‘Wholy’ Crap- Whole Foods Hits the L.E.S.
2 03 2007
Well well… look what’s hitting the Lower East Side in just a couple of weeks. Whole Foods, the upscale supermarket for organic eating enthusiasts in the newly gentrified neighborhood, has begun promoting its upcoming grand opening while teasing passers-by to “take a peek at what’s coming.” With the Avalon Bay Communities, Inc. monopoly which has conquered the downtown vicinity- Avalon Chrystie on Houston and Avalon Bowery on First Street- along comes the popular, over-priced food chain to satisfy the habits of health junkies starting on March 29.
In a press release, the folks at Whole Foods Market state: “Get ready Lower East Side… Whole Foods Market is Coming! Inspired by our new neighborhood, an area known for its historical and present-day connection to food, we’re creating a dual level food mecca devoted to the foods and goods of New York City and beyond.” Your new neighborhood, huh? Well, I guess it is.
As the L.E.S. continues to change there’s only one thing left to do: Look at the bright side as the saying goes. The market needs over 650 employees to run the 80,000 square foot store and job opportunities can always be beneficial to native Lower East Siders and new comers alike. (Click here to search for openings). Whole Foods also says they’re devoted to the artisans from the city and are willing to partner with local vendors.
“The new location will feature the company’s first-ever Fromagerie, featuring exclusive aged cheeses from Herve Mons; multiple sit-down dining venues and a large café accommodating more than 299 people; and a culinary center where New Yorkers can learn cooking skills from Whole Foods Market chefs and other top-rated chefs from around the city,” says the press release. “Additionally, the new Whole Foods Market will be among the most ‘green’ supermarkets in New York City with a more eco-friendly refrigerating system, recycled materials used for green construction and a source-separation of organic waste for composting.”
Though Lower East Side and NoLita residents will soon have an additional option from which to shop, I prefer to stick to the historical Essex Street Market aka La Marqueta on 120 Essex Street. But I admit, I, too will probably take a tour of the new Whole Foods on the Bowery and see what it has to offer. *ms
Whole Foods Market
Bowery and Houston Streets
WholeFoodsMarket.com
Well, I feel many different things regarding Whle Foods opening up. There is always the thought of the job opportunity which is opening up for many of us who live in LES, but then again how many of the LES people will be employed by this SUPER market? And I am not talking about those who have moved in recently, I am talking about those of us who have been their from the beginning of all this change. Those of us who have seen the drugs and gangs run our streets and now seeing bars/clubs/trendy shops opening up. Are we benefiting from this change? I dont think so. I feel like we are being pushed out of OUR neighborhood because many of us are from low-income families struggling to keep our apts and pay our bills. Pretty soon the LES will see very little of the familiar faces to give way to the faces of Upper East Side. I am saddened by much of this change simply because I feel like my neighborhood has changed for the better but now that means my family may not be able to stick around for much more of these changes.
There was a time when I was growing up in the L.E.S. and I would tell people, and I was looked down upon, now-a-days you tell someone you live in the L.E.S. and they think your made of money. It’s great that the LES is revolutionizing and turning into an upscale neighborhood, and it’s unfortunate that some people feel that with this change, they’ll be forced out of their own neightborhood. I grew up in the LES and yeh I had tough times paying rent, and yeh I was broke, and yeh I dealt with all that when all the hallways were pissy and all the elevators smelled like oil from graffiti removement. If I can manage to pursue an education and find my self independently running various legal operations and a prosperous company then let’s not complain about “WHOLE FOODS” not hiring us, lets get a computer and go on craigslist, get a newspaper and go on the classifies, or simply get on our feet and start our own things. As of WHOLE FOODS in itself I think it’s a great thing that’s happening and I hope we are influenced by it. One of the major issues in today’s society is obesity and if we can all train our minds and our cravings to settle for something healthier then we’re on the first path of recorvery, WHOLE FOODS can be the motivation for this move.
Rico S. Fukakes
opmpromo.com
Wholy Crap is right? I have never been a fan of the Whole Foods market. I once took a stroll through the one at Columbus Circle with my sister, and couldn’t stop complaining about the ridiculous prices they charge for sub-par products.
I think I, along with my fellow native Loisaidians will welcome Whole Foods with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it will bring civilization to a neglected part of the LES, an area that was once ran by the Bowery Bums, and back back in the days by the Pug Uglies of Gangs of New York Fame. I remember when the current site of the Christie Avalon complex was occupied by a big parking lot, home to humongous rats and the ever-so popular party spot of a local residential building. This wasn’t even that long ago, we are talkin 5 years tops. I even remember there being one of those old Superman phone booths on the corner of Houston and Christie back back in the days. That exit of Second Avenue was one seldom used by people who lived on that side of the neighborhood, out of fear from prostitutes, pimps, junkies and hustlers. With the construction of the Christie Avalon Community and the transfer of the Chinatown YMCA from my alma mater I.S.131 to its the new complex, the Bowery has become a far safer area than it was before. Kudos for Christie Avalon for bringing life back to this far corner of the ‘hood.
