Whole Foods Opens in Foggy Bottom

Whole Foods opened another store today in Foggy Bottom. Officials, including Ward 2's own Jack Evans, broke a giant loaf of Challah bread to commemorate the opening of the organic grocer just steps from the metro at the edge of the George Washington University and Hospital campuses.

Ken Meyer, the president for the mid-Atlantic region for Whole Foods, said the journey to come to the Foggy Bottom/GWU community took four years, but that the company is excited to be part of the neighborhood.

"It was very clear that the community wanted us to be here and we know that we love to be close to a university" said Meyer.

George Washington University President Steven Knapp said he plans to do a lot of shopping at the store since his office is just a block away. He joked that neighbors used to tell him "well we dont care what grocery store goes in here, so long as it's Whole Foods."

Even though the store was four years in the planning, the actual construction and opening of the store took just one year, which Meyer said was the fastest of any Whole Foods store to date.

Evans had his own reasons to be excited.

"We look forward to great shopping here in the District, because what happens when you shop? You spend money and we get tax dollars..." said Evans to a crowd at the opening.

"As the head of the Finance Committee I always have an angle here."

The new store also brought 120 new jobs to the area.

In lieu of a ribbon cutting, Whole Foods had a bread breaking ceremony.

"We're about food about sharing the experience of food," said Meyer over a giant loaf of Challah.

All in attendance were welcomed to enjoy a piece of bread and, of course, to shop.