Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Whole Foods in Sunset Park?

Thursday AM Update: Thanks to a little early morning searching on the DOB site, we can see that it is indeed a Duane Reade that will be housed in the old Dee & Dee space. (Or a Whole Foods in disguise under a Duane Reade illuminated sign.) That's one huge Duane Reade...

For more proof, a commenter also posted up this link in the comments section.

I wonder how Health Max (on 5th and 53rd) feels about that. The Rite Aid on 51st is cramped and crowded, and the more-pharmacy-less-convenience-store of that strip, 5th Avenue Pharmacy, on 48th has a super loyal following. Hopefully it will affect the stores in positive ways, but I worry about 5th Avenue Pharmacy.
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Today my name is Thomas; I find it hard to believe that Whole Foods would open up a 6,000 square foot (or is it 9000?) store on 5th Avenue in Sunset Park.

Wait, what?

According to a neighbor who was walking by the Dee & Dee space (and I still don't know where I can get a shower curtain liner for $2.99 now that they're gone), the space was going to be either a PetCo or a Whole Foods. Whole Foods won. Is this the consolation prize for the stalled Gowanus site?

Wait, what?

There is a lot of busy building going on at the site, and one of the head contractors at the site gave up this tidbit of information.

I have serious reservations and doubts, but I believe it a little bit. Whole Foods is over my budget, and my guess is I'm in with a whole heck of a lot of company. Could this possibly be true? Sunset is not on the "stores in development" list, but stranger things have happened. Haven't they?

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wait, what? I mean, where exactly? This would be kinda crazy...

david said...

if it's true, i'd better start packing my bags... this would be the worst blow to the neighborhood since the expressway...

BestViewInBrooklyn said...

David, don't pack yet. It's a zygote of a rumor.

Anonymous, Dee&Dee is - was - sniff! - on 5th Avenue and 50th.

Unknown said...

I feel like there would have been some official announcement if this is true considering how anxious many people in Brooklyn are to get a Whole Foods. They wouldn't just quietly open a store without a lot of fanfare. I'll be keeping an eye on this, though.

BestViewInBrooklyn said...

I agree. Also, the Gowanus site had a lot of parking planned (I think). A PetCo sounds more likely.

Anonymous said...

I wish! Whole Foods is cheaper than C-Town for a lot of things, including produce, and their produce doesn't have mold on it when you get it home...

But yeah, I'm pretty sure the Whole Foods is going in Park Slope/Gowanus.

EmilyA said...

I was that neighbor that spoke to the contractor. He also said that Whole Foods got the space (yes 9,000 square feet) for pretty cheap. I will believe it when I see the big WH letters go up!
Emily

Anonymous said...

seems unlikely considering this comment regarding the old space in Park slope?

"“Whole Foods does not have immediate plans to open in Brooklyn,” said company spokeswoman Mara Engel Weleck, who suggested that the land would be sold."

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/27/32_27_mm_whole.html

Sunset Park Autonomous Zone said...

I hope it is true. There is a need for quality healthy food in the area. Are they really that expensive? I guess I'll just eat less then.

Anonymous said...

you're misinformed: whole foods prices are not that bad and competetive in many areas. their house brand stuff is very inexpensive- often cheaper than sunset park prices! their house brand of catfood is cheaper than ctown, keyfood or bodegas on 5th and 4th. their sale priced organic produce are comparable and often better than key food's regular non organic and better than bodegas (with a selection that rivals the ps food co-op). their sale-priced seafood and meat (always several items at all times)is amazing and again, their on sale grass fed meat prices are comporable to the co op and like half of park slope. the only reason not to stand and applaud is if you do ALL your food shopping at the co op...

Brian H said...

I've seen 20-something couples on the N-train from time to time, carrying their Whole Foods cargo from Union Square to points in Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, or Gravesend. Shorter trip for them, I guess? Me, I'll just be happy if my C-Town would stay open until 9pm.

Liza said...

Whole Foods?! Really!? I can't believe that. Wouldn't the community board have been notified? Their prices are terrible . . . as are their politics. It's just another green-washed big box store. The profits will be funneled out of the community and into the CEO's pocket. I'd rather see some investment in affordable, local produce.

Anonymous said...

Hate to ruin it for everyone, but that site is going to be a Duane Reade.

http://therealdeal.com/deals/27937

Sorry guys.

Anonymous said...

It's definitely a Duane Reade. Confirmed it with their architect, SBLM Architects in Manhattan.

Sunset Park Autonomous Zone said...

I saw the sign with my own eyes today...Duane Reade coming soon.
So many pharmacies already in the area, I don't get it.

Anonymous said...

Today's news on Whole Foods... ends up they're headed by a right wing anti-union, anti-health care reform conservative.

I guess you can't really assume that a health food store is progressive. So no more Whole Foods for me.

See:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052970204251404574342170072865070.html

lizzie b said...

BVIB --
You can get a shower curtain liner for $1.99 at the one of the Dollar stores on the west side of 5th Ave. between 56th and 58th. (I get them there all the time because my bathroom has no ventilation and they get mildewy fast.)

BestViewInBrooklyn said...

Lizzie,

Thank you!