With over 340 stores (and counting!), we’ve got a lot of hidden gems out there. Get the story behind the store in this eight-store series opens in a new tab. Maybe your store will be featured next!
Read on to find out how you could win a $50 gift card to Whole Foods Market®. UPDATE: Thanks to everyone that entered. Congrats to our randomly chosen winner, Ken!
Today we’re talking with Christina Dallimore the Marketing and Community Relations Team Leader at the Unionville store in Markham, Ontario, Canada opens in a new tab.
What’s the best kept secret at your store?
We just opened HWY, our licensed bar, and the bar menu features a fantastic pulled pork sandwich and has a great selection of local beers and wines. We also have a green roof made of sedum that helps regulate our building temperature and reclaimed wood paneling that covers the front walls of the store.
Got any community donation stories you can share?
We’re passionate about our community and currently donate food weekly to a local not-for- profit organization called Pathways for York Region and to The Varley Art Gallery’s weekly yoga classes.
Tell us about one rock star team member?
It’s hard to pick one, so we picked two! Siobhan Banon, our energetic and spirited Customer Service Supervisor, goes above and beyond every day to serve our customers.
Stop by our coffee bar and meet team leader, Julio, he serves the best lattes in town!
What’s the most crav-able thing in your bakery case?Definitely our Black Tie cake! It’s filled with raspberry jam and ganache goodness. A must try recommendation from our Bakery team members.
What’s the popular local product your store carries?
Belly Ice Cream is a Team Member favorite! It’s all natural with no funky artifical preservatives – just fresh and foraged flavours like black locust flower and Saskatoon berry that change with the seasons and right in time for the warm weather around the corner.
Whatcha got going on with local schools or non-profits?
We are currently providing weekly fruit donations to Ressor Park Public School in Markham for their Fruity Fridays.
Mark your calendars because our next 5% Day is on March 27th, and 5% of the days sales will go to a not-for-profit organization called B-Strong. We’re also a proud sponsor for their 2nd Annual B-Strong Walk on April 21.
B-Strong was founded by Lindsay Bolger and her family, shortly after Lindsay was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour in April 2005. Lindsay remained positive and determined despite her many challenges during her illness. She was always thinking of creative ways in which to support research and also help others who were facing similar challenges.
Got any long-timers? What’s their story?
Melissa, our Prepared Foods Team Leader started at Whole Foods Market back in 2004 at the Yorkville location as the hot bar cook, she was then promoted to Sous Chef and 5 years later she was promoted to Associate Team Leader. When the opportunity came up to be Team Leader for the new Unionville location opening October 2012, Melissa couldn’t miss out on the opportunity. She is always thinking outside the box and creating delicious meals for you to enjoy! Be sure to check out her favourite item, cheese garlic bread, on the HWY bar menu in our café.
What’s your monthly don’t miss event at your store?
Every month our Whole Body department features two events as part of The Whole Body Health Expert Series. The series focuses on answering your health and nutrition questions. Last month Joy McCarthy nutrition expert from Global TV’s Morning Show was featured and provided healthy heart tips. Stay informed on upcoming events by visiting our website opens in a new tab or grabbing an in-store calendar.
Now that you know what makes our Unionville store shine in Markham, Ontario – tell us: what makes your local store a hidden gem?
Share your comment below by Sunday, March 31 and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Whole Foods Market gift card. Enter once on each “hidden gems” blog post opens in a new tab, running from March 20 – March 29, for more chances to win.
The fine print: No purchase necessary. Promotion ends 3/31/13, 11:59 PM CDT. Must be a legal resident of the US or Canada (except in Quebec, where it is void) age 18 or older to participate. Taxes on prize, if applicable, are the responsibility of the winner. Employees of Whole Foods Market, Inc., are not eligible. Void where prohibited.
