I gather the Johnnies on Beacon St. next to Thompson Square is the Charlestown Johnnies which is actually on Allston St?

Such a shame :/

Who can afford to shop there? Where is Beacon St in Charlestown??

I'm glad to hear they've guaranteed interviews to all Johnnie's employees and intend to hire as many as possible. I'm concerned for them in the meantime though. What are you guys going to do until the new store opens? The Patch should do a story on this.

Market Basket here I keep going! Need a Bif shuttle bus for people to do this I will not ever go there

Charlestown being without a supermarket for almost a year will be a big hardship for alot of locals! Hopefully, there are plans in the works to help shuttle folks around who don't happen to have cars to shop elsewhere while the renovations take place! And I truly hope that Whole Foods will be as good a neighbor as Johnnie's has been, to many of the local neighborhood organizations!

http://www.change.org/petitions/new-england-development-whole-foods-market-inc-to-provide-shuttles-to-other-grocerery-stores-and-temporary-job-placements

please sign the petition for shuttle services for Charlestown residents during construction and opening of Whole Foods Market

I will now go to the Shaw's across from the Meadow Glen Mall. My wife always went to Shaws and I always went to Johnnies. While I am in that area I might as well stop at the CVS and Dunkin Donuts in Wellington Circle too. So now the entire mall loses. While the makeover is going on I'm sure that people will find places that they like and stick with them. I'll give Whole Foods 2 years and then they are gone. Where are the older people and those that don't have a car going to go.
I also heard today from reputable sources that Citizens Bank is going to be bought out by TD Bank. Another nail in the mall's coffin.

Thanks Jay

First Whole Foods, now TD Bank is coming in? Come on, I cant afford to bank with TD Bank. This is getting rediculous.

This is the best news I have heard in a while. Whether folks think so or not, it's a good change. Healthier food and a sign that Charlestown is headed in the right direction. I do agree that transportation should be provided during the 1 year hiatus. It is also great to hear that they will be interviewing all of the Johnnies employees.

I think the transportation should be permanent for those folks that can't afford Whole Foods. And I highly recommend Market Basket in Chelsea. The prices, in some cases, are 30 to 50% cheaper than Johnnies.

Permanent is over the top. Whole Foods is going to be the grocery store in Charlestown. Period. They shouldn't have to provide transportation to their competitors...that's ridiculous. During that 1 year absence, though? Sure..that seems somewhat fair/reasonable...but even that is pushing it.

I think it's great whole foods is coming,then I won't have to go to medford to find a whole foods.those who don't agree can carpool to market basket

Maybe grief counselors should also be on hand

I am glad to hear it will take a year to remodel, sorry to hear that for the employees, but the best part is tha t, if it takes a year to do people will find another place to shop, and find out that there is cheaper and more affordable places to go to, and maybe just maybe whole foods will be the losers.
Power to the people!

Time to move to Chelsea! Good riddance to Foodmiester. Used to be good but went downhill a long long time ago. Only was good when I didn't want to ride to Slop and Shop. Get a grip townies.

Theres one good thing in the short term, Johnnies will have a lot of food discounted as they try to clear the racks before the doors shut.

Bette Task - perhaps you didn't. My apologies. However, if they aren't paying for it, then who does? Not me...I can tell you that!!

@Just a person...dream on, buddy. Whole Foods is going to thrive.

So can we replace Dunkins with Starbucks and Papa Ginos with Panera? Thanks

Hey Toonie
I hope that you'll be the one supporting Whole Foods, because it certantainly won't be me!
I also do not shop at Foodmaster either!
I would rather see a vacant lot there like it was years ago., but you probaly wouldnt know what was ther before there was a Mall there!
After all your name explains it all!
Every store in there is worthless,

Those complaining that there is no way to get groceries for the next year (if it even takes that long to remodel Johnniesl) seem to forget efficient online delivery services line Peapod. I use it on a pretty regular basis and they are always there when they say they will be. Adapt and overcome, people.

@Just a Person. Yep...I'm the only person that will be supporting it. The well educated executives at Whole Foods decided to open a store in Charlestown because I really wanted one. They didn't see any potential for growth or an improving and thriving neighborhood. You're a sharp one! (In case you're also challenged in identifying sarcasm...that was a good example).

@buddy...there are plenty of options to get food without having the ability to walk next door. In fact, the vast majority of elderly people in the US do not have the option of walking to a grocery store. I do feel badly that this option, that many have grown accustomed to, will not be available for a period of time. However, I think the sense of entitlement lies with those that feel that it is an absolute must to be provided with transportation to/from a grocery store because of the effects of a business transaction between two grocery stores. And it's even more ridiculous to think that taxpayers should foot the bill. All this said, I am not an evil person. I do hope that the elderly find a way to bridge this gap between the closing of Johnnies and the opening if WFM.

