Q&A: Whole Foods Representative Talks Cafritz Property
Patch asked Whole Foods for a response about their lease at the Cafritz property in Riverdale Park.
After residents learned Whole Foods signed a lease with the Cafritz property developers, some were in support of the project, while others were concerned.
So Patch asked Whole Foods for a response on several questions that have come up during discussions about the project.
Angela Rakis, Whole Foods Market Mid-Atlantic Executive Coordinator, answered the questions as is, below:
Riverdale Park-University Park Patch: Why did Whole Foods Market decide to open a store in Prince George's County, particularly Riverdale Park?
Angela Rakis: In addition to meeting our real estate criteria, Prince George’s County presents an excellent opportunity to serve a community where many of our loyal patrons live. Given its proximity to the University of Maryland, commuter transportation and three townships, we saw this as a viable opportunity to immerse ourselves in a community passionate about growth and development. We repeatedly hear from our shoppers and our team members who live in the area that they would love a Whole Foods Market in Prince George’s County.
Patch: What will this store look like? What can residents expect to see?
AR: Details and specifics of the store are still coming together. So far we know the store will feature many of the familiar offerings of other Whole Foods Market stores in addition to unique features designed for the community in mind. Rest assured, we will be providing fresh natural and organic foods and a pleasant shopping experience. We never build two stores alike as we very much focus on the vibe and needs of the community where we plant our roots.
Patch: Riverdale Park and neighboring communities are very concerned about the environmental impact of the Cafritz property development. What would your store do to give back to the community both environmentally and charitably?
AR: Whole Foods Market is a mission driven company. One of our core values is caring about our communities and our environment and we are known for such. For example, we offer our neighborhoods support through sponsorships, special events, volunteerism and fundraising assistance. Each store has a quarterly “five percent days,” with five percent of proceeds going to community nonprofits. In regards to environmental impact, most stores participate in a composting program where foods and compostable paper goods are regenerated into compost. As well as each store has a Green Mission Team, an internal task force composed of team members who inform and improve green actions for their store.
Patch: Several residents have voiced concerns that when the Silver Spring Whole Foods Market store opened, the city was told to close the local farmers market already established in the area. There is currently a market on Ellsworth Avenue, but is there any truth to that statement? How do you work with local farmers markets?
AR: This is absolutely not true. Whole Foods Market operates many of our stores near farmers’ markets. Many of the stores host cooking demos at farmers’ markets and some of our vendors sell their products both at Whole Foods Market and at farmers’ markets. Some of our stores also host farmers’ markets in their parking lots giving the farmers another outlet to sell their products. We see the farmers market and Whole Foods Market as complementary. We provide an option for customers on days when the market is closed. Local farm production helps us stay connected to the seasons, favorite regional varieties and the people who grow our food. Further, buying locally contributes to responsible land development and the preservation of viable green spaces.
Patch: One of the things communicated during an information session with Cafritz-family lawyer Chip Reed was that a parking lot in front of the proposed Whole Foods facing RT 1/Baltimore Avenue was a non-negotiable term of the lease with Whole Foods. Why was this a condition? Is Whole Foods willing to rethink the condition and support the wishes of the local community in terms of the type of zoning it wants?
AR: We cannot speak to the specifics of our lease, though we strive to create a pleasant shopping experience with ample parking for our customers.
Patch: If the development process takes longer than expected, would Whole Foods walk away from the lease? Are there any penalties in the lease if Whole Foods does not end up at the Cafritz site – i.e. if the development does move forward, what is to prevent Whole Foods from pulling out?
AR: We really cannot discuss specific lease details. We thoroughly analyzed the numerous developments in the immediate vicinity of the Cafrtiz Property prior to making a commitment to the site. We share in the enthusiasm, passion and energy that has been expressed about this particular location and we look forward to continued growth partnerships and community outreach as we near completion. We intend to move forward with this property. Whole Foods Market is just one small piece of this equation for the development. Many of the residents and team members have asked for a store in the community. We are committed to being there.
Patch: What other retail/services would Whole Foods like to see at the development or do you all see as complementary to the site?
AR: We don’t have any special requests. We are a lifestyle brand and like-minded businesses tend to be drawn to us such as gyms, green dry cleaners, restaurants and services dedicated to kids and families.
Patch: How much money are you expecting to make off this new store and how many people are you projecting will come into this new site?
AR: As a publicly traded company, our earnings are announced quarterly. We do not disclose individual store financials.
