Business Spotlight
A Unique Neighborhood with Thriving Businesses
October 2019 Business Spotlight
Whole Foods
The Background
Whole Foods was founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, by a group working in other grocery stores who wanted to create a different kind of grocery store. Since then, they've grown enormously as a national chain. In September 2017, they were purchased by Amazon. This came with price drops and an expanded delivery system through Amazon Prime. The Euclid South location opened in May 2016. Shawn started working for the company in January 2003, beginning at the Brentwood, Missouri, location.
The company's mission statement is "Whole Foods. Whole People. Whole Planet." Shawn noted, "This encompasses everything they do: working with all kinds of people around food, as well as green missions and fundraising - it's groceries with a higher purpose." In the next five years, he sees Whole Foods expanding its locations and services, significantly improving its delivery services to increase convenience and accessibility.
The Business
When the Euclid South location opened, the company thought it would function as more of a lunchtime spot and corner store for people in the area. However, in the first year, they quickly realized that people who lived close by were doing all of their grocery shopping there. In January 2017, many people walked to the location when other stores were closed during an ice storm which helped to raise awareness of the store's convenient location for Central West End residents. This Whole Foods offers groceries, a cafe, a bar with grocery store prices, Amazon lockers, and parking garage access for customers. The Euclid South location was chosen for its proximity to two universities, hospitals, and the tech corridor. This brings a constant traffic flow to the area, which is excellent for business. Many neighborhoods come together in the Central West End, bringing diversity to the Whole Foods team members and customer base.
To Shawn, what sets Whole Foods apart are its team members. The team members at his store are of a caliber that he is very proud of. Whole Foods employs 130 people at its Euclid South location. The company pays all of its employees at least $15 an hour, making employment there more attractive for both part-time and full-time job seekers.
Community Impact
Three big foundations run yearly throughout the company: Whole Cities, Whole Planets, and Whole Kids. Whole Cities focuses on food deserts and community initiatives across the country. While every Whole Foods store participates in fundraising for the Whole Kids Foundation, the money raised at the Euclid South location goes specifically to schools in the area. Funding provides things like salad bars and gardens for those schools. The company has a "Whole Trade Guarantee" on many items that require sellers to meet working conditions, living conditions, and environmental standards. The location proudly carries local products from businesses like 4 Hands Brewery and Baetje Farms.
Shawn's favorite thing about the neighborhood is its proximity to Forest Park. He sees many customers stopping by after a run or walk in the park. Whole Foods serves as a kind-of community hub for many visitors to the park and Central West End residents and workers at various times of the day. He loves the events and opportunities for involvement with nearby organizations that come with that, including Whole Foods' strong partnership with Forest Park Forever.
If he could tell the community one thing, Shawn would like people to come in and see the products and prices for themselves. There are lingering misconceptions about Whole Foods prices, and many people are surprised when they come in and make price comparisons. Now, with Amazon Prime Deals, customers with Amazon Prime have access to a variety of weekly sale items and an additional percentage off store-wide sale items.
Upcoming Events
Beginning in early November, customers can place Whole Foods Holiday Table orders. This is a convenient way to order delicious food for your holiday season! Orders can be made online or in-store and can be full-course meals or just a few items. The store is open on Thanksgiving for order pick-ups and last-minute items.
For more information on Whole Foods, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or visit their website.
Businesses
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Applebees
4550 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Full-service bar & grill chain providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.
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The BBQ Saloon
4900 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
BBQ cuisine and specialty whiskeys.
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Brasserie by niche
4580 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 454-0600
French brasserie fare at dinner/weekend brunch in classic digs with a wall of windows to the street.
