Whole Foods Headed to Hendersonville

Hendersonville residents lamenting the loss of high-end grocer Fresh Market won't have to wait long to see the empty space filled. Even higher end grocery retailer Whole Foods has announced plans to assume the space following a renovation and upgrade of the old, tired facility.

"We know Hendersonville is ready for the whole Whole Foods experience," Whole Foods spokesperson Johnny Apple said. "Residents here aren't afraid to pay high prices for our quality offerings. We're creating a whole experience around food that is delightful for the entire family."

Apple insisted Fresh Market's challenges in Hendersonville would be no problem for Whole Foods.

"Sure, the Hendersonville Fresh Market was among the 15 lowest-performing stores in the country," Apple said. "Still, we know we offer wholer foods at higher prices, and that's what Hendersonville wants. It's all about the illusion of money and Fresh Market just wasn't offering the cache people here want in their whole grocery experience."

Apple acknowledged that Hendersonville was significantly different than Green Hills and Franklin, the locations of the chain's other middle Tennessee stores.

"We know Hendersonville aspires higher," Apple said. "Our market analysis shows that credit limits in Hendersonville will allow shoppers to spend just as much at our stores as if they made the incomes of folks in Green Hills or Franklin."

Mayor Jamie Clary said of the move,"I'm totally surprised by this effort and had no idea a store the caliber of Whole Foods was considering locating here. Still, I'm thrilled. This is definitely a credit to the 'Clary Clarity' I've brought to city leadership."

Clary said more such surprise announcements may (or may not) be on the horizon.

The Whole Foods location in Hendersonville is slated to open sometime in 2019.