Patch: If you can explain your company's philosophy in general and in particular about unions - it's a concern of some residents.
AR: We are a pro-team organization that focuses on team work and Team Member empowerment. We have been named by FORTUNE magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America every year since the list’s inception 14 years ago, ranking number 18 in 2010. Our team members select their benefits package through a company-wide vote every three years. Our goal is to balance the needs and desires of our customers, team members, shareholders, vendors, communities and the environment while creating value for all. By growing the collective pie, we create larger slices for all of our stakeholders. Our core values reflect this sense of collective unity and partnership.
buckeye
8:48 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Have you heard of spell-check? What does "corpertion" mean? Put your comments through a spell-checker if you are unable to spell correctly.
What is your point?
Jeffrey Yorke
9:01 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
This claim continues to be made without a second source, no honest support. Is there a Silver Spring farmer who has no market and needs one? We've heard from the Whole Foods spokeswoman and clearly the publically-traded company wants and needs farmers and benefits from farmers' markets. Of course, I'd welcome bonafide outrage from Silver Spring farmers/shoppers but I haven't seen or heard it. Maybe it's just that the Silver Spring farmers' market doesn't have banjo music?
Melissa Avery
9:12 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Actually the Silver Sping freshfarms allows musicans to perform for free!
Danny
9:15 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
@mellssa -- if the farmers' market were RP's only community, then RP would appear to me to be a pretty depressing place. fortunately, i vehemently disagree that a farmers' market is the main event in town.
and do you have a shred of evidence to support your belief that the main entrance would be on RI ave and not on route 1, as depicted in the site plans? or should i just wait until next week, when you repeat this spurious argument ad nauseum?
BTW, i am a hyattsville resident, and there are farmers' markets here, too. same with college park. i wouldn't call them the main event in either town. i respectfully recommend that you get out a little more.
Melissa Avery
9:27 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Yes,
As your a Hyattsville resident, not a Riverdale Park Resident. That says it all. I live a block from our otherwise dead town center, and I live with the Riverdale Parl town government.
the only thing we have going for us is our Farm Market - belive me.
Danny
7:13 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
i may live in hyattsville, but shockingly i have actually been to riverdale park! and you're welcome to come to hyattsville if you need something other than a farmers' market to occupy your time. you could try busboys & poets, a movie at UTC, a trip to the mall at PG, or a hop on the metro to DC.
Jeffrey Yorke
9:48 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
If I felt that way about the town I lived in -- the way you apparently feel -- Melissa, I'd leave in a snap. Wild horses could not pull me back into that town. Especially if I were like you, a renter, able to give 30 days notice in a heartbeat, and move to the place I could call home. Perhaps even buy one.
And, if you don't like the government and its leaders, participate in change by running for public office. You're invited to do your part.
Sarah Wayland
8:10 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I am so glad, Sonia, that you wrote this article. You asked some really difficult questions. I'm disheartened to read some of the answers, but I think the questions needed to be asked. Now the residents know where Whole Foods stands, and we can address our concerns with both Cafritz and Whole Foods. Kudos to you for going to the source to get answers!
treehugr
10:09 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Unasked question for WF: how does it meet Whole Foods enviromental committments to occupy a greenfield site when UTC is available?
UP_gardener
3:33 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
They don't have any environmental commitments.
Nick
2:55 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Wonderful to see so many commentors here trying to stifle free market expansion. What's so eveil about consumers who live in Prince George's County wanting to consume at stores located in Prince George's County? What's wrong with businesses wanting to run profitable ventures and make money in our County? Aren't the two preceding actions what lead to economic booms, and isn't our country desperately in need of one of those? I wonder if the Riverdale Park Farmers Market Monopolizers (where do they hold their monthly meetings?) also fought the farmer's marrket that sprouted up in College Park?
Jonathan Kent
6:07 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
If people like "Danny" are representative of Whole Foods shoppers, I have absolutely no interest in shopping there. Responses like "you should get out more" are nothing more than arrogant and flippant attempts to evade the questions being asked by *gasp* Riverdale residents. So, while you enjoy Hyattsville (though I'm not sure why), don't expect Riverdale residents to roll over and not ask questions when major development is going to start. After all, while some may happily be members of "the LOUD 'n' proud anti-whole foods vocal minority" as you put it, it's becoming suspect that you're simply a hack who either works for Whole Foods Corporate or are just another local politician who's getting a kickback from the developers. And if the latter is the case, get a good lawyer. The FBI loves crooked politicians. Just ask the rest of the PG County...
