Hundreds on hand for opening of Whole Foods

One would hardly have expected the model of capitalism that is Schaumburg to be a place where people would stand in line for food.

But unlike the infamous bread lines of the former Soviet Union, there were smiles and toasts as excited Whole Foods Market fans filed into the new 58,000-square-foot store between Woodfield and Streets of Woodfield when the doors opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The new location is slightly larger than the typical Whole Foods Market, and as such is being used as a testing ground for several new concepts aimed at both grocery shoppers and the lunchtime crowd, company officials said.

Located at 750 N. Martingale Road, the organic food-focused grocery store also features a cafe, prepared foods such as hamburgers (called "Schaumburgers"), pizza, sushi, and pasta, and even a bar with premium beers in bottle and on tap.

Numerous one-day deals can be found throughout the store, and there will be bargains to be found all week. Many free samples and product vendors lined the aisles, offering tastes of the upscale products. Throughout the day, musical acts will perform at the store.

"I couldn't be happier it's here," said Cledith Ruden, of Schaumburg, who used to travel to the Whole Foods in Palatine to shop. "I like the variety and the fact you know you are buying healthier food."

Store team leader Dave Baffa, of Bartlett, estimates the store employs about 200 people, with 75 percent of those jobs being full-time.

"We like to think our quality and team members stand above the competition. We always want to go the extra mile," said Baffa.

Baffa estimated that around 5,000 to 6,000 people will come through the doors for the grand opening.