The new Whole Foods Market in Pasadena doesn't officially open its doors until 9 a.m. tomorrow, but here's a sneak preview. Today the 76,700-square-foot space was filled with workers unpacking boxes and firing up the nut and coffee roasters, the donut makers, the tortilla machines and the pizza oven and getting the chocolate fountains working. Yes, chocolate fountains: There will be three, each bubbling Scharffen Berger white, dark or milk chocolate.
There's also an upstairs food court with a shwarma bar, a hot and cold dessert bar, sushi and gelato bars -- and a wine and tapas lounge that will feature daily wine tastings. With squishy couches in the wine bar, a massage room, free wireless Internet and parking for 300 in the underground garage, you might do your shopping -- and then be temped to move right in.
The new store is the biggest Whole Foods west of the Rockies and the only one climbing two stories in the Southern Pacific region. The Pasadena foothills location gets much of its height and light from its previous incarnation as a train station. Starting tomorrow, it'll probably get as much traffic.
Whole Foods Market, 465 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, (626) 204-2266. Wednesday, Nov. 7, open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; after opening day, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.