Whole Foods to Open in Park Ridge by January 2014

Park Ridge residents may have a new place to shop for organic apples, gourmet cheese and humanely raised meat during this year’s winter holiday season, depending on how construction, permits and a host of other factors play out for a new Whole Foods Market planned for the Northwest suburb.

Ashley Heaton, associate marketing coordinator for the Midwest region of Whole Foods Market, said unpredictable delays during the construction of a new store made it difficult to speculate on when the Park Ridge store would open, but said she expected it to happen by January 2014. Heaton said the company would make a public announcement about the opening 90 days beforehand.

“It’s not even in construction yet,” Heaton said.

Jim Testin, community preservation and development director for Park Ridge, said a company called Park Ridge 2004, LLC, also known as Chody Real Estate Corporation, was currently in the process of applying for permits for foundations and the shell.

“Things are moving forward from that standpoint,” Testin said.

Whole Foods Market announced it would open the 38,000 square-foot store, located at 225 W. Touhy Avenue in Park Ridge, in June 2012. In its statement, Whole Foods estimated the new facility would provide 150 jobs in the Chicago suburb.

“Our excellent customer service is what truly sets us apart from our competitors,” stated Michael Bashaw, Midwest regional president, in the June announcement. “We’re proud that our team members are truly passionate about sharing the joys of great-tasting natural and organic food with our local communities.”

Heaton said it was too early to announce what specific features would be included in the Park Ridge store. In the June announcement, Whole Foods Market stated it would feature natural and organic foods, free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, high-quality meats, sustainable seafood and more.

“We look forward to building strong relationships with our neighborhood partners in our new Park Ridge community,” Bashaw stated.