Whole Foods Market opens new store near Coronado High

Some west El Pasoans said getting in and out of the new Whole Foods Market at Mesa and Pitt was a “mess” while others said it was worth it.

Mark Heins, Whole Foods Team Leader, said they are dealing with traffic issues and the expected influx of students from Coronado High School.

Heins said he has been working with the school and embraces its business. Whole Foods has set up a T-Bird express lane for students, Heins said.

Whole Foods Market said its 50,000-square-foot “premium designed store” in El Paso created 160 new jobs.

“The El Paso store will boast the most cutting edge dining and deli department in the Rocky Mountain region,” Whole Foods stated in a news release.

The store will also be home to the “The Thunderbird Taproom,” which will feature 24 beers and wines on tap, many of which local. “The taproom will offer family-style seating and dining with food and drink deals throughout the week,” Whole Food said.

Isabella Foods of El Paso will be the first “Friends of Whole Foods Market” venue in the company. It is part of an “innovative concept that introduces a stand-alone food court style venue operated by a local culinary star inside the store,” store officials said.

Isabella Foods of El Paso will operate a “taqueria” featuring fresh tacos, burritos, breakfast, and fresh tortillas.

The store’s Grillworks wood-fired grill is the first-ever to Whole Foods Market and will be used to charbroil all the meats used in pizzas, salads, and sandwiches and on the pub menu.

The store will be outfitted with free wi-fi in the cafe and electronic kiosks for ordering at the various food venues.