But what’s the trade off for safety? Does a Whole Foods belong in the Lower East Side? This might be the final nail in the coffin in which the Lower east Side’s spunk and culture lays. I find it hard to believe that Whole Foods will cater to the area’s predominantly Latino and Middle Eastern communities, besides having a Mexican isle, a la Price Chopper, with a couple of cans of Goya and a cheap little halal section. Whole Foods belongs in the Upper West Side, or Soho, where stay at home moms with Bugaboo Frogs roam like wild animals. I’ll take smelly hipsters any day over the UES and UWS snobs that this sort of business will attract.
Like Mercedes, I’ll continue shoppping at “La Marqueta” on Essex, where else you can buy a bike, get a haircut, get your shoes fixed, and get the best pernil for Christmas dinner all under the same roof. La Marqueta is a true representation of what the Lower East Side is, and I dont think Whole Foods will ever be able to compete. - Bobby Digital
First, this is the first time I comment on this page. It’s a privilege and I enjoy visiting your website each day. Congrats on your success.
I am very conflicted on this topic, like most fellow LES peeps are. The reason being that this topic hits close to home, literally. I am very happy with the changes made in the LES. I am still very proud to be a part of the LES. Although I feel and agree with the negative reality that comes along with gentrification of our neighborhood, I can’t help but enjoy the benefits. As mentioned before, these include safer streets, trendier hang-out spots, etc. Whole Foods, however hits a certain nerve. There is something just sooo wrong with the entire Chain. It is very reminiscent of Wal Mart.
On the one hand you have the concept of fresh food, which up until this Whole Foods came along, brought this idea of small businesses buying their products straight from the farmers, or something like this. It was innocent and made you feel warm and fuzzy. When I shop at “The Marqueta” I still feel like I’m helping the underdog while enjoying fresh foods. Something just doesn’t’ seem right with Whole Foods. Of course, this idea, at the moment, is entirely non-researched and I do not feel comfortable making any other claims about Whole Foods. I do however, encourage readers to please question and not blindly accept what is coming into your neighborhood.
In fact, if our parents thought more like this, they would have fought to keep the integrity/culture of our neighborhoods. But I guess there is no need to bring up what we should have, could have done to keep the neighborhood as it was. Plus, I really can’t whole-heartedly say I would have wanted to see it stay the same.
Do we really want the LES to become an upscale neighborhood? I appreciate the slight changes of safer streets, stronger police presence in touble zones, and the drop in violent crimes like everyone else. But I don’t think a cull conversion to a ritzy area, along with Whole Foods and whatever else follows is the way. My side of the neighborhood has also undergone many changes. Grand Street has long been the epicenter of poor working class peoples who moved away from the slums of Orchard and Ludlow streets created a sort of suburban oasis in the middle of the “ghetto”. the residents of Grand Street are also the business owners of Grand Street. They were all given the same opportunity as everyone else to develop the neighborhood into what it is, al the while mainting its eclectic integrity. I think that the arrival of Whole Foods will not allow this to happen. If a life-time resident can’t own a piece of the pie he’s helped bake, the the working man truly is a sucka.- Bobby Digital
BobbyDigital@Myspace.com
Before i make any comment on this whole foods market stuff, i would like to thank Ms. Sanchez for her good work, reading your material is my newest hobby, yay!
This market is inconsiderate and a waste of space. This overpriced food will only cater to one type of resident, hint: if your name is Pablo Perez, try la bodega, but John McWhite, welcome to the L.E.S. and enjoy. For Whole Food Market to even think that they are part of a continuing tradition is an insult. Latino food is no longer common place, instead it is a once a week delight for the new “members” of the community. Tradition stems from very little to no change of a common practice, I am pretty sure mami is not going to need aged cheese to make her platano con queso frito por la manana. “But, toni how bout them jobs!?” How bout jobs that will not pay their workers enough money so that they may enjoy the great foods of the very Market they work for. When will community truly be respected. How about throwing rocks through peep holes to show that ol’ L.E.S. welcome to the Market.
WOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!
By the way i am a resident of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I feel your pain, for you are my brother Lower East Side.
Even though I refused to believe the L.E.S had “sold its soul” to be part of this new commercial industry, the arrival of Starbucks on Delancey was more than enough proof that we were no longer the key stars in this Cinderella Neighborhood, but rather spectators to nothing more than the effects of gentrification.
