Whole Foods Expects to Open By Late September

Whole Foods Market is expected to open at the former Johnny's Foodmaster site sometime before late September, according to a company spokeswoman.

"While we don’t have an opening date set at this time ... Whole Foods Market Melrose will open before our fiscal year ends in late September," said Heather McCready, a spokeswoman for Whole Foods, in an email to Melrose Patch.

Whole Foods purchased the former Johnny's location at 880 Main St. last year, and is currently in the process of renovating the 29,000-square-foot space, according to McCready.

No employees have been hired at the store yet, but the company anticipates hiring 150-200 full and part-time team members, according to McCready.

"We have not yet begun the hiring process, but when we do, we will advertise the job fairs within the community as well as on the Whole Foods Market Melrose Facebook page," McCready said in the email. 

As far as former Johnny's employees are concerned, McCready said, "...every employee in the stores we acquired has been given the opportunity to apply for any store or facility in the company."

When the store is ready to open its doors to customers, Whole Foods will have grand opening activities planned, according to McCready.

"Every Whole Foods Market location grand opening is celebrated with a bread breaking ceremony which traditionally includes town officials and dignitaries," McCready said in the email.

Until then, Whole Foods will continue to make connections in the community.

"Along with meeting with local business owners and donating to non-profit groups, we have also been enjoying hosting healthy eating workshops within the community, participating in events like the 'Science of Healthy Eating' component of the Roosevelt School Science Fair and sponsoring the Healthy Melrose event," McCready said in the email. "Whole Foods Market is committed to giving back to and supporting the communities we serve and we look forward to many more opportunities to get involved with our new neighbors in Melrose!"

Previous Coverage

Mayor Dolan Welcomes Whole Foods to Melrose

DISCUSS: Whole Foods Might Buy Johnnie's Foodmaster in Melrose

Whole Foods to Purchase Johnnie’s Foodmaster in Melrose

Johnnie's Foodmaster is Closing All Its Locations