Whole Foods nears opening of massive store in Midtown Tampa

Whole Foods, a grocery giant, will open a brand new 48,000-square-foot market at Midtown Tampa on July 7.

Whole Foods is primed to open its largest location in Tampa in 2021. The expansive market is part of the ever evolving Midtown Tampa development. The Whole Foods sign was just added to the exterior of the building, undoubtably adding to the anticipation of everyone who lives/works in the area.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll get at the new store, according to a release:

• Specialty foods section featuring local treats like toffee from Pinellas Park’s Toffee to Go and chocolate from 5150 Chocolate.
• Grocery products from local creators like Tampa’s Buddy Brew Coffee, St. Petersburg’s Mother Kombucha, an exclusive lemon rose drink from St. Petersburg probiotic beverage maker, Sunny Culture, and protein-rich snack bars from Miami-based FroPro.
• Extensive selection of nearly 200 beers, including options from St. Petersburg and Tampa local breweries like Green Bench Brewing Company and Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Exclusive local beer offerings include 813 Midtown Hazy IPA from Coppertail Brewing and Hello Neighbor Key Lime IPA from Cigar City Brewing.
• Bakery department offering custom cakes and special diet options. Local selection includes tres leches cake from Momma’s Baked Goods and cookies from Cosa Duci Italian Bakery. Bakery will offer a new cake, “Sunset in Tampa,” inspired by the west coast’s unforgettable sunsets, the vanilla cake has bright orange marmalade with lemon curd in a tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Wellness and Beauty section featuring products in the body care, supplement and home categories that include products from local suppliers like bulk soap from North Port’s Lolablue Living, Miami’s RSP Nutrition immunity & hydration shots, coconut oil from Tampa’s Conscious Coconut and candles from Sarasota’s Bia Candle Company.

To give back to the Tampa community, Whole Foods Market will donate $5,000 to the Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger in support of finding solutions to end hunger in Tampa Bay.

Whole Foods Market is right across from REI, the massive outdoors store that just recently opened in Midtown. Shoppers flocked to REI on opening day to get all of their camping essentials.

Relocation on N Dale Mabry Highway

“Whole Foods Market has proudly served the Tampa community for many years,” said Juan Núñez, President of Whole Foods Market’s Florida Region. “We are excited to have the opportunity to bring a larger store to the area, allowing us to offer our customers even more ways to enjoy great food.”

Whole Foods Market Midtown Tampa will employ approximately 200 locally hired full and part time team members. Team Members from the Tampa store will have the opportunity to transfer to the Midtown Tampa store as part of this relocation.

You can visit the massive grocery store at 1001 North Dale Mabry Highway, less than one mile from the existing store located at 1548 North Dale Mabry Highway.

New food hall opening in Midtown

Midtown is quickly evolving into a key food and drink destination in the Tampa Bay region. The popular Hall on Franklin will close its Franklin Street location to focus on the emergence of its large space at Midtown.

“The Hall on Franklin is moving to Midtown Tampa where we will be able to share our next-generation experience with you,” reads an Instagram post from the food hall.  “It will include outdoor seating, private dining, and enhanced service.”

William Dean Chocolates, a wildly popular chocolate concept renowned in the Tampa Bay region, will join Midtown Tampa in 2021. 

“We’re happy to announce new tenant, William Dean Chocolates to the best-in-class lineup at Midtown Tampa!” the developers wrote in a Facebook post. “Their decadent chocolates have impressed world-wide and their newest location in Midtown will not disappoint as it serves their signature artisan chocolates made with only the finest ingredients.”

A new gateway in the city of Tampa

Linking Westshore to Downtown, the 22-acre Midtown Tampa project is centrally located and within minutes of many Tampa favorites, such as Raymond James Stadium, Amalie Arena, International Plaza, Westshore Plaza, University of Tampa and Hyde Park Village, as well as the Tampa International Airport and Tampa Convention Center. 

An authentic and new kind of urban experience, Midtown includes nearly 2 million square feet of retail space, residential living space, and office buildings, with ample parking and intuitive walkability.  A social hub for entertainment and hospitality, Midtown also features the central green space of Midtown Commons, the 3-acre Midtown Lake, and the Watercourse recreational trail. The dual-branded Aloft and Element property will feature 226 rooms and is expected to open January 2021. 

So far, Midtown has announced a new restaurant by chef Chris Ponte, who is a local favorite, as well as Shake Shack, BellaBrava New World Trattoria, Burtons Grill & Bar, True Food Kitchen and Joffrey’s Coffee Tea Café.

Hungry for more Tampa news?

Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar opens in Midtown

The Far Forest, a book and vintage store, opens in Seminole Heights

A flying car hub could connect Orlando and Tampa

VIDEO: Busch Gardens releases POV footage of Iron Gwazi

Tequila library opens at Sparkman Wharf