Danny
7:15 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
once again, "jonathan kent," we have a claim that anyone who supports the cafritz whole foods must be doing so for personal financial benefit -- either as a crooked politician or as someone from the WF corporation. it couldn't be that i am simply a local resident who actually wants quality retail offerings for the area.
i think it's great to hear questions from from local community members about the proposed project (and ever better to get answers from WF, from cafritz, and from the gov't -- such as the answers contained in the piece we're all posting on). but for every one question i read or hear, i see two or more arguably defamatory accusations from the aforementioned vocal minority -- e.g., WF wrote the wash post editorial, WF forces farmers' markets to close, the main entrance to WF will be from RI ave., anyone who supports the development must work for WF or for a union-buster or for the PG county gov't, etc.
in conclusion, if WF ever does open at cafritz, i am glad you have no interest in shopping there, as i have no interest in ever meeting you. there are few things more offensive to me than the accusation that i am a PG county politician!
TJ
9:07 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
I have recently moved to Riverdale Park, and as a resident, I welcome this development. This addition would keep more of my local dollars in the local area. It is a great fit to compliment what is already going on (including the existing farmer's market.)
Also, as both a business professional and an academic in the business area, I can see the many, many benefits of this development for this community. In our economic state, this makes sense for so many reasons. In addition, Whole Foods has a well-documented history of improving the communities in which they locate as well as providing an outlet for additional local foods/farmers.
From my personal experience, the biggest deterent to keeping people away from activities such as the farmer's market is negative talk and in-fighting in the press and in the community.
Jeffrey Yorke
9:11 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
TJ,
You've hit the nail on its head.
UP_gardener
3:31 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
Except the Whole Foods in Silver Spring actually DID drive the farmer's market away. It's not negative talk, it's true.
Joe Kelly
8:01 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Anyone who would like to support the idea of an energy independent community being built on the land, please contact me off list. misterjoekelly@gmail.com I'm happy to provide any information you'd like. Some info is available in Patch's 8/8 article
http://riverdalepark.patch.com/articles/resident-pitches-energy-independent-development-idea-for-the-cafritz-property
Pachacutec
8:32 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Leaving traffic congestion etc. aside; plain fact is, many of us don't have the incomes that would permit us to shop at Whole Foods on a regular basis. But I'm "SURE" that people aren't trying to drive us lower-income white collar workers and blue collar workers out of the area..... (yeah, right)
Danny
8:42 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
you or anyone else won't be forced to shop at whole foods, if it were to open in riverdale park. you would be able to continue to acquire food from whatever sources you can afford. that's one of the benefits of living in america.
many of us, however, do have the income to permit us to shop at whole foods on a regular basis.
if you have your "lower-income" food stores in the area, why shouldn't others have middle-/high-income food sources?
homeontherange
10:42 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Once again, what is your point? That you don't have enough money to shop at WF?
Once again, does that mean you think a WF should not be built because you don't have enough income to shop there?
So what?
You sound paranoid. Is the potential of a WF enough to make you think you are being driven out of town?
On the flip side, there are many residents of this area that do have the income to shop at WF. And there is nothing comparable in the area now. This area could stand to have something more upscale.
Pachacutec
10:14 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Where did I say that nobody else had the right to shop at Whole Foods? I said that I and others like myself wouldn't be able to. And yes, as we get more and more of these so-called upscale (read;overpriced and overhyped) stores in the area, it WILL drive us po' folks out. Anyhow; from the few times I've bought things at Whole Foods I cannot see how they justify their high prices; however, like other such yuppie emporia, all they have to do is spout the right words, "natural," "organic," make their decor look like they're really friends of the earth, all that stuff, and some people will buy into it, hook, line and sinker. If half the stuff that was printed in that resignation letter by a former Whole Foods Canadian employee that's making the rounds on the 'net is true - and it WAS a real letter -, they're a bunch a hypocrites who treat their employees (more po' folk!) like dirt.
Danny
10:22 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
i have to wonder how the naive fools whom you describe have been able to earn high enough incomes to shop at "yuppie emporia" such as whole foods. it's counter-intuitive how such moronic, mindless people have been able to enjoy such economic success.
other interpretations might be that you're jealous or that you're trying to stir up class tension, when in reality our community could probably harmoniously support both aldi and whole foods.
