A Whole Foods

Foodmaster prices are not that competitive. However, I am wondering how Whole Foods would fit in the limited space. I assume that the marketing research conducted by the Whoe Foods organization leads them to believe that the community would support them. I would assume the assortment they would put in the limited space will include more affordable, family selections based on the grocery needs of the community. Presently the bakery and prepared food section in Foodmaster is lackluster as well as aged. Updating the store is a positive move. Keeping it affordable to accomodate the family and elderly shoppers in the community is important.

My first choice is Market Basket, but I think the space is way too small and it is just too close to the one in Chelsea where I do all my shopping. I do feel badly for the elderly and lower income folks who can't afford WF. I think some organization in town should start some sort of bus service to Chelsea that goes directly to the store. The bus could do a loop around town and pick up people at various elderly housing developments. A $2 fare would be more than made up on the savings at that store. Still, there would be more cost involved.

Overstatements of the obvious aside, it should be noted that having a Whole Foods in Charlestown would be more in keeping with the greater gentrification that has been on-going for over 30+ years. Like it or hate it, Charlestown SHOULD have retail ammenities that reflect the cost of living here and Johnnies and Papa Ginos simply isn't it. The times, they [already have] a-changin.'

WF is a wonderful store, but not in a neighborhood that only has one main grocery store. I think this community could support both Johnnie's and WF. The De Jesus family has given generously to WP, boys and girls, CMA. They order anything one asks for and it is there the next day. I am a confident cook and a community supporter. I think there needs to be a SOLUTION that accommodates a 2nd store for our diverse population and the needs of all. Where will folks go who rely on Johnnie's? Why do those that want more selections gave to leave town? We can support 2 stores!

I think WF is too expensive for a whole grocery list. I also agree that we could support 2 stores. Wish the WF was going to be a Trader Joes. Much more affordable! Not thrilled about havin only one choice and for it to be so expensive.

But as others have commented, if you buy real food, you can get away with more for less money from Whole Foods than Johnnie's. If you only buy processed foods that come dried in packages or cans, you'll only do a little better at Johnnie's. For these things Whole Foods has a store brand that's much better quality but isn't always as cheap. It all comes down to how you shop. I had a really cheap roommate once who would only shop at Whole Foods and come back with tons of really good deals.

Well said

Johnnies has refused to provide quality to the residents of Charlestown for years. This is a fact. They were caught changing expiration labels so they could sell meats longer than they should have. Personally, I think they still do it, but are more careful about it based on what I see in the food cases. When they revamped the store a bunch of years ago, they expanded their produce, but the quality remained sub-par, at best. I'm happy to see them go. Maybe someone should open up a small store front that sells canned and frozen foods that seem to be the only inexpensive items found at Johnnies.

Whole Foods + Market Basket = happy Charlestown. Problem is, how? Johnnie's has HORRIBLE produce and meat/seafood. I have had to point out to employees on many occasions that the avocados were WAY beyond rotten. Maybe Johnnie's can incorporate the needs of all residents. Their prices are not competitive and dry goods are often cheaper at WF (house brand). There are lots of income levels and food needs (and let's be honest, no one wants to pay more than they have too!) and we need to find a way to marry them or else it becomes yet another way for "newcomers" (15 years now??) and 'Townies' to find reasons to dislike each other. If Petco can find a way to open up a doggie boutique - we can figure out a way to find a medium ground on this subject.

I guess there are two Toonies, because I didn't write the above. There is no middle ground option at the moment. It's either Whole Foods or Johnnies. It's not even worth discussing other options...no one is going to convince a corporation to build another grocery store in Charelstown.

Hannafords is great, Market Basket's meat is not good at all, their lunchmeat never looks or smells fresh and not a great variety on fruit and vegetables. Hannafords is the way to go !

Like many others on this thread I strongly believe there should be at least two grocers or local markets in Charlestown and could make a case for more. Due to the diverse economic population in the neighborhood and the lack of any good non-vehicular modes of transportation; the neighborhood would benefit from several smaller market type grocers dispersed throughout the neighborhood in conjunction with a full service grocer. This would allow a larger part of the community to walk for the majority of their daily grocery needs. This would help solve two issues: 1) the need for one grocer to serve the needs of the entire community and 2) limit some of the conjestion caused by people needing to get in a car to do their shopping. Most dense urban cities utilize this concept, why would we be any different.

As a devoted patron of Whole Foods, I am excited for the possibility of them taking over Foodmaster. Lets face it, Foodmaster has terrible produce, terrible meat, and an expansive selection of over processed food that I wouldn't feed to my pets. It's high time we saw some more quality stores move into this neighbourhood, and I'll be standing at the door when they open. Hooray for Whole Foods!