Yes Owen C you are right!
Rather see a vacant lot.
I remember when Main st in Charlestown was a thriving St ,plenty of stores and a "neighbor" friendly place.
So we have people like you come in and choose to supposedly make better changes to our neighborhood (ex.convert store fronts to Condo's, ideas, like close the tunnels on Rutherford ave, to make more green space,but really, fact is you are taking more green space away..building multiple condo buildings.
Did you ever hear the old expression, "you cannot fit 5lbs of s--- in a 2lb bag"
And , I do know that the non-native have a lot to say, but the question really is, do the make sense!

I believe it would make good business sense for WF to arrange a shuttle for people without transportation, like the elderly, to and from the Johnnies parking lot:
- they keep customers in the habit of going there for groceries
- excellent PR
- possibility to employ old Johnnies people during the construction.
- WF could write it off as charity OR look for some assistance from the state (mumbles visits again)

In the end, the shopping mall stays alive, customers and employees are happy, and it would cost them nothing.

I just stopped at Johnnies on the way home, there was a discussion in the back of the store with the Manager, townies and "toonies". Everyone is concerned with a high end supermarket coming to the neighborhood. One of my concerns is that johnnies has been a long time supporter of hiring persons of disability. I hope the entire town will ban together and hold the Whole Foods corporations feet to the fire to see that they continue that practice. Johnnies has sold their stores, like anyone they want to enjoy some retirement years. They have always supported the community with donations in many areas we as a community should send them off with a touch of class and wish them well in retirement. Change is not easy for anyone finding the answers to help support our community is what we have always pride ourselves on. Let us show our strength, pride and resourcefulness in finding those answers to assist the elderly and working class in our community.

Gonna bite driving to Chelsea and Medford for essentials. At least we can still get beer in this town.

BTW please watch out for flying objects, gonna be a great wind blowing.

Be safe out there.

According to the conversation this afternoon with the Manager they have sold all of them. I did see comments on the Somerville patch about WF coming to their neighborhood. I'm going to approach BHCC about the mini van they have perhaps they would consider at least while the store is under construction. Donating maybe once a week to taking elderly Charlestown residents to Market Basket since they go back and forth that way anyhow. I think any idea is a good idea and worth investigating, kudos to you Bette for suggesting one. Now lets keep them coming:)

Whole foods is not *always* more expensive. Their 365 line is cheaper than almost anything, and is nutritious. The foodmaster in Charlestown was/is way too expensive for the quality of food they offered. I welcome a Whole foods! The neighborhood will benefit ten fold from it!

Also... Regarding price, the "Bar" of fried, processed food filled with chemicals is 6.99 per pound at Foodmaster, vs. 7.99 for fresh, healthy, nutritious more filling prepared food at whole foods. This is a no brainer. If you compare costs alone, Whole Foods wins. Factor in taste, quality and nutrition, then Whole Foods is a total win for the neighborhood.

Part of Charlestown's charm is the walkability and that it has everything you need - post office, drug stores, doctors, hw store, library, groceries all right here. I have 2 little ones and the library being shut for 4 months has been a pain. No local groceries just a few blocks away? Yes. We'll live through it. But for so many people its going to be a hassle. Doesn't matter whether its Johnnies, Stop-n-Shop, WH or Trader Joe's, its got more than the local convenience stores. Any chance of a short-term corner grocery store to fill the gap?

This is such crap! In need of things and don't have the time to TROOP it to stop and shop, and the little local convenience stores don't carry meats or potatoes SMH... This was such a bad call! If they we're so interested in johnnies FINE buy it out but damn be smart and don't leave us w/o a grocery store for a year... This is so unfair and I'm so annoyed.. looks like it's cereal for my family tonight cause I don't have the luxary of a car and I'm in school all day until I pick up my daughter so no time for the bus either.. but yet again whole foods doesn't care about their new neighbors so.. guess that's my problem huh?

Even though it was on the "pricier" side, Johnnies was convenient. Now, here we have Whole Foods...I think a survey should have been conducted prior to them selling it off. Granted, that may not be logical in regards to the business aspect, but how many Townies shop at Whole Foods? I know the closest I have ever got to one is driving by on Rte 1 or something. Problem is...money. Not convenience, or what are the elderly, those without vehicles, etc. going to do. Not only is it a problem for Charlestown, but the North End also. Years ago when I worked there, I remember how many out-of-towners would go to Johnnies because it was closer. Sad part, no matter how many complaints, Whole Foods is still going "up."

@AnnJ why on God's green earth would a business owner conduct a survey to see if he or she should sell his or her holdings? That is the most preposterous and possibly most idiotic suggestion I have ever read.

Next thing you know you'll want the Sox to survey what weekends work best with locals for homestands.

C'mon.