I believe a Whole Foods in the Lower East Side will creat a Monopolistic effect. And while it is offering 600+ employment opportunities, we musn’t forget all our local ‘bodegas’ or ‘mom and pop’ businesses that will be forced out because of the appealingness of this major competitor.
The Lower East Side has come a long way over the years- almost like a rag- to- riches story to the outside eyes. But the L.E.S has always been not only an incredible place to live at, but very inspirational as well. And you don’t have to take it from me!!! I’m sure Allen Gingsberg, Miguel Pinero, Luther Vandross and many others would agree!
I too will be chosing ‘La Marqueta’ on Essex St. Not only because I was nutritioned by it all these years, but because it plays a major role in the history that I know to be the history of the Lower East Side as lived by me.
First off, let me say that the Lower East Side has been going through this clandestine gentrification for the last 4-5 years. If the transformation from Burger King to Starbucks wasn’t enough, or every other store on Orchard St. turning into a trendy bar, it was the razing of Chico’s “2Pac - Live By the Gun, Die by the Gun” mural. Granted, it gave way to the Sunshine Theatre, a place I’m a patron of, but it concerned me. This theatre, while independent and left-leaning, made no effort to introduce itself to the Lower East Side, opting instead to cater to white college-graduated kids and soon, any liberal white person.
Fast-forward to this Whole Foods Market situation, these conversations always come up when we have a seemingly beneficial superstore invade a low-income community: it might bring more jobs, but at the expense of businesses established for decades in their communities. The Marqueta is a perfect example because it parallels the situation in Union Square and the Farmers’ Market there.
When it first came there, there was a huge uproar about Whole Foods trying to steal the business of men and women who traveled from upstate to deliver true whole foods (and at much cheaper prices). Of course, Whole Foods said they would “work with the market” instead of against that. How a direct competitor can say that is ludicrous. And while the Farmers’ Market will most likely survive because of its tradition and influence on Union Square’s landscape, grocery stores around the area might shut down.
I’d say more, but I can write this in a blog. Thanks again for the food for thought, MS. Peace …
Whole foods being added to the L.E.S. is not a positive development for anyone but those moving in and gentrifying the neighborhood. I.E. white folks. wholefoods is known for being excessively expensive wihtin its own market segemnt of organic foods markets, as well as in the overal food market industry in general. In a community such as the L.E.S. the majoprity of the residents will not benefit from the market or be served well by it either, and it could in fact influence the pricing trends in surrounding business competing wiht it. The phenomenon of increaing expense is somehting which is easily and regularly seen in gentrified neghborhoods. In every consumer good business from bodegas to clothing stores and even in cleaners and laundrymats prices increase and long time patrons are economically pressured by this change as newer more recent arrivals to the areas are accomodated and satisfied. I see no difference in wholefoods arrival in fact their may be more negative ramifications to this development, as a large chain wholefoods has more than enough capital to pursue predatory pricing strategie and subtly force out competition and due to the general increase in cost of living and expenses in the area( including cost of business operations) the mere diversion of certain percentage of consumers from the other businesses may serve as enough of a capital drain to cause closures and sell offs of long standing businesses who were only able to remain open as a result opf the patronage of local segments of the gentrifying populace. Whole foods may just be contributing to the L.E.S. being Wholly Fucked into the “East Village”
whatch your hoods and keep your maney
Change is good but at what cost…things are now safer but for who…yeah this is a great store but for what customers?
Those of us who grew up in LES get nostalgic of the good times we had there, but change will occur for better or for worse. This has happened all over NYC and NYC is losing a lot of its character and charm. The days of knowing your neighborhood grocer and buying on credit (paying on Fridays) are long gone. Also the concept of the NYC neighborhood is dying. Soon all we will have are memories of the good times we had is what use to be to some a terrible place.
