Q&A: Whole Foods Representative Talks Cafritz Property

After residents learned , 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.