Whole Foods Sets Opening for Newest Cincinnati-Area Location

A full charcuterie case, more than 200 specialty cheeses, locally produced wine and beer, and stations for self-serve Detroit-style pan pizza, sushi and made-to-order sandwiches are just some of the highlights planned for Whole Foods’ newest store in Kenwood, Ohio. Set to open Aug. 29, the 38,000-square-foot store is the grocer’s 11th location in the state.

“We can’t wait for the Kenwood community to experience their new Whole Foods Market,” Eric Knapke, store team leader, said in a release. “We look forward to providing our customers with high-quality food and service and an extensive selection of items that are unique to this area.”

Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods, which for some, had lost its neighborhood grocer luster since the Amazon acquisition, recently renewed its emphasis on regional fare with a "We Love Local" ad campaign. It has also reportedly doubled the number of staff working on local programs and initiated "local Wednesdays" for store employees to sample local products, empowering them to become better-informed brand ambassadors.

The Kenwood store, which was initially planned as an outpost of the since-abandoned 365 by Whole Foods format, will offer a wide selection of locally sourced options, grab-and-go prepared foods and natural and organic grocery items, officials said.

Some of the store’s special features include self-serve fresh-squeezed orange juice; a bakery department with mini desserts decorated by an in-store decorator; a full-service butcher department with sausages made in-house and fresh meat cuts, including options from local suppliers; locally sourced specialty cheeses; a self-serve olive and antipasti bar; a bulk section with more than 100 items; and an expansive selection of beer and wine with offerings from local producers.

Whole Foods said the store will feature hundreds of products from local suppliers, four of which are recipients of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to local producers to help grow their businesses.

To celebrate joining the community, 5% of the store’s net sales on Sept. 5 will benefit Madeira Schools Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the local school system by providing students with unique opportunities and experiences to enhance their education.

The Kenwood store joins Whole Foods Market’s Mason and Hyde Park stores in serving the Cincinnati area. Whole Foods Market has a total of 11 stores in Ohio. Last week the company opened a store in Weehawken, N.J., that was also originally planned under the 365 format.