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CBD Kratom
115 N Euclid Ave Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63108
Vitamins and supplements
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Central West End Cleaners
4585 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-1862
Dry cleaners
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Central West End Nails & Spa
4904 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 776-9090
Nail and spa service salon
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Chick'n Cone
15 N Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108
(314) 449-1017
Handheld chicken & waffles
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Clarkson Eye Care
7 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 884-2382
Optometrist
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Community Pharmacy
115 N Euclid Ave Ste A, St. Louis, MO 63108
Drugstore chain with health & beauty items, plus first-aid supplies & household products
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Creative Entourage
4625 Lindell Blvd Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 472-3391
A woman-owned, St. Louis based, boutique creative agency specializing in branding, marketing, public relations, graphic design digital marketing, social media management and reputation management
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First Watch
39 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 582-4445
Daytime Cafe Serving Breakfast & Brunch Near You
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Great Southern Bank
1 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 454-0617
Neighborhood Bank
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Hair Suite Too
22 N Euclid Ave Ste 102, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-3131
Hair salon
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Holiday Inn Express
4630 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-4900
This modern hotel is 2.5 miles from Missouri Botanical Gardens and 2.6 miles from the Saint Louis Zoo
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HotBox Cookies
54 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 899-0909
Fresh-out-the-oven, melt-in-your-mouth cookies all day long, through the evening, and even for you midnight maniacs out there
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Jimmy Johns
13 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-1155
Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, ply signature potato chips
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Kaldi's Coffee
52 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 312-2060
Specialty coffee roaster based in St. Louis, dedicated to creating a memorable coffee experience for guests
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Kampai Sushi Bar
4949 W Pine Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-2020
Cheery venue with floor table options, offering creative rolls, nigiri, and other Japanese standards
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Kindred Hospital
4930 Lindell Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Specialty hospital providing long-term acute care to medically complex patients who require continued care and extended recovery time
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Liberty Cannabis
20 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(816) 313-5505
Dispensary that offers specialty CBD and cannabis products for medical use.
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MetroLofts
4535 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-2400
Metrolofts is a St. Louis apartment complex featuring 1-2 BR rental units
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Parkway Hotel - DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park
4550 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 256-7777
The DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park is nestled in the eclectic and historic Central West End
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Patrik Travel
1407 22 N Euclid Ave, #101 St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-1468
Travel Agency
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Philip/Johnson Salon
4581 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-8003
Top rated, full service salon
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Pickles Deli
22 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-3354
St. Louis Delicatessen in the Central West End serving soup, sandwiches, and beverages
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Pilates Lab
4981 W Pine, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314)-527-0685
Classical Pilates studio located in the luxurious 100 Above the Park Building
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Plaza Dental Center
4646 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Dentist office
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PokeDoke
8 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 833-5900
Hawaiian restaurant good for a quick bite, enjoy their outdoor patio
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Premier Dental
22 N Euclid Ave #104, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-7702
Dentist office
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Racanelli's Pizza
12 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-7866
New York style pizzeria
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Rasoi
25 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-6911
North & South Indian cuisine and a lunch buffet delivered in a polished, jewel-toned space
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Rosie's Place
4573 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-6423
Neighborhood bar serving food
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Saigon Cafe
10 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-8881
Stylish Vietnamese eatery, serving noodle soups, stir-fries & stew, as well as wine & beer
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Shake Shack
60 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 327-5518
Modern day version of a roadside burger stand serving delicious burgers, chicken, hot dogs, shakes, frozen custard
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St. Louis Bread Co
23 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 530-6355
A St. Louis classic bakery-cafe style restaurant that offers a wide array of pastries, baked goods, and cafe style food.
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Subway
115 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-9200
An American fast food restaurant chain selling subs and salads
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Sushi Koi
4 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-2209
Stylish, warehouse-like eatery with stations for sushi, deli fare, entrees, and more
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The Euclid
40 N Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 787-1973
Boutique apartments with studio and 1-2 BR floor plans, perfectly centered in Central West End
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Treats Unleased
22 N Euclid Ave , Suite #103, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 899-0966
Pet store featuring all natural alternatives treats and food as well as collars, toys, beds, and more
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UPS Store
4579 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-5505
Visit UPS in the Central West End for all your shipping, packaging, and business needs
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West End Wok
4577 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361 2233
Contemporary Chinese restaurant with. a selection of familiar dishes, including vegetarian options
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Whole Foods
4577 West Pine Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 474-7300
Eco-minded food store chain with natural & organic items, housewares, and alcohol
