Akron 365 to open this week

A new location of 365 by Whole Foods — its sixth overall and first in the Midwest U.S. — is set to open this week in Akron, Ohio.

The store is one of 17 365 stores that were in development when Amazon acquired Whole Foods. Some analysts have questioned whether the combined companies would continue the banner following their merger but Whole Foods has given no indication plans have been altered.

365 by Whole Foods is a low-cost, low-price interpretation of Whole Foods’ traditional stores, emphasizing its private brands, more self-service and outsource much of the merchandising flair to companies identified as “friends of 365.” In Akron, a branch of local coffee roaster Artisan Coffee is included, along with Fire Leaf, a new pan-Asian stir fry restaurant concept created by Whole Foods longtime sushi partner, Genji.

The Fire Leaf menu includes customizable stir-fries, salads and sides along with bubble teas.

The 30,000-square-foot store is located a quarter-mile from an Acme Fresh Market store that received a $9 million renovation a year ago.