the south shore of LI. I used to be in Cederhurst!

And you made it out of the Five Towns area in one piece. :)

My grandmother used to live in Hewlett, on Mill Road. It wasn't so bad, forty years ago or so. Or maybe it was and it just seemed better because my Grandma was there.

[tikiyaki]

Yarr, it be a hellish place! :p

WindwardOahuRN: That story about the parking space -- it sounds so typical of the south shore of LI. I used to be in Cederhurst!

Seed - a - Hoist !

As much as I bash Long Island, I have to say, NY is a great place to be FROM, but not exactly a great place to BE.

[WindwardOahuRN]

As much as I bash Long Island, I have to say, NY is a great place to be FROM, but not exactly a great place to BE.

It can be a great place to be, too, in limited doses. When I go back I find that it takes about 7-10 days before I reach critical mass.

Every place has its pros and cons. One can find bashable stuff in any locale, including Hawaii. :D

[WindwardOahuRN]

Okay. Just paid a visit to the local Whole Foods here in California.

Interesting. Lots of unusual stuff---stuff which I admit I am a definite sucker for. Weird spreads, dips, etc.
Beautiful fresh meat department. More weird stuff---burgers mixed with bleu cheese and the like.

Trendy Wendy items by the truckload. Big Natural Health section. No comment. Don't get me started on herbal remedies.

Impressive salad bar but I didn't note the price/lb. I liked the bakery items, too.

Nice variety of high-priced take-out food. I laughed heartily at the $7/lb potato latkes. Great profit margin.

The biggest laugh I got (and there were many) was inspired by the "Garden In A Bag." ONE (yes I said ONE) French marigold plant, about two inches tall, in a pot that had been placed in a cute little bag emblazoned with the words "Garden In A Bag." How much? A mere $7.99. :eek:

Anyone who knows how easy it is to start French Marigolds from seed will join me in a chuckle.

I'm sure that the Whole Foods people researched the Hawaii market thoroughly. I think they'll do well in their chosen locations here.

[ifcancan]

There was a WF in San Francisco. I remember every time I went in there I was amazed at not only the uber-yuppies in there buying things, but the price of "organic" foods. There's really nothing like bringing home a $60 free-range turkey for Thanksgiving, no?

[DannyWilliams]

There was a WF in San Francisco. I remember every time I went in there I was amazed at not only the uber-yuppies in there buying things, but the price of "organic" foods. There's really nothing like bringing home a $60 free-range turkey for Thanksgiving, no?


hmmmmm..... Ru saying that WF was in SF and folded?
Unless I am gettin what ur saying wrong here they are alive and well in the city at the moment.

Stopped by the other morning and got a pastry dessert and water and hibernated at their eating area for a few minutes.
And I spent less than only $4 there..... Not everything is Expensive at Whole Foods now.

[greentara]

hmmmmm..... Ru saying that WF was in SF and folded?
Unless I am gettin what ur saying wrong here they are alive and well in the city at the moment.

Stopped by the other morning and got a pastry dessert and water and hibernated at their eating area for a few minutes.
And I spent less than only $4 there..... Not everything is Expensive at Whole Foods now.

I agree I go there almost everyday for lunch, (block away from where I work) and I spend less than $7.00 on a great smoked salmon salad. If you stay away from the salad bar you can save by buying the prepared salads, they make them every am. If you put good food into your body you will save medical bills in the long run. :) We have another huge healthfood store called Rainbow but it's too far to walk to at lunch although it is a bit cheaper.

[ifcancan]

I should've been more specific. There is, or rather, there still are, WF in SF. And I've never gone in there for a quick pick up meal (I'm committed to home lunch). I've only ventured in there for groceries, which were never cheap.

If I had to pick b/t WF and Trader Joe's, I'd go w/ the latter.

[greentara]

I should've been more specific. There is, or rather, there still are, WF in SF. And I've never gone in there for a quick pick up meal (I'm committed to home lunch). I've only ventured in there for groceries, which were never cheap.

If I had to pick b/t WF and Trader Joe's, I'd go w/ the latter.

Trader Joes is the BEST!!!!!:D I will only buy lunches at WF, can't afford to do my weekly shopping there and besides TJ has lot's of organic foods.

[Kittrick]

I have to agree about Trader Joes being great! I was super stoked when I heard the original occupant before whole foods was supposed to be trader joes. there was even a ad truck running around Honolulu with a "Trader Joes Coming Soon" image on the side, but I guess WF paid more or something for the space in the bidding process or TJ pulled out.

I am excited about a WF, but I heard that it may not be because of the bodies they found on the space where it's supposed to be. I read the other day in the Advertiser that the project was in jeopardy because some council ruled that the project has to be built around the bodies, which is almost impossible to do.

At least they haven't disrepected the bodies like the Wal-Mart/Sam's Club on Keeaumoku where you can still pass by the bodies in the air-conditioned trailer on the Sheridan side of the building as they don't know what the heck to do with them still.

[tutusue]

*bump*

So, I had to go to Long's Kahala this morning and was dreading the search for a parking stall, what with the opening of Whole Foods today. Parking turned out to be no problem, did my Long's shopping and since I had a parking place I wandered mauka to Whole Foods. It was like a sardine can! Yikes! I did a quick peripheral check and left without buying anything as I didn't want to wait in the very long line to check out.

Dayam...so expensive! :eek: Still, the deli and self-serve foods looked great. Quite a wine selection, too..organic grapes, per chance? :D

I'll return in a couple of weeks, once the newness wears off. It looks like a really nice store altho' I still miss Star Market and Trini with the huge floral arrangement behind her ear!

[DannyWilliams]

*bump*

Dayam...so expensive! :eek: Still, the deli and self-serve foods looked great. Quite a wine selection, too..organic grapes, per chance? :D

I'll return in a couple of weeks, once the newness wears off. It looks like a really nice store altho' I still miss Star Market and Trini with the huge floral arrangement behind her ear!


ohhhhhh no say dat! U no like make ppls wallets zip up dat quickly
There are some unique buys at WF butt........... I would not make them your one stop shopping place for groceries etc. More like a now and then stop shopping establishment.

[tutusue]

A more in-depth visit today...

I did find a couple of items that cost less than their counterparts at Kokua or Safeway. The salad and hot food bars are $8.99/lb. I don't know how that compares to, say, Safeway Kapahulu or even McDonalds salads! I should buy a McD's Asian salad and weigh it!

Deli prices I consider to be very high. The meat and fish depts., while not huge, are well stocked and well presented. IIRC, per pound price of ground beef (15% fat) appeared to be a little less than the per pound price for Safeway's value-pak. WF's beef might've been previously frozen. Can't remember! :o

For you mainland HTers...Does Whole Foods have a weekly circular that's included in a newspaper? That's something I would use.