Wild Oats Update

For those of you concerned about the future of the beloved Wild Oats Natural Marketplace on South Lake (first opened in 1993), store employees have confirmed that the store is indeed closing its doors. With the opening of Pasadena's new "flagship" Whole Foods Market (WFMI:NASDAQ) on November 7, it does seem overkill to have both stores open in Pasadena within one mile of each other (Wild Oats was bought out by Whole Foods Market, for those of you not in the loop). This new 76,700 square-foot Whole Foods Market, opening at 465 S. Arroyo Parkway, will be the "largest Whole Foods Market in the Western United States." After November 7, Pasadena will boast two Whole Foods Markets, flanking the eastern and western parts of the City of Roses.

I have no information when the Wild Oats on South Lake will officially close, but the employees are under the assumption that "won't happen until after the holidays." Personally, I'll miss Wild Oats, because of the convenience and proximity to Noah's Bagels and Peet's Coffee & Tea. (Yes, I do believe there are two Noah's and Peet's in Pasadena as well.) The little vineyard and herb "park" is an oasis at the foot of busy South Lake for the weekday worker who prefers to lunch in peace. If the new commercial tenants take the Wild Oats location, I hope they preserve the little park-outdoor eating area. Otherwise, the upscale weekend family breakfast crowds may have to find a new hang out.

I wonder what the employees at the "far Whole Foods" (on E. Foothill and N. Rosemead Blvds.) think of this new flagship opening.