Pachacutec
10:53 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Oh, excuse me, I thought this was a public forum where I could express my viewpoint. I didn't realize that I could only express my views if they coincided with yours. "class tension?" Good lord, you're really reading a lot more into a simple statement than it would warrant. Jealous? Of whom? For what reason? I believe I'm the one who's most fair here; I DO realize there are people who can afford to shop at Whole Food and they certainly have that right; but I still believe that store and others like it are overpriced simply because of their image, not necessarily their products and service are superior to anything else. And there are people who will shop at such places simply BECAUSE of that image. Note, I'm NOT saying everyone so don't get your shorts in a twist, but there's a lot of people out there like that, they just want to be seen at the "right" places by the "right" people. Oh well, whatever makes you happy, have fun at your store....
Danny
11:07 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
based on your tone, it sounds like yours are the shorts that are in a twist. you have expressed an opinion; i have disagreed with it. that is generally how these and other fora operate (hence the "reply" button).
in my opinion, your previous comments make you sound resentful of those you believe to be wealthier than you. you ridiculed that group of people for being foolish enough to shop at whole foods. my response is simply that some people like whole foods, and others (like you) do not.
when you claim that you fear being driven out of your home and city because of wealthier citizens and their yuppie emporia, it reeks of class tension (again, in my humble opinion). when you call whole foods employees "po'folks," it reeks of class tension. have you done a comparison of how aldi, giant, safeway, and save-a-lot treat their employees vis-a-vis whole foods? fortune magazine has, and they found that WF treats its employees better.
UP_gardener
3:30 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
Nope, Danny doesn't allow others to post their opinions on here.
Pachacutec
11:00 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
PS; Just to let you know, it's not necessarily Whole Foods coming to town that I'm concerned about; it's the location. There are empty storefronts and lots where stores used to be all up and down Route 1 and the surrounding area. Why does that wooded area need to be torn up, there's NO other spot around for the store? Obviously the store wouldn't fit into town center, but most of those stores have been vacant for years and years. Riverdale Plaza is 3/4 empty. I've heard that the University Town Center in Hyattsville is in financial trouble. As I recall, back when Riverdale was re-named Riverdale PARK, part of the reason was supposedly to emphasize the park-like nature of our town. Bit by bit, this is being whittled away; might as well change the name back to Riverdale because there won't be any PARK left. I've lived in this area most of my 60 years and in my present location for almost 25; I realize growth is inevitable, but I feel I have a right to be concerned about what I feel is irresponsible destruction of what is good and precious about our lovely town. Excuse me for caring
Pachacutec
11:59 am on Friday, August 19, 2011
Oh Lordy, is this worth it.... my reference to po' folk was referring back to the letter by the Canadian Whole Foods employee; not a Giant, Aldi, or whoever employee, Whole Foods. And from what he wrote, (and please note I said IF it were true), it doesn't sound like they care much about their employees. No, probably no different than any other grocery chain but Whole Foods and some others stores continually present themselves as caring about people and the environment, etc., while the stores like Giant, etc., are only recently hopping on the that bandwagon. So, if Whole Foods IS treating their people badly, then quite frankly, that's hypocrisy. In my opinion of course. Along those lines, I find it more than a bit ironic that the people I know who shop at places like Whole Foods (note, didn't mention class, income, etc, but am referring to a type of people) are the very ones who celebrate Earth Day with a passion, use their recyclable grocery bags, maybe drive an environmentally friendly vehicle, etc., and in general think of themselves as caring about the environment. However, they seem to have no qualms with large corporations tearing up the remaining green spaces to put up yet another store. I am not mad about that, I realize I can't change their opinion, but frankly I find it more than a bit bemusing. At any rate, I am going to find other people to talk to and I hope you enjoy your store. (she said.... and vanished)
UP_gardener
3:26 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
So nice to see that Danny the village idiot, is posting his ridiculous, no-clever, ignorant, anti-union postings again. Sarcasm is not a substitute for wit, but that hasn't stopped him yet.
He's fine with 37 acres being clear cut and replaced by more vacant shopping space. I'll be heading over to Yes Organic Market when it opens soon. Whole Foods is a joke.
Danny
5:27 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
my dear, dear UP_gardener: a few questions for you:
1. what makes you think that i, or anyone else, has the authority to allow or not allow anyone from posting here? if i did have that authority, i'd probably start by forbidding you from posting, as you've decided to resort to name-calling against someone with whom you disagree.