I love LES
Chris Pena
Well, L.E.S. conjure’s very nostalgic feelings everytime I come home from College. Going to school at Nativity on Forsyth, and P.S. 20, I’m attatched to the neighborhood. Over the pass 4 years I’ve realized there’s been a lot of change. This gentrification the neighborhood has gone through is extrememly beneficial. And I understand people’s emotions of keeping close to home, and it being your roots but you have to move on. Either change along with the L.E.S and adapt or keep fighting and struggling something that’s inevitable. Whole Foods is a good establishment that pays workers a minimum wage of $10 and can grow depending on experience. Their products are overpriced to cover the overhead costs. It’s a bussiness if you can’t shop their and can’t afford it, then it’s not tailored for you. Same goes for establishments such as Starbucks. Personally I like hanging out in Starbucks and getting a Frap or Latte. Avalon apts. also a great complex but rent (as is everywhere else in Manhattan) is really high, 1500 a month for a studio? or something along those lines. Almost every tenant is going to be a person new to the neighborhood and it’s a large complex that’s going to be a lot of new faces in the Neigborhood. And Economically the area is prime retail so there is even more change happening. The apts. on First st. between first and Second are also in the process of being sold and leases being bought out, to demolish and build Condos (a relative already moved out of their apt. and another who lives across the st. has mentioned her landlord possible selling the building as well). Everytime i come home from break I’m surprised i barely recognize home anymore there’s a new building up, a new store, boutique, restaurant sprouts over over a couple months. And i’m not mad or fearful of this change. I accept it am glad that the neighborhood is moving in a positive direction.
Studios at the Avalon actually run for a little under $3,000 / month
Damn if they do, damn if they don’t… When crackheds are running around leaving needles everywhere, or ghetto hoodrats are robbing people, or when people are pissing or leaving graffiti everywhere everyone in LES is crying about their “shitty ghetto barrio”, yet a “gentrification” takes place, which is the beginning of the turn around of LES and people cry about “white folks” taking over… times are a changing and inflation does occur, get with the times folks and do what u gotta do… i’m a “Pablo Perez”, not a McWhite and I shop at Whole Foods, stop crying about not being able to get a 7.25 an hour gig at whole foods and higher your expectations a bit… don’t settle for less if you’re worth it, and if you aren’t worth it then stop crying and be were you belong.
I write this in response to Mr. Fukakes
What did NYC do for the L.E.S. when poor immigrants moved in?, the same thing they are doing now that we are being displaced, nothing. As a “Pablo Perez”, you out of all people should know that waking up to gun shots and walking over needles was not the most conducive enviornment when attempting to “make it out”. NYC does not care about Pablo’s, thay made it difficult for us. Underqualified teachers, underdeveloped property and no way to better yourself other than extra hard work that Mr. McWhite did not have to go through. That’s what i remember and what i know about my past. Now i can appreciate my mothers hard work at 4.25/hr to keep me alive and get me through college. I would never disrespect or make an ignorant comment about jobs at 7.25, because less got me to where i am. Don’t let anyone lie to you, not even yourself, cause you obviosly didn’t do enough if you are still working under someone and belive that you are accomplished. My mother is accomplished, you on the other hand are simply dissapointing. You did not let yourself down for any comment you made, you let you people down.
Toni,
Name calling is wrong
But there are wosre things
In response to Toni:
Word up! Couldn’t have said it better myself
I think moving a Whole Foods to the L.E.S. has its positive and negative attributes as any business. Many of my points will be contradicting but only because there are mixed feelings about what this store will bring. First, being a historical neighborhood, its only adding to the reconstruction of turning this neighborhood into an upper west side duplicate. There has been many changes over the years and it is the inevitable. Second, it is a positive establishment because of the jobs it will be opening up. New York in general is a melting pot and there will be a variety of culture regardless so to automatically deem this as a “white establishment” is not necessarily true. It is only an addition to the plethera of food establishments already existing in the L.E.S. I have been to a Whole Foods in Los Angeles and it is not necessarily out of reach in terms of pricing and it offers much more fresh ready to grab foods that can be seen as positive for local workers looking for a place that has it all. Third, or fourth? I think that the neighborhood has slowly been turning into an economic vaccuum, reaping as much money as it can from not only locals but any New Yorker who enjoys to venture downtown. Everything this neighborhood is becoming is the start of another 34th street if you may. Tons of stores, supermarkets, etc. I am making many comparisons because it is true. There are mini bubbles around the city filled with stores and expensive restaurants. Soon it will be nothing but businesses and million dollar brownstones. I think there are many ways to look at this establishment and the only resolution is to visit it yourself, then critique what could be future issues for the neighborhood and its history. If you haven’t noticed its already being stripped away.
To Toni and friends… if I offended you in any way, then that’s okay that’s life. It wasn’t my intention to belittle anyone or anyone’s mother because of a small paying job, i’m sure we’re all appreciative of what our foregoers have done for us… my intention was to present the idea of not settling for less, such as these job. I don’t know about you or how old you are, but I have just began living my life, and if I, being at such a young age in my life can manage to make a few thousand dollars a night and I haven’t even finished college or had any special training, besides life experience, in my field, then why my friend can’t anyone else. Stop worrying about what NYC should do for you, worry about what you’re gonna do to NYC… raise up and take it by storm mama, cuz that’s what I plan to do, and trust me i’ll never forget where I came from and I sure as hell won’t let it blindsight me from where I’m going.