Bring on Whole Foods...there are plenty of other options close by for those who think its too expensive. I agree with Jay's comment above. Learn how to shop...if you buy processed foods, you will spend more money. Just as you do when you eat out. And if WF moves in, im sure they will fix up that embarrassing looking ghetto strip mall.

I personally think with the small space, a Trader Joe's would do much better. They are my go to for staples like Bread, Milk, eggs, frozen items, cereals, meat and produce. WF is going to give you better quality produce with prices that I find to be more competitive than Johnnies. I'm not sure how anyone would consider their prices accommodating to the elderly budget.

WF bought a store in JP that had catered to Hispanics. After some complaints and protests, WF hired Latinos and agreed to carry ethnic foods. Townies shld learn from this

honestly are you people suggesting a 75 year old woman should take a bus all the way to chelsea to shop at an affordable grocery store? if we are only goibg to have one grocery store than keep it affordable. and for those that can afford whole foods drive your bmw's to Boston to shop there!

No Melinda take your car. Most of Charlestown is sick of crap quality and having to leave the town to avoid johnnies. Are u telling me u walk to food master now?

Here is the solution, all you yuppies move back to where you came from.......If you didn't like what the town had to offer then why did you move here ??? So just move....

Wow, Lux. So you're saying that because wealthier folks have pushed out (and helped destroy) this working class town, that trend should continue, only a bit more aggressively (and proudly) by making FOOD unaffordable for the working class folks that remain? How nice for you. I can see why you hide behind an anonymous logon.

Mary, you (like many others) act as if this change in population happened thru some inexplicable-nebulus means. Who sold their homes to the newcomers when the value of these salt-n-pappa-wreckers rose in the late 70's, Townies, that's who? This change in population was inevitable. You are in the minority, Mary, lembrace it, accept it and believe it...you'll sleep better. Viva Le Whole Foods.

Why not put the whole foods store in the Bunker Hill Industrial Park, plenty of space down there! Then all you WF lovers can drive there.
Leave Johnnies for the elderly that are live close to there like from the Mary Colbert,The General Warren ,Zelma Lacey and St? Mary's to walk to.
And in case some of you out there don't know these places , they are our elderly housing. And most are on a fixed income.

@Lux: Nope. I think we both plainly acknowledge it happened through gentrification. I never implied it happened mysteriously or quickly - just that it happened and I'm pretty appalled that you wear the badge so proudly. But hey, that's the hallmark of the "gentrified," isn't it? How very elitist of you - and expected

This is a ridiculous discussion. Unless you can figure out a way to not die eventually and make a pact that all townies stay in ctown, change will come. And usually it's for the better. But these "yuppie" toonies will have kids who will be the new townies...at least until they hit college and move of their parents house. Because if theyre smart, they will break out and see what else is in the world instead of living their entire life on one small block.

And it's good to be in the majority, isn't it? God forbid you consider the minority here, specifically the elderly Townies, which you find so irrelevant. Socioeconomic distinctions aside, that's a despicable stance to take from any vantage point. And do you always hide behind this "history lesson" when your humanity is questioned? I'm guessing you do.

Personally, I'd love to see a Trader Joes in Charlestown but where the Johnnies space is concerned, it appears to be too big for a Trader Joes, too small for a Market Basket (reference the one in Somerville and how much fun taht shopping experience usually is) but, love it or hate it-just right for a Whole Foods.

PS - I find it difficult (and pretty pointless) to debate with people hiding behind anonymous handles, so I've said all I plan to say on the topic. Probably shouldn't have wasted my time to begin with. Note to self: stop feeding trolls.

LMAO, good for you Mary!
The "TOWNIES" always have the last word...

I'm glad that we can suck the Toonies into buying our houses for outrageous price,
Mmmmmmm let me think who is smarter , Toonie or Townie! :-)

Hi Mary, youre knocking people for commenting anonymously but do u wonder why you're the only one on this site (or most any Internet page) to use their real name? Because its not safe and not a smart thing to do. Not hard for some idiot to find out where u live, your relatives, age, etc. So be careful with antagonistic comments. You too are commenting while hiding behind your device; only everyone knows a lot about you and that is dangerous.

I completely agree with Ms. Long. Why be insensitive? What good can possibly come of being so callous? I actually think that IF Whole Foods comes in, there won't be a negative impact on the elderly or people with lower incomes. But I certainly understand the cause for concern. Also agree that people should use their real names. You're far less likely to be a jerk if you have to stand by what you say.