2. how is supporting a non-unionized retailer make me "anti-union"? anti-union might be advocating for the closure of unionized stores or somehow trying to foment an end to those stores' unionization. i've done neither. and actually, i'd support whole foods regardless of their employees' union status. i honestly don't care all that much -- the food tastes the same either way.
3. while you may not appreciate my sarcasm or find me witty (i'll try harder next time; i didn't realize this was a comedy club), do you truly feel that your name-calling and unsupported generalizations are actually a contribution to this rather important debate?
homeontherange
9:33 am on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
This is too funny. UP_gardener attributing ignorance to Danny while at the same time referring to him as the village idiot. Sort of like the pot calling the kettle black.
UP_gardener
3:29 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
Pachactec, don't leave -- that's what Danny wants. To browbeat people into hearing only his point of view. Might as well call it "The Danny Patch" cuz he's on here all the time.
Danny
5:33 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
UP_gardener: i comment because i care. i live in this community, just as i assume based on your username that you do. if someone posts something of interest to me, i will reply; if someone replies to my reply, i will follow-up. that is how these fora function. it's not exactly "brow-beating." i have the same one vote as anyone else here. i have no authority to force others to listen to or accept my point of view. however, i am flattered that you've taken the time to read my posts and that you have thought about what i wrote enough to try to summarize it (albeit inaccurately). it's not dissimilar to my own efforts to read others' posts and reply to them. i guess we really are all the same, even if we disagree on whether or not whole foods market is a "joke"!
now, if they want to re-name the patch after me, that would be flattering, but probably unnecessary. i am honored at your proposal, though. thanks!
Pachacutec
9:03 am on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Well, I've stated my opinion and others have stated theirs as, thankfully, we all have a right to do. Trust me, I'm not leaving because of certain posters and I've certainly not been browbeaten. I'll continue to read the comments and if anyone else says something I want to remark on, I'll post. But you and I know that trying to get some people to even consider opposing points of view is like teaching a pig to dance; it wastes our time and annoys the pig. Now, as far as the markets, I would like to see the MOM market in College Park expand; I can't afford to go to the organic markets very much (please note, I'm explaining, NOT complaining), but when I do, I like MOM. However, their store is a bit small. As they're already located in an existing strip mall and wouldn't need to destroy more of our green spaces, it would be nice if they could be made a bit bigger.
Danny
10:25 am on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Pachacutec, i've considered your opposing viewpoint exactly as much as you've considered mine. after this mutual consideration, we continue to disagree. what's the problem here? i found you unconvincing, and you found me unconvincing. is there a rule that i must accept your opinion after considering it? was your time wasted because you failed to convince me, a stranger, that you're right?
Danny
10:27 am on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
and, from one neighbor to another, you'll perhaps be pleased to know that the college park MOM's has just completed an expansion/remodeling and is currently holding a grand re-opening. so you're in luck!
Pachacutec
12:28 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
RE the post about "Fresh Foods," did you by chance mean "Fresh Market," like the one in Annapolis? Too bad that didn't make it to the University Town Center in Hyattsville, THAT would've been a decent addition to the area.
I have never, ever said that other posters here MUST accept my opinion; frankly I don't care if anyone agrees with me or not, we all have our own reasons for what we believe and "there we are." However, I see no reason for further debate with posters who seem to enjoy what amounts to borderline cyber-bullying. If it makes you feel like someone important, go for it; I could more than match any comments you care to make about me, but as this thread has gone way off the subject of the article, I will not respond to any more such comments. I have a life.
Danny
1:48 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
if i am "borderline cyber-bullying" you, then i'd argue that saying things like "i have a life" is doing the same to me. you've already once promised to stop replying to me, yet here you are. i can assure you that if you stop replying to me, i'll have nothing about which to reply to you, and then you won't have to feel bullied anymore.
and you're welcome for the tip about MOM's in college park. it was my pleasure!
Sonia Dasgupta
4:03 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
To all readers: Please watch what you are saying in your comments. There shouldn't be any personal attacks, racism or cursing in your comments or we have a right to remove the comment and/or your ability to post. The Cafritz discussion could continue for months, maybe years and we'd like to provide level-headed, unbias information on this site for all of our readers. You are entitled to your opinion, but do not have the right to insult others on their opinions. Thanks.
Sonia Dasgupta
Editor, Riverdale Park-University Park Patch.