Whole Foods Market Comes to University Place

Trader Joe’s finally has some com­petition on their organic corner of the market with the May 7 opening of the Chamber’s Bay Whole Foods Market in University Place.

This location is the first Whole Foods Market in Pierce County, and only the eighth location in all of Washington.

3515 Bridgeport Way West is now home to one of the top health food stores in the country, offering organic produce, healthy pre-packaged meals, and clear labeling on all of their 28,000 products.

Their grand opening ceremony in­cluded a literal breaking of the bread when University Place Mayor Denise McCluskey and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Member Tom Pearson joined Whole Foods leadership to break a four-foot loaf of challah bread instead of the traditional ribbon cutting with giant scissors.

While the chain is famous for its higher than average prices, it promises something that’s hard to find anywhere else. There are over 300 bulk items, no preservatives, and no artificial colorings or sweeteners.

“As food lovers and service profes­sionals, we are thrilled to bring our pas­sion and knowledge to you in areas such as organics, special diets, and food trends,” store team leader Jean Ricks said in a welcome statement.

Just inside the doors, their Juice Bar offers freshly made-to-order smoothies and juices using local and organic pro­duce and a coffee bar offering Allegro products.

The meat department has a spe­cialty burger bar where shoppers can create their own stuffed burger creations from antibiotic and hormone free meat.

The Lumberyard, the full-menu, wood-fire, pizza joint has 10 beers on tap—some of them even local brews— and seating for shoppers while they eat. Its location within the 37,000 square foot building qualifies it as one of the largest restaurants in University Place.

The store employs 150 “Grocers, Fishmongers, Butchers, Cheese Special­ists, Chefs, Bakers, Produce Warriors, and Whole Body Specialists” says Ricks, all there to provide shoppers with one of the most well rounded shopping ex­perience available.

The new store gives students a wide variety of options close to campus and brings The Village at Chambers Bay shopping experience to another level.