Im not the only person who uses my name and I understand "online." I seriously doubt someone will want to "find me" for calling a troll a troll - and if they do, they're entirely mental and would've found me anyway! Anyone online in any way can be "found."

Im sorry, but unless you're an activist/hacker/tipster, not using your real name places you solidly in the "troll" category, IMO. And that's certainly a person's right - but I don't respect their posts because they're not based on reality - theyre based on some make believe land where they can be an ass just because and where real world consequences don't apply.

And regardless - "anonymous" isn't entirely anonymous - surely everyone knows that. Folks commenting in such a way are actually the ones putting themselves at risk as they sometimes cross lines that leave them open for sites to be forced to reveal their identities - and face legal consequences.

But, whatever. Speaking of real world, Ive spent too much time here today. Will check back in a few days or so.

Exactly what grounds would constitute "legal consequences" where the content of this thread is concerned, Mary? Would that be the "too close to home" statute, maybe the "sour grapes act of 1997?"

Now, back to the subject at hand:

A. Obviously WF considers the Charlestown area a viable market or they would not express an interest in being here.

B. While most agree that the only saving grace of Johnnies was it's accessibility (certainly not prices), does it not make sense to have a better quality source of foodstuffs in a centrally-located area?

C. Where those on fixed incomes/or without a car are concerned, I hardly think having a Whole Foods in Charlestown will cause any untimely demises or greatly contribute to a decrease in the overall quality of life. It's like others habve mentioned: learn to shop effectively, make an effort to prepare balanced meals and not purchasse ready-made garbage. No, I don't think this philosophy should be legislated (unlike the Democrats) but, it does make sense.

The bottom line is that markets will/should determine the viability of any enterprise. If Whole Foods isn't a good fit for Charlestown, their bottom line will tell the tale and. because both nature and chain malls both abhore a vacume, the site will undoubtedly be filled (and quickly) with another grocer.

Good God.. Thx for intentionally misunderstanding what I wrote, Lux. I said anonymous posters "sometimes cross lines" and that would include threatening a person (as you seem to need an example), most often. Did anyone do that here? No. Did I say that anyone did? Nope.

And A,B and C sound perfectly lovely. Too bad you weren't able to communicate them before now - or now, sans venom (my point EXACTLY about anonymous commenters).

And I'm turning off notifications to this site now so I can enjoy my day. I suggest you do too

Mary, I respectfully suggest that YOU adopt a screen name..."mo mea copa" comes to mind.

@ Sean: Only time will tell re. the succes of Whole Foods Sean and just think of the marvelous meals you and your Mom can make with the superior ingredients.

Sorry we are on a budget, won't be doing any shopping at Wholefoods. Like I said before, we'll be forced to take the bus to Chelsea along with all the elderly.

If you want "fresh" and "local" produce, there is a Farmers Market on Main Street every Wednesday. There is also good ol' Haymarket every Saturday - can't beat their prices!

Anybody else noticing the weeds on Bunker Hill, Main & Medford Street? How do we get the city to adress? Noreen can you assist?

Aww, IMA is now posting under "sick of stupid." How .... wonderfully, hilariously transparent!. Thank you "Ima sick of stupid" for your insight (into how a paranoid mind works) =P

You're right, I'm sorry. Saying "the government is watching via its scope on a rifle" isn't paranoid - its completely effin delusional.
And my frustration with anonymous folks extends only to those who abuse it (like you). Others, like ctownBOS said above are just being cautious.
I don't know the other folks you mention and I've lived all over the US.
And finally - ill post when I feel like it and I didn't ask anyone to "moderate" anything. Unlike you, I don't fear "the thought police." Nor do I work for them (as I'm guessing you'll accuse next! Lol

Hey Larry fine:
Why not start a "friends of Bunker Hill St/Medford Sts. and get some volunteers!
that seems to work.

I'm for whatever keeps us with a job actually. I also like knowing what I'm buying and some generic brand of products that are forsfed to us I'm all about me and my friends having a job. None of us know whats going on. We know about as much as an outside consumer. What if they have thier own people already? Do I have to interview for my job I've had for 8 years?

Ima, mouthy, sick of stupid - and now you're my nemesis too? Goodness -you win! You obviously need this MUCH more than I do. I guess I can see the point of a screen name now as this is creepy.
Signed,
Masochist Mary

Mary C. Long, what are you getting so pissed about? I did'nt even mention you. I'm a bad person cause I'm worried about job security and I know what I like to eat? Damn, I was gonna give you a chance and not rip you apart like everyone else has. Can you be right and everyone else is wrong? Happy to be your nemesis. Love John Stella.

