Whole Foods Market Opens This Month

Save the date! Whole Foods Market is gearing up to open its doors in Newport Beach and if you are among the first 300 people in line, you will be treated to some delicious freebies.

Whole Foods will open at Fashion Island on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m., marking the grocer's fifth Orange County location. In celebration of the big day, a special bread breaking ceremony will be held on the grand opening and will provide the first 300 customers in line with a free demi-baguette. Located at 415 Newport Center Dr., Whole Foods Newport Beach will include a coffee and juice bar, free Wifi, fresh produce, seafood and meat, a full bakery and more.

The 32,000-square-foot Whole Foods store will include the Tea Hive Fusion Cafe and Bar, where customers will be able to select green, black or oolong tea frozen, sparkling, iced or steamed. Customers can also dine at the Back Bay Tavern which will serve 24 craft beers on tap, wine and spirits and a menu with beef, seafood, vegetarian and vegan meals.

Another fun fact about Whole Foods in Newport Beach, is that it was built out of wood salvaged from old canneries in Nothern California.

"Whether you work in the area and want to stop in for a natural and delicious lunch in our Back Bay Tavern, drop in to grab a refreshing tea drink after a yoga class or just want to enjoy a glass of wine after shopping, this will be a great destination,” Patrick Bradley, the store's Southern Pacific Regional president, said in a released statement. “Given the healthy, active and outdoor lifestyles of the people who live and work in the greater Newport Beach area, we are excited to be opening a store that is tailored especially for them.”

To help prepare for the grand opening, Whole Foods is inviting the community to enter its Whole Foods Market Newport Beach Photo Contest. The contest runs through Sept. 21. The winners will receive a private party suite at the Newport Hyatt Jazz Concert or a $100 Whole Foods gift card. To take a shot at the contest, snap a photo that depicts your favorite part of Newport Beach. Be creative!

Get more contest details at facebook.com/WholeFoodsMarketNewportBeach.