Whole Foods Market in downtown Tempe announces opening date

PHOENIX — The wait for the Whole Foods Market in downtown Tempe is almost over.

The company announced Thursday the location at Ash Avenue and University Drive will open its doors Nov. 6.

The 40,000-square-foot grocery store, which will employ 125 people, is a relocation of the existing Whole Foods at 5120 S. Rural Road, according to a press release.

The new location will also feature a bar and restaurant called On Ash, which will serve pub-style food.

The first 100 customers on opening day will receive a custom shopping bag and a gift card ranging in value from $5 to $100.

“We look forward to providing our customers with a greater selection of accessible, fresh and innovative products and grab-and-go options,” Stephen Rice, store team leader, said in the release.

The store will include a beer and wine section, a self-serve poke bar, a juice and coffee bar, bakery and butchery departments, hot and cold prepared foods, and a beauty and body care department.

Tempe City Council approved plans for the store in 2016 and construction began the following year.

There are nine other Whole Foods stores in Arizona.

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