I apolgize Mary. I thought it could have been a synanom like lol or lmao. I messed up by calling you out...but I have been spot on with everything I wrote about Supermarkets and job security.

I believe a solution that could work for Charlestown is Wegmans. I have made the trip out to Northborough several times and it is beyond worth it. Wegmans is a chain that provides phenominal customer service and products at an affordable price. Even better is that they offer a range in products, so if you want a $20 steak you can get it, or you can get a large packge of quality ground beef for $3.99. This would allow more residents to have their needs met. They are trying to grow their presence in the Boston area and I think Charlestown could be a great fit for them. It's Whole Foods quality at Market Basket prices.

Just like to make a comment,as we all would like to see our favorite supermarket there, WF unfortunately is the one that is buying, I believe it is like six locations that are johnnies food master. Please correct me if I am wrong.That WF is buying!
So with that said, can we stop all this name calling and arguing,it is really getting bad out here.
It isn't that all these food chains are bidding on the spot in the mall!
Thank you.

Despite what Townies, Toonies, transplants, life-longers, short-term renters, elite Navy yard residents, and dilapadated public housing dwellers want, Whole Foods will get what it wants. WF is a large corporation, it is bedfellows with your local government. There was overwhelming opposition to WF in Jamaica Plain. They have a very fine local organic grocer there already--City Feed and Supply (run by two long term residents and their local staff, and buying local grown in operation for more than 10 years), yet all local council and City Hall approvals were granted despite public sentiment against, protest and objection. All for One, One for All and One Grocer MegaCorporation for you. Their is no choice, You have no voice.

Have any of you ever thought beyond the silly Townie/Toonie class war you are waging? Do you look around you to see change that is other than who was there first!? Do you see all the growth around C.Town. For example; maybe Whole Foods is banking on the future, because you are stuck in the past. Do you see the demolition and soon to be new construction of housing right behind the mall? Do you realize that the college, just over the bridge, enrolls 13,000 students and its associated staff of nearly 1000 employees. So you realize MGH is expanding and Spaulding will take occupancy of its Navy Yard facility with it's clients, patients and staff. Sooner or later the lamentable public housing projects will be raised and re-build accommodating even more residents, similar to the Mission Hill projects. With the Sullivan Sq. and New Rutherford Ave. improvements, large scale development will follow. Yet most of you want to complain about Townies -vs- Toonies! If you want rampant change to slow down, if you want a role in the process, if you want a voice in progress--then vote in the appropriate public servants and legislate term limits to curb long-term pols from making nice bedfellows with big business and corpoarate AmeriKa who are selling you out!

I have no dog in this fight. I shop at Johnnies, WF, Market Basket, Trader Joe's and Stop and Shop. The reality is that one store isn't going to make everyone happy; the crazy part is that people can't seem to acknowledge that people with a different points of view have valid points. Grab a beer and relax.

I've been thinking about this for a few days, since the news broke. I don't really know how I feel, but here's what I'm thinking:

1. Demoulas / Market Basket aren't going to open a store in a space that small; they rely on high volume to price as low as they do. Look at Somerville and Chelsea; those stores are huge.
2. There are a lot of elderly people who rely on Johnnies - not just for convenience, but for the pick up / drop off service. Johnnies is important to them; don't just brush off their needs. If some new store comes in, it would be cool if they'd continue the pick up / drop off service.
3. Johnnies isn't cheap, especially for produce/meat/seafood. I almost never buy this stuff here because it goes bad in a day or two, and it isn't cheap. The sales can be good if there's stuff on there that you buy.
4. Whole Foods has good stuff, but you have to pay attention to prices so you don't end up with a 90 dollar bottle of olive oil. Whole Foods also doesn't have the standard brands/products, so it could be difficult for the elderly to shop there.
5. Grocery stores don't change neighborhoods; the gentrification has already happened when they move in.

Also, another grocery store, maybe a S&S is opening across from the Garden in the new construction, by the back side of the Grand Canal. I think it's supposed to be a Stop and Shop. They're a rip off too, but it's another option.

I just don't live well enough for Whole Foods to make sense. I like my Diet Coke, my Lays chips, my Edy's ice cream. To say nothing of my Glad, Bounty, Cottonelle, Fantastik and Tide. Can't get any of that at Whole Foods, can I?

Yes, you cant get certain brands but WF has so much more to offer. I was skeptical at first because they didnt have all the brands i was accustomed to. But then I asked myself (not really but you get it) why should I be a slave to crappy corp brands...especially as their only real goal is to make food taste as good as possible for as cheap as possible which means chemicals, artificial this and that, fillers, cancer causing crap, etc. The thing I like about WF or Trader Joes, is you dont have to worry about checking the label on everything you purchase. THis is not to say all is healthy at these stores. Many foods are full of natural fat and sugar and calories, but its easy to tell which they are by what type of food it is and dont have to examine the label to see if your killing yourself. Seriously, you will like WF once you try it. And they will cater to the type of neighborhood they are in. They want to succeed. Their store will be different in many respects as far as offering from a store in Newton or Wellsley. This is (hope and) change that will actually be delivered and welcome. Keep and open mind!

If I remember correctly, the Whole Foods at MGH also offers delivery for orders of orders of $50 and up. Maybe they will have this available at the Charlestown location Also, 10% off if you buy things buy the case like waters, etc. Just another little perk. I don't know their delivery rates, but for those who shop Peapod it may be comparable.

I am not surprised, but I can not believe what a mess this is becoming. I do not make a ton of money, but I don't care if WF comes or not. Johnnie's is not the most reasonable market out there, but it is convenient. I am just happy to have a grocery store in town. WF does have a lot of organic items which do cost a bit more, but so does Johnnie's! They definitely have cheaper alternatives. Their meats and bakes goods are of a quality that highly surpasses those at Johnnie's. Humans are resistant to change, but we just need to deal with it. Although we live and shop
here , it is not up to us! Progression is a good thing people!

A co-op is what all the residents could benefit from moving in - too bad they only operate up north.

http://www.coopfoodstore.coop/about

Here is the co-op vision - can't the CNC and influential neighborhood members think about forming our own market to serve the whole community instead of focusing efforts on WF opposition?

1. The Upper Valley will have a retail source of food that is affordable, healthy, grown and/or processed locally to the fullest extent possible.

2. There will be economic value returned to the community via charitable contributions, outreach projects, patronage refunds to member and other avenues.

3. Customers and staff will be better educated about food issues and, as a result, make healthier choices.

4. There will be a vibrant cooperative sector in the economy, both nationally and regionally, and a local community educated in the value of cooperative principles and enterprises.

5. The cooperative’s bioregion will have a vibrant local agricultural community and that community will, in turn, have a reliable retail market for its products.

6. There will be a major source of employment in the community that provides personal satisfaction to employees, livable wages and financial security for employees and
their families.

7. There will be a thriving business organization that protects and restores the environment.

There is only one shopping mall in Charlestown and only enough space for one large market store. That single store must serve the needs of the entire community. There may be a lot of yuppies in Charlestown but there are many ederly and poor folks who will not be able to afford Whole Foods. Also, may of the workers in Johnnie's have been there for years and they are sure to lose their jobs if Whole Foods comes in. I shop at Johnnies and also at Whole Foods near the MGH. Most of the more affluent Charlestown residents drive and can easily get to a nearby Whole Foods location but the less fortunate and older residents will not have this access. Really, when did people become so indifferent to the situations of their fellow neighbors!

Give it a rest. Honestly. The fact is that Johnnies is expensive as well. If you can afford to shop at Johnnies, you can afford to shop at Whole Foods and maybe even become more healthy for it. If you disagree, then you're simply whining for the sake of hearing yourself whine.

As for the workers...if they're good employees they should keep their jobs. I hope they all do. But you know what, companies buy each other out every day. It's part of living in the USofA. Life goes on.

I agree. If the employees are competent / solid workers, they will get a new job with better pay and benefits at WF. If they are immature, lazy and incompetent, they dont. I know this mindset goes against the new American way of giving handouts to those that can help themselves but choose not to. The elderly will do just fine (actually much better) at WF. This "yuppie" crap is such BS. Things constantly evolve. Its not like Charlestown was some poor blue collar town for the last 500 years and then WF comes to town and changes everything. Fact is that the largest chunk of residents in Charlestown—according to the 2010 census—are between the ages of 20 and 34. I hate this "poor me" attitude. Newsflash - you are NOT entitled to ANYTHING no matter what you hear in the mainstream news. The market dictates how things need to work not some government or local city group. No one owes you anything. Go out and get it for yourself whether that is a job, food, cellphone, cable, house, sneakers, anything. If you want it, work for it. Those who truly cant help themselves due to health or disability are a different story and they will be taken care of around here. If you are lazy and want things to just stay how they were over the last 20 years, TOO BAD. Accept the change and stop being a grumpy old man. And if you dont like it, move. Life has no promises and neither does Charlestown.